Digital Social Hour: "Skinnyfromthe9: From Getting Shot to Signing with LA Reid" (Ep. #1493)

Host: Sean Kelly
Guest: Skinnyfromthe9
Release Date: August 15, 2025

Overview

In this episode, host Sean Kelly welcomes rapper Skinnyfromthe9 to discuss his tumultuous journey from growing up in New Jersey to navigating the music industry, surviving a harrowing shooting, and searching for personal growth and peace. Their conversation weaves through the realities of growing up as an outsider, early hustle and sacrifices, the pitfalls of record deals, industry relationships, brushes with violence, and life lessons learned the hard way. Skinny’s blend of unfiltered honesty, introspection, and street wisdom makes for a compelling and candid dialogue.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Roots & Early Hustle (00:00–06:25)

• Childhood Struggles: Skinny discusses a turbulent upbringing—single mom, multiple siblings, family instability, his father and stepfather in prison, and constant evictions. Stability only came when his dad got out of prison and took him in at age 13.
• Creative Spark: The difficulties fueled his musical aspirations ("my life was my inspiration" – 03:12).
• Local Scene: Growing up in Bridgewater/Somerville, NJ, places not known for creative ambition; pursuing music or social media was "frowned upon" (00:50) amid expectations to stick to conventional paths.
• First Breaks: He persisted through years without traction, worked multiple jobs to pay for studio time, and began getting attention after pushing content on SoundCloud.

“I always wanted to make music. I wanted to tell my story. And, like, I just felt like I was destined for something more." — Skinnyfromthe9 (03:31)

2. Blowing Up & Major Label Troubles (06:03–10:52)

• Signing with LA Reid: Scored a million-dollar deal after his single "Love Blast" went viral, but received the money in installments (06:09).
• Industry Regret: Expresses regret signing with LA Reid, citing poor structure, loss of creative control, and a missed opportunity to sign with Atlantic, which he believed would’ve set him up better (08:00).
• Management & Legal Tangles: Lost the ability to choose his label due to a management contract, with his manager pushing for the highest percentage cut over Skinny’s interests.
• Career Setback: Legal restrictions kept him from releasing music; as a result, his momentum stalled and some fans forgot about him.

“He didn't have my best interest because anybody would have known that Atlantic was definitely, like, the route to go.” — Skinnyfromthe9 (09:29)

3. Vegas, Gambling, & Viral Casino Drama (10:54–16:40)

• Relocation to Vegas: Attracted by lower costs, but admits picking up a gambling habit.
• Casino Confrontation: Details a viral altercation with SteveWillDoIt and casino security at Red Rock, stemming from a business promo gone wrong. Skinny didn’t instigate, but got banned from station casinos months later (14:47).

"I was just standing there...but Junior not being famous...he obviously, when they were arguing, he saw my face. So he immediately just dmed me and just started talking hella shit." — Skinnyfromthe9 (14:12)

4. Reflections on Beef, Growth, and Moving On (17:10–26:30)

• Squashed Beefs: Skinny reflects on maturing past online/personal conflicts with others in the industry and back home; admits that jealousy and negativity from peers fueled a chip on his shoulder but ultimately chose to lead by example and forgiveness.
• Lessons Learned: Admits responding immaturely to betrayal/hate in the past but now preaches accountability and taking the high road.

"When somebody's fake to you, you shouldn't be fake back because then you're no better than that person." — Skinnyfromthe9 (25:37)

5. Surviving Near Death: The Miami Shooting (26:40–33:01)

• The Shooting: Talks candidly about being shot in Miami’s Brickell with $100,000 cash on him, moving carelessly, and mistakenly thinking he could do “normal people shit.” Describes the chaos and fear, not knowing if he’d walk or have children again.
• Aftermath: Broke his femur, needed metal rods, still carries the bullet inside, and admits gaining a new understanding of mobility and mortality.

“I just know I'm trying to get up and I can't...once you hurt a bone...no matter how hard you're trying...you just can't.” — Skinnyfromthe9 (00:01 / 30:31)

• Hospital Thoughts: Even in shock, his first concern was about damage to his reproductive organs, a moment of humor and vulnerability.

"I'm looking at the nurse and the paramedic...yo, like, am I gonna be able to have babies? Like, did I get shot, like, somewhere? Where did I get shot? In my dick?" (31:24)

6. Mental & Physical Health Challenges (33:56–36:16)

• Facial Paralysis: Experienced Bell’s Palsy—sudden facial paralysis for a month. Has lingering effects (so-called “lazy eye”) but views the experience with characteristic humor.

