February 13th, 2023, marks the fourth year of celebrating Mad Skillz day in the greater city of Richmond, Virginia. Skillz spent the day commemorating by giving back.
Its MAD SKILLZ DAY! RICHMOND, VA! If you see me today AT A BLACK BUSINESS tell me the name of one of my songs and you getting a gift card with $$$ on it! LETS GOOO! #MadSkillzDaypic.twitter.com/YBI7ZYWcpv
In 2019 the Mayor of Richmond, Virginia, named February 13th Mad Skillz Day after the prolific rap artist with larger-than-life talent and an even more significant contribution to the hip-hop industry and the city from whence he hails.
I proclaimed today Mad Skillz Day in honor of one of Richmond’s own! February 13 marks the 23rd anniversary of the release of Mad Skillz’s first album – “From Where???”#RVA #804 #madskillzhttps://t.co/9CeCzD2gyT
1996 signified a breakout year for artist Shaqwan Lewis aka Mad Skillz. His album “From Where?” pushed him center stage in the industry, but it wasn’t unexpected. Hip-hop was an undeniable passion for Lewis. His voracious appetite to consume everything he could hip-hop was a hunger he nurtured throughout high school in Richmond, Virginia. According to Skillz,
“he’d been a hip-hop fan since day one. It always seemed like it was speaking to him directly.”
But Hip-hop was not merely an elusive dream that Lewis couldn’t touch. Lewis had the skills to match his passion; he was madly skilled. Lewis was nice with the verse but even nicer with the pen. And it was through hard work and dedication that he caught his first spotlight.
It was only a short time before Skillz transitioned from performing to scribing lyrics. Skillz eventually hooked up with producer extraordinaire Timbaland through Magoo and signed with Timbaland’s label. While working under Timbaland’s label, he collaborated on several projects and toured with The Missy Misdemeanor Elliot. But Skillz was just getting started.
A Strong Pen Game
Lewis went on to sign with Rawkus records. While with Rawkus, he released what is now known as the hip-hop classic “Ghostwriter.”
Ghostwriter would be a lyrical revelation, a snapshot into Skillz’s super talent and his contributions to the industry that few knew about. According to Got Mad Skillz, his biographical platform, “Eventually, he came to be known as a first-rate lyrical gun-for-hire and went on to write songs for Diddy and Will Smith.
More to Accomplish
But still, Skillz was only scratching the surface. He had so much more to contribute, and he did. Lewis recorded seven albums. He also was the creator of the feature series Hip-Hop Confessions, which hosted some of the biggest names in the industry.
Lewis toured extensively as MC, and of notable mention is his time on stage with DJ Jazzy Jeff.
He became a legend for his iconic yearly wrap-up, where he recounted the most important events of the year through creative lyricism for 17 years.
Skillz Gives Back
Despite all that Skillz has contributed to the industry by demonstrating his prowess and talent, he still wasn’t done. The artist then turned his attention to empowering through education. In 2018 and 2020, Skillz poured more of his abilities and knowledge into the community as an artist-in-residence at the University of Richmond via a course entitled “Hip Hop in America.”
In Conclusion
FM Hip Hop honors those who excel in their craft and use their talents to empower the world. Mad Skillz has done both. This is a salute to, as inscribed in his bio,
“Venerable Richmond, Virginia rapper Skillz, the hip hop head’s hip hop head, the guy who spun on cardboard as a kid, sprayed graffiti, and deejay’d by connecting his mother’s turntables together.”
But most importantly, this is a nod to all he has accomplished and continues to accomplish.
