By Rose Miami 
HangupsMusic.com – Philadelphia, PA – In a world where internet culture can catapult the obscure into the mainstream, Philadelphia rapper Skrilla has emerged as a testament to this phenomenon. His journey, marked by a viral sensation, a surprising collaboration, and a deep connection to his roots, positions him as a compelling artist on the cusp of significant stardom. The 26-year-old artist, whose real name is Jemille Edwards, has captured national attention not just for his distinctive musical style, but for the serendipitous events that propelled his track "Doot Doot (6 7)" into the cultural zeitgeist.
The initial spark for Skrilla’s widespread recognition came in October, when he found himself sharing a stage with pop singer Natasha Bedingfield at Philadelphia’s Theatre of the Living Arts. Adorned in his signature "soul-snatching" mask, Skrilla performed his track "Doot Doot (6 7)" alongside Bedingfield, a juxtaposition that left the audience visibly perplexed. This unexpected cultural collision was orchestrated by a chain of events initiated by Bedingfield’s son, who, like countless others, had become enamored with the "6 7" meme. The meme, a playful derivative of Skrilla’s song, features a specific hand gesture and has permeated online communities.
"To this day, I would never picture myself being on the stage with somebody like Natasha," Skrilla admitted during a Zoom interview from his hometown, speaking before a chilly October evening football game. He explained that the "6 7" phrase, originating from Philadelphia, resonated with Bedingfield, leading her team to contact his. What followed was an improbable invitation that underscored the power of viral trends to bridge disparate artistic worlds.
Skrilla’s career has 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 newcomer has rapidly ascended the ranks of the rap scene, becoming an undeniable force in viral culture. The track itself, characterized by its ominous soundscape and Skrilla’s distinct, rambling flow, is a captivating example of street rap. It has amassed over 62 million streams on Spotify and its accompanying music video has garnered 22 million views on YouTube, solidifying its status as a bona fide hit.
The "6 7" catchphrase, which also carries the gravitas of a police code for homicide, transformed into a meme following a widely shared video from 2025. In the clip, a high school basketball player humorously ranked a Starbucks drink using the phrase and accompanying hand motion. The meme’s pervasive influence was so significant that Dictionary.com recognized "6 7" as its Word of the Year in October, a testament to Skrilla’s unintentional impact on popular vernacular.
"I’m pretty sure nobody saw that coming," Skrilla reflected on the song’s viral explosion. "Every song that I make, I have a feeling that it’s going to blow. But this one actually did." The track’s remarkable ascent, coupled with his unique brand of macabre gangsta rap, has placed him on the precipice of mainstream stardom, a journey that began in much more grounded, and at times, perilous circumstances.
Born Jemille Edwards, Skrilla’s early life in Philadelphia’s Kensington neighborhood was marked by a blend of typical childhood activities and the stark realities of his environment. Kensington, a working-class area known for its visible open-air drug market, presented a challenging backdrop. Despite these influences, Skrilla maintained a disciplined approach to his education, even participating in a 2013 demonstration honoring Trayvon Martin, as documented by The Philadelphia Inquirer. Although he denies any personal knowledge of George Zimmerman, the report highlights a young boy with his likeness advocating for justice.
High school presented significant obstacles, including a two-and-a-half-year period of house arrest stemming from heroin-related charges. Yet, even through these adversities, Skrilla persevered and ultimately graduated. His musical inspirations during this formative period included artists like Kodak Black, Chief Keef, Future, and Young Thug, whose authenticity he credits with fostering his own self-expression. The experience of spending time with friends in the studio led him to explore his own creative voice, and he quickly demonstrated a natural aptitude for songwriting.
His 2018 track "Dog Food" showcased a more traditional, Atlanta-influenced cadence, featuring a menacing piano loop that amplified the song’s inherent sense of danger, even within its conventional flex-anthem structure. Over time, Skrilla’s artistic evolution became evident through subsequent releases such as the EPs Kutthroat (2022) and Thrilla (with Thwaglord, also 2022), as well as his 2023 projects Santos and Gemini Season, and the 2024 offerings Underworld and Zombie Love Kensington Paradise. During this period, his flows grew increasingly unconventional and asymmetrical.
Drawing inspiration from his Mexican mother, Skrilla began incorporating imagery from Santeria, an Afro-Cuban faith he adopted at the age of seven, into his music videos. This fusion of cultural and spiritual elements, combined with his distinctive sonic palette, created an artistic identity that defied easy categorization. By the summer of 2023, his burgeoning talent had secured him a deal with Priority Records.
Skrilla’s younger brother and manager, Jevon "Von" Edwards, recognized his brother’s potential for stardom years prior, citing his inherent "hustler ambition" and "cool-kid charisma." Von recalled Skrilla’s early entrepreneurial spirit, including his efforts to design and sell his own shirts, highlighting the essential qualities of drive and magnetism crucial for a rapper.
The rapper’s striking visual aesthetic, which Von likens to that of Tyler, The Creator, is another element that commands attention. "It’s raw, so even when it looks ugly, [there’s] still beauty in it," Von commented. "You take a double look and actually look at it, it looks smooth." This ability to find beauty in the unconventional contributes to Skrilla’s magnetic appeal.
Fueled by a combination of fortunate virality and his unique artistic sensibilities, Skrilla has steadily built momentum toward national recognition. The "Doot Doot (6 7)" remix featuring G Herbo further amplified its reach. His prolific output continued with the release of the Lil Yachty collaboration "Rich Sinners" in October, followed by a remix of "Lick Back" with Coi Leray in November. In early January, he dropped the music video for "RYLO." His forthcoming album, Z, is set to feature the Lil Yachty track and a collaboration with Tierra Whack. The album’s title is a poignant nod to Zombieland, a nickname for his Kensington neighborhood, and signifies a new chapter for the artist.
"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 revealed that he has made significant progress over the past year, actively working to overcome personal self-destructive habits.
Von anticipates Skrilla will become a prominent voice for the next generation of artists. Currently, Skrilla’s focus also extends to personal milestones, including attending a football game with his father, a surprise gesture that underscores the importance of family. He expressed a desire to be remembered primarily as a father, cherishing moments with his two young daughters and anticipating the arrival of two more children.
While navigating the demands of fatherhood, Skrilla remains dedicated to his musical aspirations. "My goal for my career is just keeping my head on my shoulders and making music as much as I can," he stated, emphasizing the importance of staying true to himself. This commitment to authenticity is the driving force behind his compelling artistic journey.