Sk8star.
Elijah Prudent / via publicist
The Opener is The FADER’s mini-interview series with exciting new artists we think you should know.
Sk8star is a true artist, the sort of rapper who never seems totally satisfied with a song until every adlib and 808 is adjusted just so. That deep-rooted musicality was all over his February album Designer Junkie, which enlisted Atlanta legend Richie Souf and his ØWay buddies for a near-psychedelic trap album that channeled Future, Gotit, and Keed in equal measure. And although he’s less hyped than some of his peers, Sk8star has proven himself to be one of ØWay’s most consistent artists from one project to the next.
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Take his most recent 8-song EP, The Beautiful Rebellion, which brings producers like Pi’erre Bourne and Jay Trench into Sk8’s orbit. Sk8star slaloms through the pocket on “Callin’,” his melodic falsetto coasting with abandon, then switches it up two songs later on “Loose Tooth,” croaking and rasping in a staccato flow. And when diamond* and Pz’ stop by for features on tape highlights “Siamese” and “Doom,” they sound like they’re working to keep up with their host, rather than the other way around.
Sk8star’s dynamic flows were a key catalyst for Designer Junkie, and even over a span of just six months, it’s clear his skills as an MC are only continuing to improve. And his star is only rising: he’s set to open on tour for Lucki and Pz’ just announced the pair have a joint mixtape in the works.
The FADER caught up with Sk8Star over email to chat about his favorite tattoos, the Young Thug song he’d like to remix, and what he’ll miss the most when he’s really famous.
What’s the coolest thing to do in your hometown?
See my mom. There’s not much else to do in Macon to be honest.
Tell us about the first album you bought.
Rebirth by Lil Wayne. I initially bought it because I thought he looked cool on the cover holding the guitar. I remember I loved that song “Knockout” with Nicki Minaj. That was my first time seeing Black popstars.
What was the last movie you watched?
I watched City of God on the plane to Tokyo. I thought it was a brilliant film that perfectly painted the picture of two totally different lifestyles. Shit was fire. I still need to do my letterboxd review but I’m giving it 5 stars.
What’s a motto you think everyone should live by?
Mind your business you’ll live longer.
Explain a lyric of yours that people misunderstand.
On “E Sex” I said, “Know that pussy good, she got a big forehead.” Not everybody understands the science behind that, but I do.
When you’re not making music, how do you spend your free time?
Working out, playing the game, and lots of shopping.
What’s a song you’d want to remix and why?
“Tell Her Nothing” by Young Thug. That song is just so playa and so wavy. It just sounds like something I would do today.
What’s the best thing you’ve bought for $100 or less?
Nike socks.
Tell us about your favorite tattoo.
My hand tats that say “cherish me.” I love them because I think that’s how everyone should view me. And also they just make me look really cool.
Best advice you’ve gotten
Run your own race.
Worst advice you’ve gotten
Be more like xyz other person.
Show us the last meme you saved to your phone:
via the artist
What’s something you’re looking forward to?
My first big tour with Lucki
Describe the best concert you’ve attended.
I got to see Future recently at Summer Smash. It was awesome seeing him perform all the songs I grew up on and it was great to observe his crowd engagement. He’s a real professional.
What’s the last thing you wrote in your notes app?
“Bad bitch she blacker than Akon.” Some 2am thoughts.
Describe your perfect afternoon.
Marijuana, a beautiful woman, some American Deli, and The Sopranos
What’s the ideal level of fame and why?
My ideal level of fame would be Michael Jackson level because I want to be the biggest in the world. I’ll be sad though when I can’t go to the movie theater.
