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Skillz Back-Packing w/KOCH, July

Tuesday, May 13, 2008
By: Mike Ivey Jr.

Skillz

Mr. Yearly Rap-Up, Virginia native Skillz (AKA Mad Skillz), July 8 releases ‘Million Dollar Backpack’ on the heels of his popular “2007 Rap Up,” for which Chris Robinson shot a video.

“I’m not mad at the state of music or what ain’t happening, I’m just making my music and anyone who wants to listen to it I’m greatly appreciative,” says Skillz. Like many of today’s niche emcees Skillz sees KOCH Records as the best distribution op for his latest release. ‘Million Dollar Backpack’ features Talib Kweli, The Roots and Freeway; Common appears on the first single, “So Far So Good.” Skillz reportedly uses his first new album since 2005’s ‘Confessions of a Ghost Writer’ to vent about his personal realm and the “Crazy World” around him; the aforementioned track, released with a video last winter, talks about disenchanted youth and abandoned war vets.

KOCH Records General Manager Alan Grunblatt calls Skillz “one of the greatest MCs in the country… the spearhead of our burgeoning hip hop roster.” The company’s roster includes Styles P, AZ, Jim Jones, Foxy Brown, and other notable acts. Skillz recently finished a European tour with DJ Jazzy Jeff and will appear with The Roots at selected dates in May.