Skillz

First making a name for for himself during the ‘90s, but unable to generate any real success as a solo artist due to a variety of factors outside of his control, Skillz—formerly known as Mad Skillz—is more widely regarded in the present day for his contributions as a ghostwriter, in addition to his “Rap Up” series from 2002-2021 (excluding 2013) and ongoing Hip-Hop Confessions web series. Born Donnie Shaquan Lewis in Detroit, Michigan on June 2, 1974, Skillz first grew up in Fayetteville, North Carolina for a short period before finally settling in Richmond, Virginia. After submitting a rap recording of himself for an ad he came across in an issue of The Source magazine, he received the honor to perform at the 1993 New York Seminar, where he came in second place against MC Supernatural in a freestyle competition. Despite this outcome, his “skills” were noticed by Atlantic Records, whom he signed with not long after. His debut single “The Nod Factor” was released in 1995, followed by his debut album From Where??? on February 13, 1996. The album earned positive reception for its production and strong lyrics, but struggled commercially, not helped by the fact it was released on the same day as 2Pac’s All Eyez On Me and Fugees' The Score. Following his split from Atlantic Records and new friendship with fellow Virginia native Magoo, Skillz became affiliated with former members of the Swing Mob collective and a founding member of the VA Playaz Supafriendz collective, opening him up to appearances on Aaliyah’s “Are You That Somebody (Remix),” Timbaland’s Tim’s Bio: Life from da Bassment as well as Timbaland & Magoo’s Indecent Proposal. Securing a deal with Rawkus Records near the turn of the century, Skillz released the three-track EP Ghost Writer / Together / 1, 2 Theory in 2000, with the first song revealing his extensive work as a ghostwriter up to that point. In 2002, his second album I Ain’t Mad No More was slated to come out, but due to the lackluster performance of its lead single “Crew Deep,” its release in the US was cancelled, with the album only receiving an official release in Canada on December 30th that year. After this, he decided to put out his subsequent albums independently. Aside from his “Rap Up” and Hip-Hop Confessions series, Skillz has continued to extend his pen game as a ghostwriter for other artists, ventured into DJing, became the University of Richmond’s first artist-in-residence in 2018 and 2020 where he co-taught the course “Voice of Hip Hop in America,” and even earned a proclamation by Richmond’s Mayor declaring February 13th as Mad Skillz Day in 2019 to honor the twenty-third anniversary of his debut album and his positive influence on the city.

Related performers: Mayer Hawthorne , Busta Rhymes & Q-Tip , Mood , Phife Dawg

Thanks,

and

!

Number of songs Skillz has created by producer

Albums & EPs

2013

The Rap Up (2002-2012) (10 Year Anniversary)

The Rap Up (2002-2012) (10 Year Anniversary)

’06 Rap Up produced by Mark Batson , Dr. Dre

2011

Madlib Medicine Show, No. 12: Raw Medicine (Madlib Remixes)

Madlib Medicine Show, No. 12: Raw Medicine (Madlib Remixes)

Kane produced by Madlib , MF DOOM
Let’s Take It Back (Madlib Remix) [Plastic Cup] produced by J Dilla , Madlib
For the Nasty (Madlib Remix) produced by Q-Tip , Madlib
Pussy (Madlib Remix) produced by Pusha T , Madlib
Speaking Real Words / Firewater (Madlib Remix) produced by Madlib
Cross Bronx Expressway (Madlib Remix) produced by Madlib
Da Bridge 2001 (Madlib Remix) produced by Madlib
Raw Medicine Segue: Kane Outro produced by Madlib
Raw Medicine Interlude 3 (Part 2) produced by Madlib
Monsta (Madlib Remix) produced by Madlib
Wanted (Madlib Remix) produced by Madlib
Never Change (Madlib Remix) produced by Madlib
Save Me Dear (Madlib Remix) produced by Madlib
Raw Medicine Segue: The Beverly Hills Blues Festival) produced by Madlib
Caughtup (Madlib Remix) produced by Madlib
Raw Medicine Interlude 1 produced by Madlib
Raw Medicine Interlude 6 produced by Madlib
Remixtroduction produced by Madlib
Raw Medicine Interlude 7 produced by Madlib
Y’all Don’t Wanna (Madlib Remix) produced by Madlib
Raw Medicine Interlude 5 produced by Madlib
Love Session (Madlib Remix) produced by Madlib
Raw Medicine Interlude 3 (Part 1) produced by Madlib
Raw Medicine Segue: Cross Bronx Outro produced by Madlib
Belly Dancer (Madlib Remix) produced by Madlib
Raw Medicine Intro produced by Madlib
Ma Dukes (Madlib Remix) produced by Madlib
Raw Medicine Segue: 9:01 produced by Madlib
Raw Medicine Interlude 8 produced by Madlib
Raw Medicine Interlude 9 produced by Madlib
Shines (Madlib Remix) produced by Madlib

2008

Confessions of a Ghostwriter

Confessions of a Ghostwriter

Imagine produced by Nottz
Y'all Don't Wanna Do That produced by Hi-Tek
S.K.I.L.L.Z. produced by Nottz
Suzie Q produced by The Neptunes , Pharrell Williams , CeeLo Green

2004

The Best of Skillz

The Best of Skillz

Off the Wall produced by Timbaland
Fatty Girl Freestyle produced by The Neptunes

OkayPlayer - True Notes Vol. 1

OkayPlayer - True Notes Vol. 1

I Do What I Like produced by RJD2
Act 2 produced by RJD2
Take it Back produced by Ivan Barias , Calvin Harris
Respect Deez produced by Casual , A-Plus
Okay produced by DJ Babu , Evidence
K.O. Player produced by Madlib

2000

Ghost Writer / Together / 1, 2 Theory

Ghost Writer / Together / 1, 2 Theory

Together produced by Timbaland

1997

Soundbombing III

Soundbombing III

Round & Round (Extended Remix) produced by Hi-Tek
Crew Deep produced by Missy Elliott , Hi-Tek , Timbaland
Rhymes and Ammo/Thirsty! (Remix) produced by Black Thought , Grand Wizzards , The Roots
What Lies Beneath produced by Q-Tip
Freak Daddy produced by Rockwilder , Beyoncé , Rodney Jerkins

1996

From Where???

From Where???

Extra Abstract Skillz produced by Large Professor , Q-Tip
It's Goin Down produced by J Dilla
The Jam produced by J Dilla
All In It produced by Shawn J. Period , DJ Premier
Get Your Groove On produced by Buckwild
VA. in the House produced by Buckwild
Doin’ Time in the Cypha produced by Buckwild

The Million Dollar Backpack

The Million Dollar Backpack

(For Real) He Don't Own Me produced by Bink!
I'm Gon Make It produced by Bink!
Where I Been produced by Jake One
Hold Tight produced by Black Thought , ?uestlove , James Poyser

Singles

Crew Deep (Remix) produced by Pharrell Williams , Missy Elliott , Hi-Tek , Pusha T
Skillz in '95 produced by Large Professor
2014 produced by Bink!