By Rose Miami 
HangupsMusic.com – Philadelphia, PA – In a world where viral trends can catapult artists to unforeseen heights, Skrilla, a 26-year-old rapper hailing from Philadelphia, has emerged as a testament to the unpredictable nature of modern fame. His journey, marked by a peculiar intersection of street code, internet memes, and mainstream pop culture, culminated in a surreal performance alongside singer Natasha Bedingfield. The sight of Skrilla, clad in his signature "soul-snatching" mask, delivering his gritty single "Doot Doot (6 7)" at Philadelphia’s Theatre of the Living Arts, left many in the audience bewildered, a perfect encapsulation of the digital age’s penchant for ironic juxtapositions.
This unlikely collaboration stemmed from the widespread adoption of the "6 7" meme, a playful yet nonsensical phrase originating from Skrilla’s track that gained traction among young audiences. Bedingfield’s son, like countless others, was captivated by the meme and its accompanying hand gesture – a casual, upward-and-downward motion with palms facing skyward. This cultural ripple effect led Bedingfield’s team to reach out to Skrilla’s, initiating a chain of events that would place the Philadelphia native on a stage far removed from his usual haunts. "To this day, I would never picture myself being on the stage with somebody like Natasha," Skrilla shared in a candid Zoom interview, calling in from his hometown as he prepared to watch a college football game. " ‘6 7’ came from Philadelphia, and she was like, ‘Oh, I want to meet the person [who popularized it].’ And her team contacted my team, and it was just up from there."
Skrilla’s career has indeed been on an upward trajectory since the unofficial release of "Doot Doot (6 7)" in December 2024, followed by its official debut the subsequent February. The track has transformed him from an underground artist into a bona fide rap contender and a significant force in viral culture. The song’s success, boasting over 62 million Spotify streams and 22 million YouTube views for its accompanying music video, can be attributed to its ominous soundscape and Skrilla’s distinctive, rambling vocal delivery, crafting an immersive street rap experience.
The "6 7" catchphrase, which also carries a darker undertone as a police code for homicide, exploded into mainstream consciousness after a high school basketball player was filmed in 2025 humorously ranking a Starbucks drink using the phrase and its associated hand motion. This viral moment led Dictionary.com to declare "6 7" its Word of the Year in October 2025, underscoring its pervasive influence. Skrilla, the architect of this linguistic phenomenon, expressed his astonishment at the track’s viral success: "I’m pretty sure nobody saw that coming. Every song that I make, I have a feeling that it’s going to blow. But this one actually did." This unexpected ascent, coupled with his unique brand of macabre gangsta rap, has positioned him on the cusp of significant stardom, a journey that began in far more challenging circumstances.
Born Jemille Edwards, Skrilla experienced a relatively typical upbringing in Philadelphia’s Kensington neighborhood. He played AAU basketball and harbored aspirations of becoming a fashion designer before his life took a more perilous turn. Kensington, a predominantly low-income, working-class area, has long grappled with the realities of urban decay and an active open-air drug market. Despite these environmental pressures, Skrilla excelled academically and demonstrated an early commitment to social justice. A 2013 report from The Philadelphia Enquirer documented a 14-year-old boy matching his name and appearance participating in a demonstration honoring Trayvon Martin following George Zimmerman’s acquittal.
His adolescence was marked by significant adversity. During his high school years, Skrilla faced two-and-a-half years of house arrest stemming from multiple heroin-related charges. Remarkably, he persevered and successfully graduated from high school despite these legal entanglements.
Before embarking on his musical career, Skrilla found inspiration in the raw, often drug-infused styles of artists like Kodak Black, Chief Keef, Future, and Young Thug. "Those are my favorite artists in life," he stated. "Them being themself helped me be myself." After spending time in studios with friends, he decided to try his hand at recording. His natural talent was immediately apparent, setting him apart from many aspiring artists.
His 2018 track "Dog Food" showcased a more conventional, Atlanta-influenced cadence, featuring an ominous piano loop that amplified the inherent danger within what was otherwise a typical boastful rap song. Over time, Skrilla’s artistic evolution became evident through subsequent releases and projects such as Kutthroat (2022), Thrilla with Thwaglord (2022), Santos (2023), Gemini Season (2023), Underworld (2024), and Zombie Love Kensington Paradise (2024). His flows grew increasingly asymmetrical, reflecting a developing artistic identity.
Drawing inspiration from his Mexican mother, Skrilla began incorporating imagery referencing Santeria, an Afro-Cuban faith he adopted at the age of seven, into his music videos. This fusion of personal spirituality and artistic expression, combined with his unique sonic palette, created a distinct and difficult-to-categorize artistic persona. By the summer of 2023, his burgeoning talent had caught the attention of Priority Records, leading to a record deal.
Skrilla’s younger brother, Jevon "Von" Edwards, who also serves as his manager, recognized the makings of stardom in Skrilla years ago. "He always had a hustler ambition, and he always had the cool-kid charisma," Von explained. He recalled Skrilla’s entrepreneurial spirit, even in his youth, as he would purchase iron-on print sheets from Walmart to create his own custom merchandise. "Those are two things that when it comes to a rapper, you got to be a hustler and you got to be a cool kid."
The rapper’s striking visual aesthetic, which Von likens to that of Tyler, The Creator, also contributes to his allure. "It’s raw, so even when it looks ugly, [there’s] still beauty in it," Von elaborated. "You take a double look and actually look at it, it looks smooth."
Fueled by a combination of fortunate virality and his inherent individuality, Skrilla has solidified his path toward national recognition. "Doot Doot (6 7)" has since been remixed with G Herbo, and Skrilla has continued to collaborate with prominent artists. In October, he released "Rich Sinners" with Lil Yachty, followed by a remix of "Lick Back" with Coi Leray in November. January saw the release of the music video for his track "RYLO." His highly anticipated forthcoming album, Z, will feature the Lil Yachty collaboration and a track with Tierra Whack. The album’s title, Z, is a direct nod to Zombieland, a nickname for his Kensington roots, and is slated for release in the coming months.
"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 articulated, hinting at personal growth and a shift towards healthier habits over the past year.
Von anticipates Skrilla will be a prominent figure for the next generation of artists. Currently, however, Skrilla’s focus is on enjoying a college football game, a surprise outing arranged by his father. These personal moments are deeply valued by Skrilla, who envisions a future where he is primarily remembered as a devoted father. He has two young daughters and anticipates the arrival of two more children.
While cherishing his role as a father, Skrilla remains dedicated to his music. "My goal for my career is just keeping my head on my shoulders and making music as much as I can," he stated. "And just being me." This commitment to authenticity remains the cornerstone of his artistic identity.
Listen to Skrilla’s Zombie Love Kensington Paradise Album Deluxe.
See All the Rappers Touring in 2026.