Richmond’s hip-hop scene has long been fueled by underground grit and undeniable talent, but few have represented the city on the national stage quite like Mad Skillz. And now, after a career that spans nearly three decades, he’s experiencing a well-deserved moment in the spotlight, bringing a Grammy nomination home to RVA. The Recording Academy has recognized Skillz in the Best Spoken Word Poetry Album category for his latest project, The Seven Number Ones, released in August. It’s an album that takes listeners through his journey, framed in the raw, personal expression of spoken word.
With eight spoken-word tracks, The Seven Number Ones serves as a sonic memoir of Mad Skillz’s life and his extensive career in hip-hop. Not only is it a milestone for Skillz, but it also puts the talents of Richmond’s creative community in the spotlight. Underground rap stalwart Michael Millions, for instance, is credited as a mastering engineer on the album, demonstrating the collaborative spirit of Richmond’s music scene.
For fans of Skillz, this nomination is the cherry on top of a year where he’s reminded Richmond of his dedication to the city’s culture. He performed live at Dogwood Dell’s 67th Festival of the Arts this past summer, marking his first live show in over a decade. That performance, alongside recent appearances on platforms like Drink Champs, has cemented his role as Richmond’s hip-hop ambassador.
It is obvious that Mad Skillz sees this Grammy nod as something he shares with his community, even taking to social media to shout out friends who contributed to the album, declaring, “WE GOING TO THE GRAMMYS!”
For those who may not know, Mad Skillz, born Donnie Shaquan Lewis, was the first artist to put Richmond’s hip-hop scene on the national map. His debut album, From Where???, released in 1996, wasn’t just a milestone in his career—it was a defining moment for Richmond hip-hop, marking the city’s entry into the broader music industry.
Beyond his solo work, Skillz has been a significant behind-the-scenes presence in hip-hop. As a ghostwriter, he’s worked with some of the genre’s biggest names, even earning a Grammy nomination in 2015 for The Pinkprint, Nicki Minaj’s album, where he contributed to the melody and hook on one of its standout tracks.
In addition to his writing, he’s also made his mark as a sought-after DJ and as a teacher, sharing hip-hop’s cultural impact with students at the University of Richmond through a dedicated course. His influence on Richmond was formally recognized on February 13, 2019, when Mayor Levar Stoney declared it “Mad Skillz Day” to celebrate the 23rd anniversary of From Where??? and to honor Skillz’s “positive influence on our city.”
