By: Todd “DG” Davis
Rapindustry.com
Hailing from the Eastside of Buffalo, NY, producer-lyricist The Real Skitso may not quite be a household name as of yet, but if his Tha Eastsidaz & Kokane assisted lead selection, “Well Connected,” taken from his soon-to-be released full-length body of work, The Asylum Vol.1 [Illustrious Music / Bud E Boy Entertainment], also featuring 38 Spesh, Rockness Monsta, Westside Gunn, Royal Flush, El Camino, Styles P, Berner, Devin The Dude, Project Pat, Cormega and even New Jack Swing era singer, Christopher Williams, is any indication, then there are literally no glass ceilings.
Tell me your whole inception into music — When did you first become interested in it? And how did it all begin for The Real Skitso?
I became interested in music when I was about 13 or 14, when I heard Full Clip album by Gang Starr. I knew at that moment this is what I wanted to do.
Now you’re from Buffalo, New York, correct? So growing up in “Queen City,” who all did / do you consider to be your strongest musical influences?
Gang Starr, Dr. Dre, Kool G Rap, Pete Rock, 2pac, M.O.P., just to name a few.
That said, how do you describe and / or define the style of music that you create and / or perform?
The style of music I create is universal; I’m a producer, so I like to be all over the place creating.
As an emcee when you sit down to pen your rhymes, where do you draw inspiration from?
I get the inspiration from the beat; if I make a beat and I like it, I keep it for myself and pen to it. I get it from the beat; the beat set the vibe.
Let’s hop right into this single / video, “WELL CONNECTED,” featuring Tha Eastidaz & Kokane — Tell me about this track; how did it even come to fruition?
Well, I constructed the beat first…then I sat down with my partner and discussed who I think fits on the track, then I reached out to KoKane…and the rest was history.
How then does “WELL CONNECTED” either differ and / or compare to previous The Real Skitso entries?
This track is different from all the other work I’ve done because I switched it up a little bit bringing that NY dirty / sample style with that West Coast G-Funk drum style.
Switching gears here, what exactly do you want people to get from your music?
I want people to have that nostalgia / reminiscing feeling when they listen to my music.
If you could collaborate with any one artist, living or dead, who would it be and why?
It would be 2Pac because his music has gotten me through some rough times in my life.
If you could play any venue in the world, which one would you choose and why?
I really don’t have a specific venue…I’ll play at any venue anywhere I have fans at, I’ll play.
On a more serious note, are you happy with the current state of Hip Hop?
No, I am not! There’s no art anymore, it’s only about money now.
What do you feel has and will continue to be the key to your longevity?
Just keep putting out dope music.
Do you have any other outside / additional (future) aspirations, maybe even completely away from music?
Yes, I have a clothing brand, Illustrious Garments; we will be releasing some garments soon.
To date, what has been your biggest career moment(s), at least thus far anyway?
My biggest career moment is linking up with (the) Legendary Kokane; it was a blessing…he’s a dope mentor, great heart, and a great leader. Big S/O to the O.G.!
What’s an average day like for you?
Pretty simple, just working / grinding.
Please discuss how you interact with and respond to fans…
I interact and respond to my fans with love and respect.
What is your favorite part about this line of work? Your least favorite? And, why?
My favorite part of the work is creating the art, and my least favorite is meeting your childhood idol in real life and they end up being a jerk .
What advice would you have for someone wanting to follow in your footsteps?
Just don’t stop, keep pushing and don’t wait on validation from nobody; validate yourself.
Looking ahead, say five or maybe even ten years from now, where do you see yourself?
I see myself as a worldwide entertainer / entrepreneur.
As for the immediate, what’s next for The Real Skitso?
Establishing my presence in the music industry.
Is there anything I left out or just plain forgot to mention?
No, that’s pretty much all.
Lastly, any “parting” words for our readers?
Yes, lookout for The Asylum Vol.1 coming soon! Thank you for reading. God bless. 🙏
