A Conversation with Skilla Baby

modrNation: Being from Detroit, What was life like growing up? Any siblings? 

Skilla Baby: Growing up in Detroit was the same as anywhere else it was fun, I wouldn’t trade my life for nothing. I have 3 sisters and a brother.

modrNation: How serious was basketball for you growing up? 

Skilla Baby: I had dreams of going to the NBA, my family thought I was going to the NBA but I stopped in the 12th grade because I was getting in trouble.

modrNation: You talk about not having any opps growing up, how did you manage to move around without making any enemies? 

Skilla Baby: Just being cool with everyone, putting out positive energy in the world.

modrNation: What is your relationship like with other Detroit artists? (Sada Baby, Baby Money). What is your relationship like with artists from other cities in Michigan like Flint?

Skilla Baby: I grew up with Baby Money, I met Sada when I was 19, I don’t hang with too many other people. With the guys from Flint, YN Jay and I are really cool. We got a song coming out.

modrNation: In your Saycheese interview you spoke on being sober, How do you feel that has affected you and your music in a positive way? 

Skilla Baby: Sobriety made me a better businessman. It rubs off on my music because I’m not lazy, I’m more motivated and enthused, I was getting high and weed was bringing me down. 

modrNation: Who were some of your biggest influences growing up? (Family, Friends) 

Skilla Baby: I didn’t look up to anyone outside of Detroit. My dad was a big influence, I'm motivated by everyone around me, I try to take something positive from everyone.

modrNation: At what point did music come into your life? Who did you listen to growing up? 

Skilla Baby: I always listened to music, but when I was sixteen or seventeen it took over. I didn’t enjoy basketball anymore and began writing more music. I listen to everyone from old school and new school like Michael Jackson, Tupac, Meek Mill, Chaka Khan, my mom put me onto a lot of music, my favorite artist is Anita Baker.

modrNation: Which song was it that you began to gain attention? Why do you feel that one gained so much attention?

Skilla Baby: “Tay B Style”, I have no idea why that one gained so much attention. I could tell you why I make songs but not why it blew up. I create based on my emotions.

modrNation: How did it feel to get your first millions views? 

Skilla Baby: My first thought was “damn I got a million,” I was chasing that for a while. I was getting 600k-700k. It was cool at first but then you keep doing it.

modrNation: You know a lot about your demographic, What is the importance of knowing who your fans are?

Skilla Baby: Knowing your demographic is like knowing what people want from me, to know what you're selling to people. “Tay B Style” was me knowing what they wanted. I’m an analytics guy, I pay attention to numbers.

modrNation: What’s your favorite song you’ve released? 

Skilla Baby: I don’t know, I don’t really listen to my released music, I listen more to my unreleased songs.

modrNation: Have you performed at any festivals yet? What’s the most memorable show you’ve had thus far? 

Skilla Baby: I did Rolling Loud recently, Shordie Shordie brought me out but I’m not satisfied with my performance. I don’t know, I’ve had some crazy shows, in Oakland and Cleveland people were fighting at the show..

modrNation: After watching some of your interviews, you talk a lot about positivity. How important is it to you to put out positivity in the world?  

Skilla Baby: A lot of music is based on hate when it should be love, people should put out more positive energy in the world.

modrNation: You spoke about buying books in your Bootleg Kev interview, How has reading affected who you are and your music? 

Skilla Baby: My favorite rapper is Lil Wayne, his word play and lyrics inspired me to keep building and learning new things, so reading helps improve my bars.

modrNation: You speak a lot about having a strong mentality, where did that come from? 

Skilla Baby: My dad, he was just his own person. 

modrNation: What’s next for Skilla Baby? 

Skilla Baby: I don’t wanna give it away, but expect me to do big things. I’m craving plaques - I got a single called “Ok Bet” out now.

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