RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — Richmond rapper Mad Skillz performed in the city on Sunday as part of Dogwood Dell’s 67th Festival of the Arts, and 8News had the opportunity to speak with him about his homecoming performance.
On Sunday, June 16, Mad Skillz performed at a free hip-hop concert at the Jubilation in June event held at Dogwood Dell.
Mad Skillz, also known as Shaqwan Lewis, said he has been making music since 1991, but had not performed a show in over a decade until he was presented with the opportunity to perform at the Jubilation in June event.
Richmond rapper Mad Skillz (Photo: Brad Vassar, 8News)
In an interview with 8News, Lewis said his favorite part about performing is being able to connect with people.
“I always feel like music is a universal language,” Lewis said. “Some people might not even speak English, but they know words to certain songs, and I think music is something that brings us all together as a community. It’s just a beautiful thing to see.”
Lewis told 8News that this show in Richmond was his most memorable. He went on to say Richmond’s hip-hop scene has evolved so much compared to when he started his music career, with more artists, producers and musicians, as well as opportunities to perform in the city.
“To come from where we came from, to hope that, you know, you would be able to have venues where you could perform in your home town, to have talent shows and open mics, those things are regular now,” Lewis said.
Lewis also thanked anyone who has played, purchased, downloaded or listened to his music in any capacity.
RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — Richmond rapper Mad Skillz performed in the city on Sunday as part of Dogwood Dell’s 67th Festival of the Arts, and 8News had the opportunity to speak with him about his homecoming performance.
On Sunday, June 16, Mad Skillz performed at a free hip-hop concert at the Jubilation in June event held at Dogwood Dell.
Mad Skillz, also known as Shaqwan Lewis, said he has been making music since 1991, but had not performed a show in over a decade until he was presented with the opportunity to perform at the Jubilation in June event.
Richmond rapper Mad Skillz (Photo: Brad Vassar, 8News)
In an interview with 8News, Lewis said his favorite part about performing is being able to connect with people.
“I always feel like music is a universal language,” Lewis said. “Some people might not even speak English, but they know words to certain songs, and I think music is something that brings us all together as a community. It’s just a beautiful thing to see.”
Lewis told 8News that this show in Richmond was his most memorable. He went on to say Richmond’s hip-hop scene has evolved so much compared to when he started his music career, with more artists, producers and musicians, as well as opportunities to perform in the city.
“To come from where we came from, to hope that, you know, you would be able to have venues where you could perform in your home town, to have talent shows and open mics, those things are regular now,” Lewis said.
Lewis also thanked anyone who has played, purchased, downloaded or listened to his music in any capacity.