The story of Skrilla, the 26-year-old Philadelphia rapper, is a testament to the unpredictable power of the internet and the enduring appeal of authenticity. From a seemingly obscure street code finding its way into a viral meme to collaborations with established artists like Natasha Bedingfield, Lil Yachty, and Coi Leray, Skrilla’s ascent has been anything but conventional.
It began with “Doot Doot (6 7),” a track released unofficially in December 2024 and officially in February 2025. The song, described as having an “ominous soundscape” and “rambling flows,” quickly gained traction online, fueled by a TikTok trend centered around the “6 7” phrase and a corresponding hand gesture. The phrase itself, a reference to a police code for homicide, took on a life of its own, becoming ’s Word of the Year according to Dictionary.com. The unexpected virality led to a surreal moment for Skrilla: a performance alongside Natasha Bedingfield at the Theatre of the Living Arts in Philadelphia, prompted by her son’s fascination with the meme.
“To this day, I would never picture myself being on the stage with somebody like Natasha,” Skrilla admitted in a recent interview. The collision of pop and underground rap underscored the song’s reach, propelling Skrilla from a local artist to a nationally recognized name.
Born Jemille Edwards in Kensington, Philadelphia, Skrilla’s path to music wasn’t straightforward. His upbringing in a neighborhood known for its open-air drug market shaped his worldview and, his art. He excelled in school and even participated in a demonstration honoring Trayvon Martin in , according to a report in The Philadelphia Enquirer, but also faced legal challenges, spending two and a half years under house arrest during high school for heroin-related charges.
Despite these difficulties, Skrilla graduated and began exploring his creative passions. Inspired by artists like Kodak Black, Chief Keef, Future, and Young Thug, he started rapping in 2018, honing his unique style. His early tracks, like “Dog Food,” showcased a nascent talent, blending ominous soundscapes with street-level narratives. Over the following years, he released a string of projects – Kutthroat (), Thrilla with Thwaglord (), Santos (), Gemini Season (), Underworld (), and Zombie Love Kensington Paradise () – gradually refining his asymmetrical flows and incorporating imagery inspired by Santeria, an Afro-Cuban faith he adopted at age seven.
This distinctive aesthetic caught the attention of Priority Records, leading to a deal in . Skrilla’s manager and younger brother, Jevon “Von” Edwards, recognized his potential years ago, noting his “hustler ambition” and “cool-kid charisma.” Von also highlighted the raw, yet compelling, quality of Skrilla’s artistry, comparing it to the work of Tyler, The Creator.
The momentum continued to build with a remix of “Doot Doot (6 7)” featuring G Herbo, and collaborations with Lil Yachty (“Rich Sinners,” released in ) and Coi Leray (“Lick Back” Remix, released a month later). He also released the music video for “RYLO” in early .
Skrilla’s forthcoming album, Z, promises to be a defining moment in his career. The title, a nod to “Zombieland” and his Kensington roots, represents a turning point. “The album Z means the ending of a lot of stuff, though and changing your lifestyle, though, to the better, the ending of a certain path, and just starting over,” Skrilla explained. He also revealed that he has been working on curbing self-destructive habits.
Beyond his music, Skrilla prioritizes his role as a father. He has two daughters, aged three and four, and is expecting two more children. “My goal for my career is just keeping my head on my shoulders and making music as much as I can,” he said. “And just being me.”
Skrilla’s story is a compelling example of how authenticity, combined with a willingness to embrace the unexpected, can lead to success in the modern music landscape. He’s not just a viral sensation. he’s an artist who has navigated a challenging past and is now poised to make a lasting impact on the industry.
