Ski Mask The Slump God On 'Stokeley,' XXXTentacion, and Drake

Hours after the release of his new album 'Stokeley,' Ski Mask the Slump God sat down for a candid conversation about his year in 2018. In addition to discussing the phasing out of the “mumble rap” movement, Ski Mask spoke with Complex about his favorite songs on 'Stokeley, 'his disdain for 'The Book of Eli,' the influence of XXXTentacion, his durag history (and how Drake factors into it), and the moment he got Juice WRLD to finally rage in a song. (edited)
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COMPLEX is a community of creators and curators, armed with the Internet, committed to surfacing and sharing the voices and conversations that define our new America. Our videos exemplify convergence culture, exploring topics that include music, sneakers, style, sports and pop culture through original shows and Complex News segments. Featuring your favorite celebrities, authoritative commentary, and a unique voice, our videos make culture pop.

[@Complexnews]

What's the standout track on Stokeley?

[@ELSPIKE_]

So high for me

[@reubensingh3918]

Nuketown

[@dennissaucier6561]

Foot fungus

[@vhsiparadise2994]

Faucet Failure

[@sohann4051]

foot fungus

[@yandhrew]

_"I wanted to make X proud"_ -Ski Mask😢

[@ramialrefai5428]

Andrew Lopez 17 hours ago 17 likes

[@sheluvher0in666]

Andrew Lopez he almost said jah

[@cespandadraws8272]

that killed me ): and made me want to cry

[@nabilyahya8141]

PROTECT SKI AT ALL COSTS

[@Bbyvoolin]

Got u vro🤘🔥🔫

[@davidfernandez3237]

He’s the last we got😂

[@Bbyvoolin]

@@davidfernandez3237 true

[@FreeOfAllFear]

At all costs 💯

[@commonenemymanuel9572]

Hes the closest thing to X

[@leooboomin6132]

He looks and sounds so much better than a couple of months ago

[@derekschultz5029]

Yeah he does. Sounds better too. Losing that weight he put on for a bit, hopefully he gets that surgery he needs soon.

[@FreeOfAllFear]

X death woke him up

[@marsmotionless8117]

His voice don’t sound raspy asf anymore

[@11DariusKasparaitis]

Stopped sipping

[@Jxyded2]

Ugly God facts, he used to sound like he always needed a glass of water

[@KILSYN-MD]

Lmao “imma stop here” “sup drake”

[@dandrejohnson1522]

shooot ski tryna get a feature with Drake

[@jaymeworld]

Dandre Johnson nah homie just tryna stay alive 😂

[@zleepkidyoungGod]

Official Jayem he said that holy sh&%#+#€#%{*#!#€,,, He will end up like X, if he kept goin

[@SBG_Arseny]

He means "He will end up like X" Do you know how to read? Also he wasn't dick riding drake, he is simply explaining that we all know drake is a guy sending hits out on people so he's saying ski is next if he says something that drake doesn't like. It's a Hypothetical Joke. With much Realism. Good day Women.

[@balentincamargo5248]

Fuck drake

[@James-xy4nj]

Does anybody else just want to watch and hour long video of ski talking about X?

[@crisr9226]

James Xx me

[@makeouthehill1724]

James Xx of course

[@swagboii123ful]

Hell yeah

[@tails1960]

I love x but ski is also hos own person i would like an hour long interview with ski speaking about everything, including x

[@lovelucii1181]

tails YESSSS

[@yafavvp1sces]

the only beyonce i’ll acknowledge

[@moed8975]

Monica big fax

[@yafavvp1sces]

@RJM STUDIOS im always in the rolling loud chat 😂 im watching it today also

[@cybercandy6063]

same

[@demerikkoreynolds7492]

Big facts🤣

[@makeouthill8194]

Monica period

[@James-xy4nj]

this 5 min shit ain't enough. especially with ski.

