Born in Natchez, MS but raised in the rough neighborhoods of South Sacramento, Skanless began gaining recognition by the young age of 13 for his outstanding lyrical content and on point delivery. Working with Sacramento and Bay Area Rappers alike from a young age had some calling him a Bay Area Rapper, however Skanless was true to the streets that raised him and always called himself very distinctly a Sacramento Rapper.
In 1996, at 17 years old, Skanless signed with one of the hottest underground label at the time, 51/50 Records and dropped his first album “The Book of Skanless.” Still considered one of the best Sacramento rap albums of all time, “The Book of Skanless” included songs featuring the likes of 11/5 and Totally Insane and beats by Big Hollis. The album included the song “Dirty Mackin” which was featured on “The Best of Sacramento” album and the hit “Ghetto Swang” which received regular airtime on Sacramento’s #1 rap station, 102.5.
After splitting from 51/50 Records and signing with Out of Bounds Entertainment, Skanless released his second album, “In The End We Shall Repent,” in 1999. The album again included many beats by Big Hollis but this time featured the likes of G-Menace. A few months later he began a West Coast Tour with several Out of Bound Entertainment Artists that included stops throughout California, Oregon, Washington, Nevada, and Arizona. However by age of 19, Skanless had lived a life most would only ever know of through Hollywood’s depiction of rough inner city streets and gang life and the very life experiences that helped make his music real, honest, and raw also brought his rapidly expanding music career to a screeching halt as he was sent to Susanville’s California State Prison for gun and drug charges just before turning 20. Released nearly 5 years later, he spent another 5 years in and out of prison on additional drug charges and parole violations but finally got off of parole in June of 2009.
Skanless is now focused completely on his music and has learned in the last few years how to adapt to the many changes rap has gone through since the late 90’s while making music that stays true to his life story and unique personal style still loved by many. Skanless is currently working on a few Mixtapes with various other local artists as well as a new album, not yet titled. He is determined to show that he is not just an underground legend and still has the talent to be Sacramento’s biggest rap star to date!| |
