Skrilla

A formidable figure in the Philadelphia drill scene, rapper Skrilla bid for mainstream attention in 2024 with singles “GOD DAMN” and “Blahdahdahdahdah,” respective salvos from his major-label debut Underworld and its follow-up, Zombie Love Kensington Paradise.

Skrilla was born Jemille Edwards, raised in the Kensington neighborhood of Philadelphia to a family of mixed Black and Mexican heritage. Though the perils of inner-city life didn’t diminish his upbringing, drugs and gang life were common sights conveyed through his early work. From his 2018 debut “Green Snake” to mixtapes like Kutthroat (2022) and Gemini Season (2023), he developed his signature slurring flow, capturing the signature effects of a drugged-out episode and pairing it with unusual hooks, from off-beat drum machines to mournful choir samples.

All of this work was enough to earn Skrilla a deal with hip-hop major <a href="spotify:search:label%3A%22Priority+Records%22">Priority Records</a>, which quickly released the singles “Booted” in 2023 and 2024 breakthroughs “Blahdahdahdahdah” and “GOD DAMN,” all quickfire slices of local life and woozy boasts. The latter ended up on his debut album Underworld, featuring guest verses by <a href="spotify:artist:5QdEbQJ3ylBnc3gsIASAT5">G Herbo</a> and a posthumous appearance by local rapper YNG Cheese, as well as passages that reflected his devotion to the Afro-Cuban religion Santeria as a grounding influence. Zombie Love Kensington Paradise arrived nine months later, featuring highlights in “Blahdahdahdahdah,” “Matte Black,” and “Chiraq.” ~ Mike Duquettte