BlkSknn is a rising Seattle-born and-based emcee. As a first generation Caribbean-American, and the part of the only Caribbean family in his neighborhood, the Seattle-born and based artist grew up with the recognition that he didn’t exactly fit in, but he found a way to embrace it. Growing up, he spent a lot of time at home, where he was first introduced to hip-hop — and since then, it’s been a lifelong obsession and pursuit.
Since emerging into the Seattle scene with his first singles back in 2016, BlkSknn has been busy:
- He has recorded and released material at a prolific rate, including last year’s Disconnect II EP and 2020’s Day in the Life EP
- He has opened for acclaimed artists like Curren$y and Dave East
- He has played sold out shows in local venues like Chop Suey
And building upon a growing profile, he has gone on an independent, DIY West Coast tour.
The Seattle-based artist’s highly anticipated sophomore album Everybody Hates BlkSknn is slated for release later this year. “Hatin’ Ass,” the album’s first single is centered around a production featuring woozy and pitchy synths, skittering trap beats that serves as a lush and lysergic bed for BlkSknn’s effortlessly swaggering bars. While sonically — to my ears, at least — recalling Strong Arm Steady‘s 2010 Statik Selektah-produced Stereotype and JOVM mainstays Shabazz Palaces, the song sees the rising Seattle-based artist telling a familiar story of those on the come up: The increasing numbers of folks hating on you for your success and efforts — especially as money and accolades start coming your way.
