Mad Skillz • R&B MONEY Podcast • Ep.093

The Authority On All Things R&B !
On this week's episode of The R&B Money Podcast, Tank and J Valentine welcome the multitalented Mad Skillz. Skillz takes us through his legendary journey that spans from meeting Q-Tip, becoming a geographical member of the Native Tongue Family, shaking Timbaland's hand and becoming Missy Elliott's hype man. Not to mention secretly and not so secretly penning some of the illest bars in the game. From his early days as a battle rapper in Richmond, Virginia, to his iconic "Rap Up" series that recapped each year's events in rhyme, Mad Skillz has left an indelible mark on hip-hop culture. He's collaborated with the likes of Will Smith, Diddy, Jadakiss, and Busta Rhymes, and even served as a ghostwriter for some of the industry's biggest names. With his witty wordplay and undeniable flow, Mad Skillz continues to inspire and influence aspiring MCs worldwide. Mad Skillz is in the building! Now on The R&B Money Podcast.
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Tank: @TheRealTank
therealtank...
J Valentine: @JValentine
jvalentine...
Director: @jacobhuizarofficial
jacobhuizar...
Podcast Producer: Ruben Rivera
www.youtube.com/@KnowYourStud...
Podcast IG: @RnBMoneyPodcast
rnbmoneypod...
#tank #jvalentine #rnbmoneypodcast
0:00 Intro
3:55 Start
9:10 Writing
14:00 VA
26:15 GhostWriting
51:50 Hip Hop
56:50 Time
1:05:40 90s Girl Brunch
1:11:50 Top 5 R&B Singers
1:23:50 Top 5 R&B Songs
1:35:00 R&B Voltron
1:38:05 I Aint Saying No Names
1:49:00 Outro

[@wrecka4string]

Can we start a campaign to submit this podcast for the 2025 NAACP Awards? This show is too important to the culture! 🙌🏽

[@seriouslyshirley]

No brainer. Only competition may be Club Shay Shay.

[@bonifidehustla]

If anything RnB Legends should create their own and honor their honor. Tank and J started the first steps. NAACP if your not part of the boule or a democratic shill they hate you. Plus black people don't even run it.

[@ItsToniBe]

Period. Submissions open in August and these guys absolutely deserve a nomination, campaign, or vote!!

[@TaWandaJoyner]

It's not a problem. The "Two Funny Momma's" podcast won two years in a row in their category. Podcast followers/viewers just need to be diligent in voting every day online.🦋

[@tenitalks]

I honestly don't understand why they weren't nominated this year!

[@mzapril007]

R& B Money and 90 Girls Brunch....👀👀👀..... Im down for that..... Yaaaas I Am..... Who is Down.... Lets Go R &B Money Fam❤💃🏽🕴🏽🔥🙌🏽

[@fred529]

…. At Essence Fest Wknd 👀

[@GiftsbyChosen]

I was dayum sure looking to see if there's one in my city, because I'm here for it😊

[@mzapril007]

@@GiftsbyChosen lolol right

[@mzapril007]

@@fred529 are u saying it's going to be at the Essence Fest or are you suggesting it should be there? ❤️

[@fred529]

@@mzapril007 suggesting and manifesting lol!!

[@DreaISmith]

He is such as great story teller! Energy is infectious!

[@geneticallycurated]

Agreed!

[@jgooch99]

💯

[@sheischic77]

Yes he is !

[@LADYDIVAful]

When Michael Jackson died, my niece was three years old. She entered the room and said, “Hey y’all, Michael Jackson died.” She saw the news on the TV in her room. Everyone stopped what they were doing and looked at each other because she wasn’t even born when MJ was touring and popping. Then, I was convinced that Michael Joseph Jackson would forever be the greatest of all time.

[@Wc7823]

Forever because my 4 kids go crazy when I play the Thriller album, and even Off the Wall. We watch the videos too. The 3 year old lives for Human Nature.

[@ajrose1245]

The ORIGINATOR of the rap up! The best to do it, not that other dude that stole it!

[@timned]

This was legendary! The Pharrell story was golden!

[@thomasscott3973]

Magnum the Verb Lord!😂

[@TheDJFranchise410]

The fact that Skillz doesn’t share who he has written for is #Crazy That’s the type of person you want in your corner. GREAT EPISODE!

[@Lucky.Pasta1]

"I tried to be in front of the camera, and that got me back at the parking deck." He😢 started paying attention. I am glad I watched this! R&B history!

[@PrincipalForTheDay]

I can see exactly why He's on this episode, music history is music history

[@Madein67]

I almost didn’t watch. I’m soooo glad I did. Even told my son to watch. Demanded actually.