[@christianhicks7395]

James Xx he raps fast so...nah i’m playing

[@julissatbh]

“Who am I? I am Beyoncé... but my real name is Ski mask... but my real name is Stokeley.” 😂

[@danmills729]

Most underrated rapper rn 🔥🔥

[@SubieFrancis]

Artist* 😂

[@health5227]

Nigga trash

[@blanketwhite5672]

Yxng Sisco Beatz stfu

[@blanketwhite5672]

Anonymous _ like you bitch

[@mirotaatila8044]

@@blanketwhite5672 ski is an artist tf you talkin bout

[@Slxndrr]

They should make ski’s and X’s friendship into a movie. Starting with how X and Ski got in jail and ending with X dying and Ski releasing STOKELEY. Then when the credits roll BAD! can be playing and it could be like pics of the actual X and Ski performing together. Dammit gimme a camera y’all.

[@mattjones5452]

On god that would be fire asf tbh

[@ksvwooskii7964]

Nobody could portray them though. They were way too unique just put face tatts on anybody and call them Very Rare.

[@mirotaatila8044]

They are making an tv show of x or a pilot

[@Slxndrr]

FlyGuy FromThe-6 yea i agree but it’s worth consideration imo

[@sevay]

ChrisGodly TV I love your idea omg!

[@fjdksjgxjs6364]

beyonce looking better than ever

[@ssdiaperwolf]

One of the best albums of the year Stokeley

[@royalpalace1899]

hold this L..

[@SolomonRasputin]

Pretty basic all the way through, but that’s what people want these days.

[@ssdiaperwolf]

@@SolomonRasputin I see what you mean... it's not a far stretch, but still hard. What would your top 5 albums be this year?

[@skriptid8946]

Ngl album of the year *IMO* was TA1300, then Stokeley is a close second and skins a close third. Its sad to see what happened to skins, I love that x was tryna be diverse with the album but I feel like it didn't reach its full potential bcz x wasn't there to make changes he wanted.

[@ssdiaperwolf]

@@skriptid8946 check out our list of GRAMMYs Snubs on our page. I. Xxxtentacion is on there

[@julianvelez2455]

Man Ski knows Drake is shady I can tell . But he ain’t wanna talk too much like X did. Drake got ties with the industry or some shady shit

[@DVRKSTXR]

KingJulianno Right. You have to be at a certain level to actually talk your shit to Drake, man to man, without getting your reputation totally demolished and blackballed in the industry. However, I respect X voicing his opinion and viewpoint of Drake so vocally. It was refreshing seeing an underdog in the game *(at the time)* step up to the top dog so fearlessly and without remorse.

[@Ahrths]

drake got x killed all the facts there if you wanna find em and also watch the sicko mode video @4:23 slow it down and look at who the dies...

[@PurpleHatStudios]

real talk

[@luisxd5003]

Ski didit so he wouldn't burn bridges smh

[@Senketsu69]

Big facts

[@Cozydarula]

The only beyonce we need

[@gthakid9029]

TKurosaki fax

[@thapugmasta1759]

y’all ain’t notice how tense he got when he brought up Drake. There’s something we don’t know

[@a1tomusicbeats494]

Protect Ski at all costs by any means necessary💯

[@bwhite4499]

honestly I feel X new he was getting sacrificed he new he was fixing to die. he made it clear he new that he was dying and he new that Ski was going to blow up. watch X his last show he new that was going to be his last show. The rapper Chinx from new York said the same thing before he was gun down in his car. Yall everyone is not your best friend when you think they your best friend. if y'all truly can get on X level in spiritually you would understand and be able to read people and their fake shit. so yes there's alot we don't know because we aren't there first hand but pay attention you will see through the Bs

[@ChiefPeep]

Skii going hard for his boy, and all of the members only

[@TrippyVillain]

nah he not really cool with mo anymore

[@slogodsslogods7321]

Yeah they got into it, Ski was talking about making a whole new crew on a different interview sad to say. Idk wuts going with that on bt Wifi, trunks and robb are slept on.

[@zynwithin]

G59 Reaper Is they cool brothers go through things they’re cool

[@Imponicle]

@@slogodsslogods7321 Craig, Bass, and Kin so underrated you didnt even put them on there

[@urmomisurdad5422]

That sounded sus af

[@imranfazal6495]

this man is in such a great headspace now he has matured ode and it shows in this new album son shit was fire 🔥

[@Complexnews]

really great energy and vibes.

