Celebrating Hip-Hop History Month at Virginia State, we co-hosted ‘Pen Game: A Conversation About Writing in Hip-Hop’ with Virginia Hip-Hop Legends, Mad Skillz and Nickelus F.
00:00 Welcome and Introductions
03:35 When Skillz and Nick first realized they had Pen Game
05:46 Skillz and Nick talk about how their writing process has changed over time
06:51 How daily writing habits help refined the process
12:32 Thoughts on punching in when recording songs
14:14 How emotions show up in their writing
16:58 Skillz and Nick reflect on personal topics in writing and lyrics that may not have aged as well as they have
19:11 Dealing with writer's block
21:58 Knowing when you have it vs. overthinking and over editing
25:25 Skillz and Nick give perspective on writing for other people; do they think it is easier or harder than writing for themselves.
30:29 We asked Skillz and Nick if the have ever hated the way an artist performed something they wrote
32:21 How Richmond and Virginia as a whole have influenced their writing and careers in hip-hop
36:46 When do you feel like you found your voice?
39:40 The business of writing; publishing splits, getting paid and not getting paid.
43:57 Tips for artist to protect themselves in the music business
46:21 Advice for young writers
49:42 Networking across instead of up
50:52 Closing words, remarks from Virginia State University Professors
#virginiahiphop #madskillz #nickelusf #virginiastateuniversity #richmondvirginia
To kick off our Hip-Hop History Month Event at Virginia State University, we sat down with Richmond rapper and hip-hop artist, GSambo
00:00 Welcome and Thank Yous
03:28 What made GSambo fall in love with hip-hop
04:15 The two Virginia Hip-Hop Artists that inspire GSambo
05:38 GSAMBO's views on current scene in Virginia Hip-Hop
Video Recording Provided by The Sunroom
#virginiahiphop #virginiastateuniversity #GSAMBO #hiphopmusic
Getting to know one of the Virginia Hip-Hop Foundation's Founders; multi-hyphenate creative and lifestyle connoisseur, Chauncey Jenkins, musically known as Chance Fischer.