[@Muzikal_Kween]

My friends know not to interrupt me when The Valentine is on! Also, I really appreciate the love yall have for each other. I never get tired of J facials when Tank plays Top5. 😂

[@PorshaOnAJourney]

it never gets old

[@alee7322]

You can tell he’s a fan like us❤

[@jonjin864]

This interview could’ve did another hour and I would be still tuned in… great stories and gems this episode

[@chelseywimbish7090]

The way I smile from ear to ear when anyone mentions Stokley or Joe😍😍

[@TorTheWeirdo]

That part about WanMor is absolutely correct. We should be supporting them more as a community.

[@raysr5770]

🙌🏿

[@InfinitleYours]

Real love written and produced by Cory Rooney and Mark Morales (Prince Markie Dee from the Fat Boys)

[@IG9611]

He is sooooooooo right about OPTIMISTIC! Still playing that in 2024!... 🗣🔥🗣

[@patbenny3152]

2nd notion that

[@darrellmccall6100]

The Pressure “reprise version “ is 🔥too

[@Fries1216]

Him mentioning Nights Over Egypt by the Jones Girls was everything 🔥

[@MsB2232]

I don’t think optimistic gets the recognition it deserves. Classic. It gets you in a good mood every time you hear it.

[@ajrose1245]

Let's go Skillz! 804 to 757 stand up!💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾

[@CandyCollectionxoxo]

He's Family

[@ajrose1245]

​@@CandyCollectionxoxo indeed

[@804E]

Real talk!

[@tiamonique]

That 2Up 2Down !

[@ajrose1245]

@@tiamonique yes ma'am! 💪🏾💪🏾

[@JustUdoro]

If you are watching or listening to this and DON’T SEE or HEAR GOD’s hands all over this man’s journey….YOU ARE SADLY MISTAKEN!! From his Zacchaeus moment in the tree…to a “random” walk up in a parking lot…”hearing something” to tell the TRUTH about not having a deal…ONLY God!! Art and MUSIC are only sourced and created by one true God. MY GOODNESS!!!! Okay…back to watching…🙌🏾❤️🔥

[@byrdtaylor5703]

FACTSSS!!!!

[@TatiyanaDean]

I love all your comments you post on this channel, I can tell we think alike 🙌🏾 everything good comes from God truly and this podcast shows that consistently, whether people realize it or not

[@JustUdoro]

@@TatiyanaDean Awwww thank you and back to you! Great minds…right??! 🤣🙌🏾

[@astoldbytravi]

Sound of Blackness - Optimistic …. Mannnnn I remember my dad playing this every morning before dropping me off to school. Really set the tone for my day! 🙌🏾🔥

[@imarriedkim09]

Harold Lilly and Mad Skillz best 2 " I ain't saying no names."

[@GStreat]

Who do you think he was talking about?

[@imarriedkim09]

@GStreat The fun of the segment is in the not knowing! I just found it interesting how much people like freedom until it interrupts their personal economy and the lengths they will go to stop someone else's creativity.

[@GStreat]

@@imarriedkim09 fasho! Good point.

[@keithdo2551]

@@GStreatguessing Musiq, who has always wanted to be a rapper. Eventually he did a rap album under the alter ego The Husel. The story probably was around the time “Love” came out

[@GStreat]

@@keithdo2551 for some reason I am thinking Chris Brown

[@MrEQUE1973]

TANK!!! That was the best Top Five Intro EVER!!!!🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@MsATLVirgo]

These are the most slept on episodes!! Great show!!! 🙌🏾🙌🏾

[@1eyeopen4u2c]

Thank you, Mad Skillz, for explaining the Michael Jackson effect so well. I witnessed the energy and fainting live on several occasions. No one like him. The world 🌎 was shook when he passed. King of R&B, Pop and any other genre he touched. #1

[@sametragreen553]

Absolutely I can remember as a little girl and me mom and sister went to Canada to mj and the 5 and the faint was real😊

[@MrDprince804]

Skillz always been Passionate about this music thing…. Always an inspiration… glad to say i been in the Legendary Kenndedy Talent shows he talked about with D’angelo and Harold and his group at the time… spent plenty of times in my Donland crew studio just watching him work or shooting the shit.. like he said Missy say.. He dont forget nothing… his knowledge about our era in music is insane… always knew his journey but it never gets old hearing it over and over again… this Damion incase he in these comments 🤟🏾💯

[@catinaservin10]

❤❤ Mad Skillz❤❤ so many producers/song writers out there you never even know about who's behind the songs 🎵!! Another great interview !! R & B Money 💰 Podcast definitely be educating us fans 🙌❤️🙌

[@imakeitlooksoeasy]

OPTIMISTIC- Sounds of Blackness🔥🔥🔥

[@JackieArmstrong]

Skillz's Voltron is literally Stokely 2.0.

