Mad Skillz opens up about his Grammy nomination for Best Spoken Word Poetry Album, the motivation behind his 2025 Rap Up, and how his approach contrasts with Uncle Murda’s, signaling a resurgence of classic hip-hop.
Mad Skillz, the veteran rapper known for his annual Rap Up series, revealed in a recent interview that he needed extra motivation to record his 2025 Rap Up. The track, a tradition since 2002, chronicles the year’s biggest events in hip-hop and beyond. This year, Skillz credits his wife, Jennifer, and producer Jeymes Samuel for pushing him to complete the project, which features a jazzy instrumental from D’Angelo and Raphael Saadiq.
The rapper’s latest album, “Words For Days Vol. 1”, is nominated for Best Spoken Word Poetry Album at the upcoming Grammy Awards, marking his second consecutive nomination. Skillz shared his excitement about the recognition, noting that it reflects the growing appreciation for lyrical depth in hip-hop.
The Creative Process Behind the 2025 Rap Up
Skillz’s 2025 Rap Up covers a wide range of topics, from political figures like Donald Trump and Charlie Kirk to cultural moments such as Diddy’s trial and Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl performance. The track is set to the smooth instrumental of D’Angelo’s “Lady”, blending Skillz’s sharp lyricism with a soulful backdrop.
Despite the challenges of staying motivated, Skillz emphasized the importance of documenting the year’s events through his unique lens. “It’s about capturing the essence of what happened and making it relatable,” he said, highlighting the role of his wife and producer in keeping the project on track.
Skillz vs. Uncle Murda: A Tale of Two Rap-Ups
Since 2014, Skillz has shared the year-end Rap Up spotlight with Uncle Murda. While both artists recap the year’s events, Skillz maintains that their styles and directions differ significantly. “We have our own lanes,” he explained, noting that their approaches cater to different audiences within the hip-hop community.
The rivalry between the two rappers came to a head in 2018, but Skillz remains focused on his craft. “It’s not about competition,” he said. “It’s about staying true to your voice and your message.”
The Resurgence of ‘Old Head’ Hip-Hop
Skillz’s Grammy nomination is part of a broader trend in hip-hop, where veteran artists are reclaiming the spotlight. He pointed to recent albums from Clipse, Nas, and De La Soul as evidence of this resurgence. “The old heads are back,” he declared, emphasizing the enduring influence of classic hip-hop.
For Skillz, this moment is about more than just nostalgia. It’s a celebration of the genre’s roots and the artists who have shaped its evolution. “Hip-hop has always been about storytelling,” he said. “And right now, the stories are richer than ever.”
As the Grammy Awards approach, Skillz remains focused on his craft and the future of hip-hop. His 2025 Rap Up is not just a recap of the year’s events but a testament to the genre’s enduring power and creativity.
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