“I thought I was possessed...I thought I'm about to, like, just, like, become a demon and just, like, kill everybody. Like, I was tripping.” — Skinnyfromthe9 (35:23)

7. Relationships, Love, and the Business of Sex (36:24–41:30)

• Vegas Dating Scene: Finds dating tricky in Vegas due to prevalence of sex work—indifferent to OnlyFans but wouldn’t date a traditional prostitute unless she shared earnings.
• Emotional Insights: Speaks on heartbreak, investment in relationships, and now seeing relationships as more businesslike, shaped by betrayals.
• Fame & Loyalty: Music fueled by heartbreak (his hit "Love Blast" written after a breakup). Admits prior infidelity, now believes in not expecting loyalty after hurting someone.

“I've removed myself from, like, a lot of shit. Like, I don't know, like, I'm just numb to it. I'm just like, I don't know. I really don't care.” (37:03)

8. Philosophy, Accountability, and Spirituality (42:35–45:49)

• Introspection: Acknowledges former manipulative tendencies, now values taking daily accountability for his actions.
• Faith: Raised as a Jehovah’s Witness—discusses upbringing, holidays, and what he still believes. Feels the faith holds truth though he no longer practices.

“I take accountability every day. I know when something's my fault...I used to be a very big manipulator.” — Skinnyfromthe9 (43:12)

9. Reflections on Hip-Hop, Death, and Inspiration (48:43–53:47)

• On PnB Rock: Remembers his friend and collaborator PnB Rock warmly; their relationship was complicated at the end, but he credits PnB with helping his career and showing genuine support.
• Industry Losses: Comments on rapper deaths—Pop Smoke, XXXTentacion, Nipsey Hussle—and how respect/love doesn’t protect against violence.
• Career Regrets: Believes label interference undermined big opportunities, including missing a 6ix9ine collaboration and ill-advised promotion strategies.

“Rest in peace PnB Rock, man. That was my boy. He wasn’t like a lot of other people that I met...showed me a lot of love, did the song with me, came to the video, always invited me out.” — Skinnyfromthe9 (48:43)

10. Jersey Roots, Community & Hopes (53:47–End)

• Jersey Support: Laments the lack of unity in New Jersey’s music scene; many want to be “that guy” instead of collaborating.
• Final Words: Now focused on music, YouTube, and personal evolution—accepts the past and looks forward to smarter decisions and real connections.

“You didn't have the grind, bro. Like, you didn't have the grind. You didn't have the patience. You should never give up on nothing you do because you don't know how close you are to reaching where you're supposed to get to, bro.” — Skinnyfromthe9 (24:21)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments (with Timestamps)

• “I used to think, like, you see people in wheelchairs...like, why can’t you just walk? You really can’t.”
  — Skinnyfromthe9 (00:00 / 30:31)

• “Anybody would have known that Atlantic was definitely, like, the route to go.”
  — Skinnyfromthe9 (09:29)

• “If you’re not constantly dropping...you lose your whole wave.”
  — Skinnyfromthe9 (10:34)

• “When somebody’s fake to you, you shouldn’t be fake back because then you’re no better than that person.”
  — Skinnyfromthe9 (25:37)

• “I wanted my...everybody, no confusion...I got shot. I’m over here, and I’m about to die...I wanted my people to know what happened.”
  — Skinnyfromthe9 (26:49)

• “If a girl really likes you, she’ll...hang out with you at your box.”
  — Skinnyfromthe9 (40:41)

• “I’m charismatic, I’m passionate, I look good. There’s nothing to talk about. If you don’t know if you like me, then that’s your own problem.”
  — Skinnyfromthe9 (41:16)

• “Accountability is the first thing to, like, realizing everything.”
  — Skinnyfromthe9 (43:12)

• “Rest in peace PnB Rock, man. That was my boy...I just wanted to see the best for him.”
  — Skinnyfromthe9 (48:43)

Highlighted Segments & Timestamps

• Growing up & music beginnings: 00:00–06:25
• Signing and regret with LA Reid: 06:03–10:52
• Casino confrontation / SteveWillDoIt viral moment: 11:41–16:40
• On squashing beef and personal growth: 17:10–26:30
• Miami shooting & aftermath: 26:40–33:01
• Bell’s Palsy and facing health issues: 33:56–36:16
• On relationships, heartbreak, and OnlyFans: 36:24–41:30
• Philosophy, accountability, faith, Jehovah’s Witness upbringing: 42:35–45:49
• On PnB Rock, rapper deaths, and industry insights: 48:43–53:47
• Final thoughts on Jersey’s music community and the future: 53:47–end

Summary Tone

Throughout, Skinnyfromthe9 is remarkably candid—sometimes blunt, sometimes philosophical, displaying both pride in survival and a humility forged by mistakes and misfortune. The conversation is authentically raw and introspective but laced with humor, warmth, and mutual respect between host and guest.

Where to Find More

• Follow Skinnyfromthe9: Instagram @skinnyfromthe9_
• Stay tuned for his upcoming music and YouTube content.

This episode offers a rare look at the real costs of fame, the gritty underside of the music industry, and the personal evolution of an artist who’s lived through the highs and lows. Suitable for fans and newcomers alike, it’s a portrait of grit, resilience, and ongoing self-discovery.