[@kokosoul77]

Mad Skillz, Love him RVA, I remember auditioning for Teddy Riley -Future Entertainment Talent shows in Va Beach! I was at VCU when he was working in the parking deck! So proud of him! RVA Love!! 🎼❤

[@josephmann2279]

Dope..VSU days I remember seeing skills outside Ivorys Thursday nights when DJ Kool dj there 804!!

[@rcc3music]

MAD SKILLS with these little known facts about some of the lyrics we've been listening to for 30 years shows how studied this guy is, a great listener in addition to being a great writer. ❤

[@iammlove7428]

It was very refreshing to hear a ghost writer who tried his hand to be in front of the mic explain the 2 sides of how an artist can, should and do use a ghostwriter. One talent to a great storyteller is HOW they tell the story. The artist is the HOW. ❤

[@kl2spencer319]

That was the funniest “I ain’t saying no names” to date!!! I’m am so 💀 😂😂😂😂

[@MrTrackwizard]

Good morning everyone. I’m looking forward to another great show. Everybody be blessed.

[@mzapril007]

Good morning...You tooo...🍵🫖... Ready

[@luddacriss]

Madd Skillz is that dude. We have always given buddy his props here in NC.

[@thebonitaapplebumm]

2 up, 2 down! Skillz was our first mainstream rapper, and always repped VA. It was so dope to hear about his connections to my hometown heroes. His impression of Magoo was so on point, and made me miss him even more. . Thank you for this episode, made me even more proud to be from the magical land of VA. ♥

[@jisseidydiaz]

“To all my 🥷and my 🐩” 🤣🤣🤣

[@ATLGETREADY4ME]

Now I wanna know who he was talking about. I usually never wanna know but now I do I know who I think it is, but I doubt that.

[@jisseidydiaz]

@@ATLGETREADY4ME me too! I’m dying to know. 😂

[@LeedershipLabz]

Had to be Trey Songz because he said he was from VA

[@latoyathomas6544]

​@@LeedershipLabzI didn't even catch that little tidbit! I was sitting here trying to recall if Maxwell was out then...or Mario...or Ne•Yo? But your very astute observation has now made me drop Ne•Yo. He was born here in Arkansas and then moved to Vegas at age 8 if I remember correctly. I just put Breezy in his place. That YO! was my ish back then! Fellow friends of the 'Pod, has there been an episode yet where Tank & The Valentine hear the IASNN story & know who their Guest is speaking of?

[@creepinoutdaziploc3115]

Jamie Foxx and Keri Hilson. Tank knew ​@@latoyathomas6544

[@Traedai]

I’m smiling from ear to ear right now

[@MrDudley175]

Mad Skillz is a beast...If the world only know all the ghost writing he has done... Please keep these interviews coming, you all can't miss ..R&B Money is the Truth.

[@jaytek154]

Absolutely Love Skillz, Such A Great Guy, Who Loves Our Culture and Is Definitely One Of VA's Finest. That's My Guy.

[@mischelldavis7617]

Skillz has me in my kitchen breaking out in dance every time he mentions a song!!! Cooking and dancing🥰

[@ZwideSN]

The top 5 dialogue was quite interesting and enlightening. Well done gentlemen!

[@gemsound]

I think his “I Ain’t Sayin’ No Names” is Musiq Soulchild.😂

[@rhoyaldelights5072]

😂😂

[@creepinoutdaziploc3115]

I think it's Trey 😂

[@QueHefner]

I was thinking Trey Songz but wish we knew the real artist!

[@waltbetheone]

This makes sense actually

[@williebrooks3892]

I think Trey Songz, when they said you from VA i thought you was folks is what did it for me

[@IAMWATER7]

This started a bit slow but oh my god I’m so glad I stayed. I had no idea Skillz had so much R&B VA history under his belt

[@NOCHEERINGSECTION]

This was a treat!!! R&B #forever

[@blankcanvasresin8ion493]

Definitely reinforcing why Skillz is a 757 treasure!!

