24: Introduce yourself to everyone that doesn’t already know who you are.
Dave Skillz: I go by Dave Skillz also know as Skillz Got-It, born in Atlanta, GA and raised on the the Northside of Atlanta. I’m a Hip-Hop artist, engineer, and producer. I just love all types of music. I like Rap, Rock, R&B, and Pop. Music is my passion and stress reliever.
24: Before we get into your music, can you describe your history about how you got into and what inspired you?
Dave Skillz: When I was 14, I met a group of artists around the same age as me. At school I would over hear them talking about writing new songs and recording later after school. I went to one of there recording sessions. They had a tape player to record on and at that time you couldn’t mess up recording or everyone had to start over again, but I was amazed and shocked by the talent they had. At that point i got inspired and started writing. I started recording with my closest friends on a tape player as well. From that time on I couldn’t stop recording music, even I told myself I was gonna quit I just couldn’t stop thinking of songs to lay down.
24: What was the Hip-Hop scene like for you growing up where you’re from?
Dave Skillz: Well in Atlanta, music was always diverse. Growing we always had songs for the club and parties, just feel good music. But my group was different we were writing a lot of metaphors after metaphors. We watched a lot of rap battles from Smack DVD. So we wanted to rap just like the rappers on there. We would also have freestyle cyphers in the morning at school before class started and whereever we were chillin’ a freestyle cypher always occurred.
24: What makes you Unique as a artist and different from other rappers out now?
Dave Skillz: Right now, I feel that I’m very different because I never left my lyrical talent behind. To this day, I do lyrical freestyles and put them out on mixtapes. “Metaphorically Speaking” is the mixtape series i put out to prove my lyrical standings. Then my other artistic talent shows my ability to make Hit songs. Which you will here on my other mixtapes.
24: Tell us about what you are working on.
Dave Skillz: Right now im working on new mixtape called “New Era America” with my big homie Kidd Recordah. The tape will be free via livemixtapes.com and datpiff.com. Also shooting a new video to my new single “Dat’s How I Do It” with features from Bezi and Kidd Recordah. ‘Metaphorically Speaking 2’ is also in the works. Dates for releases are still TBA.
24: What producers have you worked with and who would you like to work with in the future?
Dave Skillz: Producers I have worked with are Ill Muzik, Coney Gurl, LoudxPack, and Sonny Boy. They all have industry credits. Ill Muzik has been my go to producer for the past couple years. I record to other artist beats from time to time, but the ones i named off or the most consistent. One day I hope to work with the producer Kane, and T-Minus. They are both unique producers with a up to date but still a different sound. I would really do some damage to their beats.
24: Are you happy with the feedback you have been getting from people on material you have released?
Dave Skillz: I’m very pleased with the feedback and contacts i have been receiving. Really motivates me to keep pushing and to never quit. Even songs that were my least favorite random people have told me that they were their favorites.
24: In today’s free download age, what do you need to do to make yourself a household name?
Dave Skillz: Just being different, and putting yourself in the right places to be heard.
If you’re recording and not trying to hit radio stations, and top mixtape sites then why continue with music. You have a better chance hitting the lotto than a label noticing you. Also stay on social network game. Interact with your friends, and fans and let them know you got new material. One fan always passes your music and generally creates another fan for you.
24: How do you feel about the current state of the Hip-Hop scene?
Dave Skillz: Right now the hip hop scene is filled with posing show rappers. No rappers that are really doing it cause the love it, but just because they came up with something catchy and met the right people. I haven’t seen any longevity in the new rappers today. One hit then they gone.
24: Outside of the music, what else are you currently working on?
Dave Skillz: Well a clothing company has been discussed, also fashion accessories. Product names is still TBA.
24: Where do you see yourself going in 2013 and how do you plan to separate yourself from the other artist out today to get the recognition you feel you deserve?
Dave Skillz: I’m going to continue to keep putting out music that expresses me, and performing more in cities further from me. I’ma do me regardless, and i think that right there separates me from other artist alone. I cant plan to be different and organize that, you have to be that already.
24: How can fans go about contacting you?
Dave Skillz:
Twitter: @DaveSkillz
YouTube: SkillzLife
Email: daveskillz87@gmail.com
24: Thank you for providing 24HourHipHop with this exclusive interview, do you have any last words for your present and future fans?
Dave Skillz: Do you. Don’t try to be someone you’re not. Also whatever talent or craft you have make sure you “Go Hard” and never let anyone tell you and stop your dream from becoming reality.
Download the Mixtapes:
Metaphorically Speaking
Infamous Sound: Big A, Lil A
Check out the Videos:
