The Breakfast Club Podcast Episode Summary

Episode Title: INTERVIEW: Mad Skillz Talks 'The Seven Number Ones' Album, Rap Ups, Uncle Murda, Ghostwriting, Grammy's + More
Release Date: December 19, 2024
Host/Authors: DJ Envy and Charlamagne Tha God
Guest: Mad Skills

In this engaging episode of The Breakfast Club, hosts DJ Envy and Charlamagne Tha God sit down with esteemed artist and songwriter Mad Skills. The conversation delves deep into Mad Skills' latest project, his experiences in the music industry, personal revelations, and the vibrant Virginia music scene.

1. Introduction to Mad Skills and the Album

The episode kicks off with DJ Envy introducing Mad Skills as a special guest. Mad Skills shares insights about his Grammy-nominated album, "The Seven Number Ones."

Mad Skills [02:28]:
"The Breakfast Club."

DJ Envy [02:30]:
"Morning, everybody. It's DJ Envy."

Mad Skills [02:48]:
"I've never been this personal and vulnerable on a project, and I almost wasn't even going to put it out."

2. Grammy Nomination and Album Insights

Mad Skills discusses his nomination for Best Spoken Word Poetry Album, highlighting the distinction between poetry and rap from his perspective.

Charlamagne Tha God [04:36]:
"What is the difference between poetry and rap, at least from the Grammy's perspective?"

Mad Skills [04:46]:
"Once you take the music out, you know, it's poetry. I feel like all emcees are poets."

He praises J Ivy for advocating for a dedicated spoken word category, making his nomination a significant milestone.

Mad Skills [05:09]:
"It's wild. It's crazy."

3. The Creative Process Behind "The Seven Number Ones"

The album centers around seven pivotal moments in Mad Skills' life, each representing a "number one" that changed his trajectory.

Mad Skills [07:14]:
"The album is called 'The Seven Number Ones.' It's about seven things that happened in my life that literally changed the direction of my life."

Tracks include personal stories such as his parents' meeting, his mother's influence through music, his first love, and the birth of his daughter.

Mad Skills [07:52]:
"My grandma is actually featured on the first song. I sat down with her and recorded her stories to include in the album."

4. Personal Reflections and Family History

Mad Skills opens up about his parents' struggles and how uncovering the truth about their deaths influenced his work.

Mad Skills [08:27]:
"Both my parents died from a drug overdose. Learning the real story was therapeutic for me."

He also shares heartfelt moments with his daughter, emphasizing the importance of being open about his life with his children.

Mad Skills [10:39]:
"I try to make sure that my kids know things about my life. I was a mistake. I made mistakes. Being a young father was challenging, but it helps me now."

5. Ghostwriting in the Music Industry

The conversation shifts to Mad Skills' experiences as a ghostwriter, navigating the industry's complexities while maintaining creative integrity.

Charlamagne Tha God [14:13]:
"Is it still an unwritten rule that ghostwriters aren't supposed to talk about who they wrote for?"

Mad Skills [14:24]:
"I make more money when they ain't talking about ghosts. People know I'm writing, but I don't reveal everything."

He recounts writing Jay Z's Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction speech, highlighting collaborations with influential artists.

Mad Skills [20:50]:
"Questlove called me to write Jay Z's induction. It was surreal to receive praise directly from HOV."

6. The Vibrant Virginia Music Scene

Mad Skills and the hosts explore the resurgence and unity within Virginia's music scene, noting collaborations and major festivals bolstering the state's cultural footprint.

DJ Envy [27:39]:
"Break down what's happening in Virginia. It's something I've never seen before, which I love."

Mad Skills [28:00]:
"Virginia is becoming unified with festivals and collaborations. Winning this Grammy with my friends from Virginia means a lot."

7. Transition to DJing and Live Performances

Mad Skills shares his passion for DJing, tracing his journey from practicing at home to touring with legends like Jazzy Jeff.

Mad Skills [26:34]:
"DJing is where I found the passion I lost in rapping. You can't practice reading the room. It's instant feedback."

He emphasizes the support from industry veterans, contributing to his growth and longevity as a DJ.

8. Documentary: "90s Girl Brunch"

Mad Skills discusses his documentary project, which chronicles a sorority formed during the quarantine, fostering lasting friendships and a supportive community.

Mad Skills [23:36]:
"I made a film about women connecting through music during COVID. They still stick together as the Brunch Club today."

9. Future Endeavors: TV Shows and Movies

Looking ahead, Mad Skills reveals his intentions to expand into television and film, leveraging his storytelling skills honed from music.

Mad Skills [26:03]:
"I have some ideas pitched for TV shows and movies. Transitioning from write-ups to shows is the next level for me."

10. Closing Remarks and Upcoming Events

As the episode wraps up, Mad Skills encourages listeners to stream his album and participate in Grammy voting. He also promotes upcoming events like the RB Block Party in Virginia.

Mad Skills [30:47]:
"If you like the project, and you're a Grammy voter, feel free to vote for me."

DJ Envy [31:11]:
"New Year's Eve, you're gonna be at the RB block party. Get your tickets if you're in Virginia!"

Mad Skills extends holiday wishes, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to share his journey.

Mad Skills [31:40]:
"Thank y'all for having me. Happy holidays and a good new year to all of y'all."

Notable Quotes:

• Mad Skills [04:46]:
  "Once you take the music out, you know, it's poetry. I feel like all emcees are poets."

• Mad Skills [07:52]:
  "My grandma is actually featured on the first song. I sat down with her and recorded her stories to include in the album."

• Mad Skills [14:24]:
  "I make more money when they ain't talking about ghosts. People know I'm writing, but I don't reveal everything."

• Mad Skills [20:50]:
  "Questlove called me to write Jay Z's induction. It was surreal to receive praise directly from HOV."

• Mad Skills [26:34]:
  "DJing is where I found the passion I lost in rapping. You can't practice reading the room. It's instant feedback."

Conclusion

This episode of The Breakfast Club offers a profound look into Mad Skills' artistic journey, personal growth, and contributions to the music industry. From his Grammy-nominated album to his role in shaping Virginia's vibrant music scene, Mad Skills exemplifies creativity and resilience. Listeners gain valuable insights into the intricacies of ghostwriting, the importance of personal storytelling in art, and the power of community in fostering artistic excellence. As the holiday season approaches, Mad Skills' heartfelt reflections and future projects promise continued contributions to the cultural landscape.