[@D0peSince85]

24:17 this story is AMAZING

[@jazzydad999]

Optimistic does the same for me. Glad to hear it has the same effect on others. Peace Skillz

[@lccdavis2023]

Phenomenal episode! Shout out to Tank, J.V. & Skillz for this one. I've yet to tire from hearing his industry stories, and hearing him mention 804 hometown staples, areas, events, homies, and sentiments encountered throughout the years even while he was rockin' in the 757, and the many other places his career has taken him, is just dope. Much respect, as always. ~Yah

[@akina7491]

This was an incredible Episode It was really Delightful and as the saying goes never judge a book by its cover. Madd Skillz has contributed to R&B massively, who knew he is R&B royalty as well as a gifted Rapper and writer. R&b money podcast surprised music fans by uncovering this artist as a well rounded contributor to the craft and J. Valentine let them know. This has to be one the best episodes up to date and his I ain't saying know names was storytelling at his best. Tank singing Top five is just wonderful and joyous. Gee what will this guys have for us on Wednesday. who knows but today was spent laughing getting info and being surprise, this is highly recommended viewing🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥💯

[@kc-jv1rn]

Mad Skillz is one of my faves

[@kjordan911]

I was stationed in Va 93-96...what a time in Hip Hop...🎉❤ Mad Skills is that Dude!

[@Qd322]

MJB "Be Happy" was written by the Queen, P-diddy, Arlene Devalle and Jean Claude Olivier.

[@jameswilkersonjr7666]

I love this interview wit skills alot of people don't realize how a talented writer he is and a bad man of rap he could shut these young rapper down they can't match his skills.

[@thuraya53]

My brothas. Ezccccelllent. Interview. Mad respect to skillz. I have always heard his name bumping around. (I'm a la bru) he speaks facts. I was at the Virginia state homecoming in 1993. My homei was there at the time Performers were the group Intro. Tribe called quest and another I forget . We went to the club one night. No lie biggie was in the little packed club performing party and bullshit from who's the man soundtrack. Nobody was really paying attention. I was because I had bought the " whos the man"cd soundtrack. Mad skillz brought me back to a time. (We the same age 53) Big big salute to yall

[@rebekahharris8713]

Skillz needs to write a book... he has seen so much in real time... and his energy, we need a book 😅

[@CityPrettyMakeup]

I love the story telling with the Top 5 songs

[@user-eu7fq9vp7e]

I absolutely adore how J is still captivated by Tank singing Top Five EVERYTIME.

[@tallyoni]

This was one of my favourite episodes!

[@2LadyDi]

This by far was one of my favorites. It was great to hear a LOT of stories from Mario with humor, seriousness and pain that has stood the test of times time. BMore stood UP!!

[@latriviasbrown4472]

He got in the tree like he gonna see me and hear my skills

[@jarjarbinx1986]

I need yall to get kindred and the family soul on here!

[@djeltheconductor590]

Listen I been a fan of Mad Skillz since the Artifacts days. I love this guy and he is a real one. Great interview

[@katrinajackson-gh7pj]

Every bit of his story takes me back to being 15, 16, 17 in Virginia Beach and being at all the stuff he talked about....Teddy was VERY present at our High School, Princess Anne, during that time...was at the Michael Jackson studio sighting right by the school....remember seeing Lil Kim and Missy on the beach walking the strip..my grandma lived next to No Malice and we got to see them all the time....my dad got to see Pharrell when he was very young playing drums being friends with his dad ...it was poppin' at that time....now it's a family area....this is so nostalgic!!!! We still outchea...come thru.... there's still SO much talent out here!!

[@katrinajackson-gh7pj]

Blige, Sean "Puffy" Combs, Arlene DeValle, and Jean-Claude Olivier wrote Mary Js Be Happy...and those first lyrics hit so different now when you go thru some stuff...love this interview

[@robertmarina6576]

Can we get Bilal on the show?

[@latoyathomas6544]

I'm still waiting(& desperately HOPING) for DeVante and/or Usher! Tamia and/or Toni Braxton as well! Any, and I mean ANY member of Jagged Edge... Same for 112...Brandy...Monica... Faith Evans... There are just so many outstanding R & B Singers and Groups. Take it international & have Craig David and Ella Mai as well. O, the possibilities!😁

[@JackieArmstrong]

Skillz: "...cuz i'm a writer." J.: "For yourself and others..." // Old Man from Coming to America: "...ah hahhh....ah hahhh..." LOL | because in my mind, i've always wondered if Skillz wrote anything for Jay-Z. i'm a Skillz fan. his cadence and slick talk is legendary.

