Embarking on a resounding start to the year, SKXNNX (pronounced Skinni), the hip-hop artist hailing from Cameroon and now based in Moscow, introduces his invigorating single, “ERA.” This compelling track serves as a poised rallying call, born from his realisation that the time has arrived for him to overcome the world. In “ERA,” confidence emanates from SKXNNX as he captures the listener’s attention with his distinctive melodic rap flow, set against a backdrop of pulsating bass drops and atmospheric keys that whistle like the wind. Immersing oneself in SKXNNX’s distinctive world is akin to witnessing an artist commence with a blank canvas, each verse gliding effortlessly like a masterful paintbrush stroke, breathing life into his vibrant soundscape.
Reflecting on the evolution of his vision, SKXNNX shares, “The single ‘ERA’ signifies the maturation of my artistic perspective. It took time and trials to cultivate such confidence in my craft. Now, I am prepared to conquer the world, conveying a range of emotions to a broader audience. This is my moment to shine; this is my era.”
From being featured in the esteemed i-D magazine as one of the young creatives in St. Petersburg, Russia, to the success of his XMAS tour spanning from December 25, 2022, to January 5, 2023, SKXNNX’s artistic journey transcends musical boundaries. Beginning in the music scene at Nkoabang High School in Cameroon and later forming the GOFT Family collective, SKXNNX’s influences were shaped alongside notable figures such as Dr. DUGON. Despite initially diverting his focus to engineering studies in Adamoua, SKXNNX’s collaboration with Sleym Boone, a rapper and beatmaker, led to the creation of the album “CHAMBER MUSIC.” Following the attainment of his design engineering diploma, SKXNNX took a bold step, leaving Cameroon for Russia to pursue his passion for music and modelling. Branded a “UFO” in the Russian fashion scene, SKXNNX’s versatility and atypical style, influenced by both Cameroonian and American elements, resulted in a hybrid sound that captivates listeners with aggressive beats and melodious undertones.
After making a mark in the Russian fashion scene, SKXNNX returned to his musical roots, co-founding the GLIZZY GANG with Nigerian rapper Rain of Asini. Their exploration of expatriate life in Russia produced hits like “Call the Plug” and “Blicky.” Despite GLIZZY GANG’s accomplishments, SKXNNX decided to pursue his own artistic direction. Fine-tuning his sound, he launched ‘UP2THEMUNDO’ EP project, featuring tracks like “Monster,” followed by Volume 2 three months later, titled ‘Another One.’ The culmination of SKXNNX’s musical evolution occurred with the December 2022 aforementioned city tour and the release of his most recent project in January 2023, ‘CTRL MUNDO.’ Through these diverse experiences, SKXNNX demonstrates an unwavering commitment to pushing creative boundaries and crafting a distinctive musical identity.
With the unveiling of “ERA,” and the promise of more music on the way, SKXNNX realigns his musical trajectory, firmly asserting himself as an artist more than ever before. He continues to forge a sound uniquely his own, solidifying his position as one to watch in the realm of self-reflective, experimental hip-hop/trap.