“I want my fans to hear [my music] and be motivated to do better for themselves.”
—Skanldle
Anyone who has an ear to the streets knows that it’s grime time. By that — of course — I’m referring to the rise of grime scene stateside after numerous fall starts over the past 15 years. With the success of artists like Skepta, who’s consigned by industry heavyweights like Drake, the stage is set for a new wave to engulf the scene and [once again] change the sound. LA-based rapper Skanldle –originally from England is about to take full advantage and jump into this new wave, surfboard-first.
His sound is a blend of UK Grime and down south trap — which is an energetic, muddy mix of realness. His music is very personal, and unique, especially living in LA. He recently sat down with AAHH to talk about his career; his new album #R4W2 is dropping August 17th. Check out his Q&A below.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bOsb6wxRh1U
What brought you across the pond How’d you get started?
I was in England in 2004 when grime flooded Europe. Right when it started to take off, though, I was forced to move to America with my mom. I just hopped off the porch one day and decided to chase my dream and provide for my mother.
Who are some of your influences?
Wiley, Chipmunk, Gucci, Gotti, Dolph, any rapper that made it [before rap] influenced me to be a boss for myself and my family.
What have you dropped so far?
In 2007 I moved to America. In 2011, I went back for a month and released two singles: “Whenever I See You” and “I Wanna Love You.” collectively they received almost 100,000 views; when I got back to Baltimore I had a solidified following in Maryland. In 2012, I released “Bad guitar” in Maryland and after that, I landed an opening slot for Future. After the “Bad Guitar” release — and the future show — It was safe to safe my fan base on the east coast was starting to buzz. I am currently working on A mixtape called R4W2 and a single called “I Got The Bag.”
What been your biggest achievement so far?
My biggest accomplishment is being able to say that I singled handily funded my career since day one; I’ve been able to tour America twice off my dollar to meet with fans. I am the first rapper from England to come to America and fit in with the trap wave purely through being genuine — no gimmicks.
What do you want listeners to take away from you as an artist?
I want people to listen to my music, hear the facts and support something — and someone — with substance. I am a boss; I take care of my family. I want my fans to hear that and be motivated to do better for themselves.