[@MichaelMartinYapNational]

"I'm not a biter, I'm a writer for myself and others / I say a B.I.G. verse, I'm only Bigging up my brother" #WhatMoreCanISay. - Jay Z

[@MichaelMartinYapNational]

"I'm not a biter, I'm a writer for myself and others / I say a B.I.G. verse, I'm only Bigging up my brother" #WhatMoreCanISay. - Jay Z

[@placebosyndrome]

Tank said "fuck my own thing" lolol thank God he listened to G

[@TheBeatHatahs]

Yeah❗️One of the Top 10 Interviews (opinion)

[@youngloveluxe7372]

Optimistic got me through some tough times….hands down a great song

[@los4drum]

D'Angelo 3 albums are still in rotation. As a musician and a fan of R&B music these 3 albums are classics they are ridiculous top to bottom perfect!!! 🤦🏾🔥🔥🔥❤️

[@ebonywhite1388]

This is literally one of my favorite podcasts and that says a lot lol. I get bored easily and Tank and J keep me entertained. Skillz been the truth 🔥

[@VyCityMusic]

Skillz is an excellent story teller !

[@masterl14]

Cant believe you guys didnt talk about his rap ups!!!!! For like 10yrs straight, Skillz Rap Up was the only song I looked forward to! Mad talented!!

[@madskillz848]

We did. It didnt make it into the ep tho.

[@masterl14]

@@madskillz848 DAMN!!! Bonus ep? 👀

[@victorjohnson8374]

Skillz is a national treasure

[@julissagu]

He had to be talking about Trey Songz for that I ain't sayin no names story 😂

[@clemarmclean9443]

I think the Rawkus era is before Trey Songz's time. My guess is Tyrese.

[@jsherfield13]

That's exactly who I was thinking!!😂

[@MIKExANGEL]

This is legendary #VA ❤

[@tylerhackner9731]

Let’s gooo skillz

[@niccolehatcher5665]

Loved this episode! Based on Mad Skillz ghostwriting, the whole episode could be “I ain’t saying no names” and I would be guessing who he wrote for. Keep up the good work!

[@bigboi4975]

Great sit down Kings!! Another great legendary artist!🫡👑

[@leat02]

Luv how he luvd The Queen MJB his post about her doing a Verzus was everything! That Sounds of Blackness song is everything then Ann Nesby came outta there OMG.

[@wishuhad1021]

I ain’t sayin no names eitherrrrrr! 🤣😂🤣😂 that’s a GOOD one !

[@Notorietynobody]

“I’m not saying no names” he gotta be talking about musiq 😂😂

[@airycollective1443]

Oooohh that’s a great guess!

[@masterl14]

London knows R&B music more than any other country. WYTA!! Pull up on us!

[@nigelingraham1545]

Man I remember paying SKILLZ to park in the deck at VCU and seeing him perform at the talent shows. LEGEND!!

[@user-eu7fq9vp7e]

Im so glad i watched this. His love for R&B is undeniable

[@samuelrobinson5612]

This is my weekly BLESSING!! The education and laughs are priceless. I LOVE YOU GUYS AND THIS PODCAST! Don't EVER stop..

[@demi3724]

His answers to the questions of artists and songs were all from a place of feeling outside of skill. I love it!

[@GonzC01]

I have only ever purchased red cars because it's my favorite color so in my mind...my insurance prices are normal...😂 I don't understand taking your hard earned money and not at least buying a car in your favorite color. Fellas this is a great episode as usual. RnB Money is my Saturday must watch podcast.❤

[@sheischic77]

I watched this episode live this morning. It's such a great episode kudos @R&BMoneyPodcast 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@dashiarahmaan8478]

This episode was so so good…I really enjoyed it! Thanks again keep doing what y’all do best, and keep introducing us to amazing people.❤

[@kimberlymoyer1232]

That's true about London, my neice performed there at a small club. Her show not only sold out but at the time she was wearing big curly hair. Her male and female fans came in with curly hair in different colors and knew every word to her songs.

[@DesiLu4Life]

He made a perfect point about MJ.... He had concerts like no other!🔥❤️

[@CityPrettyMakeup]

👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾 Sing Tank 🙂‍↔️🔥

[@chrishaunajohnson4916]

Loved this. Didn’t know who he was. Great interview! His I ain’t saying no names was hilarious!

[@jsw2201]

Great episode! I have a strong suspicion that the "I ain't saying no names" story is about Trey Songz. Especially when Skillz made reference to the VA connection.

[@leav4g]

He said it wasn't in the chat.

[@astoldbytravi]

Yet another great episode! Mad Skillz came with it… that man shoal know some music!!! Loved it! 🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾 Thanks RB Money! ❤

[@reginajordan2498]

One of the Best episodes ever!!! 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@15claughton]

Richmond we here now💪🏿

[@tiffanyjohnson8119]

J you are right the top 5 intro is sung differently every time.

[@kiashade93]

Honestly, this was incredible! A story about life, perseverance and pivoting! Thanks again for this big brothers! ❤❤