The Detroit rapper discusses the creation of his new studio album, the challenges of becoming an actor, and making music that heals
Even amid gunfire, a stoic Skilla Baby stays calm. Audio of a firearm discharging bullets blares from a set of speakers as the rapper previews a track from his new album The Price of Fame, causing others seated in the conference to react to the visceral sound.
It’s a few weeks ahead of the album’s Aug. 21 release date, and Skilla is giving VIBE an early listen to key songs, noting their origins and inspirations with the relaxed assuredness of one not only confident in their product, but also comfortable in their own skin.
Detroit native Skilla Baby has learned to flourish while under arduous conditions. After debuting 2019’s Push That Shit Out Skilla and before hitting the ground running with the first volume of his Crack Music series the following year, Skilla’s ascent was rapid. His 2023 joint album, Controversy, with Tee Grizzley, and collaborations with Sada Baby, Icewear Vezzo, Babyface Ray, and Boldy James fortified his buzz, and his We Eat The Most Reloaded album placed him squarely in the nexus of Detroit’s hip-hop scene.
Yet, a string of controversial incidents, like the May 2025 shooting in Michigan that left the rapper wounded, momentarily staggered his trajectory, leaving him on the mend and in a state of reflection. Now, the fully recovered and rising hitmaker is locked in and ready to make a statement with The Price of Fame, an album he made with the intention of not only winning over the public, but also moving hearts.
“I hope fans take away a lot from this project,” Skilla says about his latest body of work. “I hope that it heals people. I hope it motivates people. I hope people learn from some of my lessons. I hope I’m one of their favorite lyricists after this album. I want to be put in the lyricist category. I hope they get a lot for themselves”
The Price of Fame — his first release since 2024’s The Coldest and Crack Music 3 — is driven by Skilla Baby’s palpable hunger, gratitude, and renewed purpose. After giving us an early listen, he shared insight into creating his new album, the cover art’s connection to Tupac Shakur, making his acting debut in Power: Origins, and more.
