When Skrilla visited The FADER office last September, the Philadelphia artist was deeply immersed in the final stages of his major label debut, Z. Following the viral success of his breakout track “Doot Doot (6 7),” the rapper was balancing newfound industry attention with a grounded commitment to his roots in Kensington.
The sessions for Z reflect a natural evolution of the off-kilter Philly drill sound he established on his previous project, Zombie Love Kensington Paradise. While the album features high-profile collaborations with artists like YoungBoy Never Broke Again and Lil Yachty, the core of the project remains tethered to the streets that shaped him.
Skrilla.Mitch Ritter / via publicistSkrilla’s connection to his neighborhood is perhaps best exemplified by his decision to feature local residents on the record. Reflecting on the transient nature of his environment, he noted, “In Kensington, you never really know if you’re ever going to see somebody again. So I felt like if I let that moment pass, I might miss out on something incredible.”
Beyond the music, the visual identity of Z is heavily influenced by Skrilla’s personal life, including his affinity for unique masks and his acquisition of a vintage 1986 M923 Army truck. “I went with the army concept because I had just bought an M923 2 ½-ton Army truck… and I wanted to bring that vehicle to life,” he explained. The resulting imagery captures a raw, authentic look at his creative circle, blending the high-stakes world of major label rap with the stark realities of his home neighborhood.
Charles HoyUltimately, Z stands as a testament to Skrilla’s ability to bridge the gap between his local community and the global stage. By bringing voices like Black Jesus into the studio, he ensures that the project remains a genuine reflection of his experiences, regardless of the scale of his success.
