Posted by Detroit’s own Skilla Baby is preparing to drop his latest project, The Price of Fame, on August 21. In a candid reflection on his artistic evolution, the rapper emphasizes that this album is crafted specifically for the average, working-class individual—those who navigate the daily grind to provide for their families. For Skilla Baby, the focus has shifted from maintaining a larger-than-life persona to embracing genuine relatability.
“The Price of Fame is an album for the average man,” Skilla Baby explains. “For a long time, as a persona, we have to portray this person that’s bigger than life. And I think when I really took a deep dive into people that create, it was more about relatability than not being relatable.”
A Shift Toward Authenticity
The artist notes that his creative process has undergone a significant transformation. Rather than aiming to stand above his audience, he now seeks to bridge the gap between his journey and the experiences of his listeners. He wants his music to serve as a mirror for those who have faced similar struggles, moving away from the club-centric themes that often dominate the genre.
“I want people to understand my journey. I want to understand other people’s journey,” he says. “When people listen to my music, I want them to be like, ‘Yeah, I’ve been through some of the same things.’”
Mental Health and the Hustle
The album also serves as a platform for Skilla Baby to address mental health, specifically his own experiences with depression. He highlights the importance of finding joy in simple, everyday activities as a means of recovery. This grounded perspective extends to his roots in Detroit, a city defined by its relentless work ethic.
Reflecting on his track “Get You Some Money,” which samples Jesse Powell, he recalls his childhood and the diverse ways he learned to hustle—from selling candy to landscaping. “I don’t want people to be embarrassed of taking care of their family,” he asserts. “I wanted the kids to understand it, but I wanted it to have a message too.”
Shedding Skin and Switching Tiers
As he prepares for his first label album, Skilla Baby views this release as a pivotal moment in his career. He describes the project as a “rebrand” and a process of “shedding skin,” marking his transition to a new tier of artistry. With tracks like “Dear Mama” and “Paranoid,” he is leaning into the vulnerability that he believes defines a classic hip-hop record.
“I feel like I’m switching tiers this time around,” he concludes. “Changing gears, getting out of one car to another.”