[@jasonfernandes7965]

The similarities between him and X are crazy... if he had a higher pitched voice i wouldn't be able to tell them apart.. we gotta protect ski no matter what

[@dread4540]

TXC_ Vidal ski is better than x tho

[@jasonfernandes7965]

@@dread4540 where did i say x was better than ski lmao who gives af anyways ya'll childish saying one is better than the other. Fuck with them both or stfu

[@Bigsteppafatt]

4:15 to 4:23 killled me 😂😂😂 “i need to hide this forehead” “idk how it came about it just came to the front and i was just like.... shoe lace😂😂”

[@508ctk]

*We need Ski & J.I.D!*

[@Complexnews]

Facts

[@508ctk]

@@kayd3528, 💯

[@kayd3528]

@@508ctk 😎😎😎😎 Yes super super dope.

[@508ctk]

@@Complexnews, Oh shit

[@skriptid8946]

OMG yessss the contrast would be amazing

[@duanadanielle2335]

Ski mask and xxxtentacion are the most beautifully put way to be "the same different" and that being said....."2BToTaLLyHoNeST"

[@akeembrown7661]

duana danielle what?

[@duanadanielle2335]

What do u mean what lol

[@gaadrung]

is that even English??

[@akeembrown7661]

Am I the only one struggling? Lol

[@duanadanielle2335]

2BToTaLLyHoNeST is a phrase I often heard them use

[@KGaLaxY_]

Rip X 🕊❤️

[@notmyrealnamep9218]

KingAlphA_ _ fuck X lol

[@NlINAA]

@@notmyrealnamep9218 Fuck you lol

[@jayb8366]

Rip X 🦃💚

[@aeraswrld]

Every time he talks he sounds like he's rapping I love his voice🥰.

[@julesgb8414]

LLJ, Proud of you ski

[@j-10k64]

Ski wanted to cut it short about Drake being influenced by X in one of his songs

[@zaniyaelle2949]

J- 10K which one...how...?

[@witness1930]

Zaniya Morris xxxtentacion - look at me drake - KMT

[@CraigFisherman]

This is the only person on earth who can talk about x without it being for clout. Even x mother make it seem like clout

[@narutheg.o.a.t5007]

TM TM Ion trust x mom she seem like she in it for the bread

[@yoooooooooooo88]

for real Cleo milking as much money as possible from X’s death, she’s in there for money and clout

[@god.z]

sad but true

[@Miss-ru5tb]

I hate these type a comments! X was the king of clout & very smart when using it to get where he was going. why would you think X wouldn't want his family too make $ ? He cared so much bout taking care of them! Would u be Happy if they just let all the energy X put into his legacy go to waste ? Cleo is in charge, so she clout chasing? Or making sure her son's legacy continues & can get as big as he dreamed of being? I personally think X would want all his people to prosper. Ski friendship is genuine , but he has been on his own wave 4 a while now , & has that to focus on. I'd hope y'all who think his family is clout chasing are like pre-teens & just don't understand ,or u just copy what others think, without truly opening ur minds..... SMH

[@CraigFisherman]

@@Miss-ru5tb hypothetically If what you said is valid and respected by people. It still doesn't change what I said, because regardless you're saying im correct? and therefore your essay comment is pretty redundant. Just stop, what an emotionally pointless comment lmao

[@antoniapettis6624]

We must PROTECT SKI AT ALL TIMES!!!!❤️❤️❤️

[@sevay]

noo they didn’t put the baby picture into the video smh

[@exum_0207]

Its the babywipe cover

[@redeley5784]

x is proud

[@ZoroFromTheEastBlue]

he needs to make more songs like “gone” bro stoke still heat tho

[@savion122]

Otaku nigga - “Help Me”

[@reubensingh3918]

Ski X Tyler that would be a banger

[@ulyssesharo9223]

Yes

[@508ctk]

Reuben Singh, YEEEOOOOO

[@Itznkb]

Yeahhh, but Ski & JID tho...

[@203babyleomusic6]

@Meexi facts

[@grrtstckwll]

Meexi I just nutted to this

[@SukiiiSuxx]

Honestly his voice is everything....like just when he talks it’s E V E R Y T H I N G

[@kylep.4820]

How does this not have more views?? Great video

[@Starchildgarde]

LMAOOOO HE WANTED TO SAY DRAKE COPIES FLOWS SO BADD 💀

[@user-pn7yf1iz5k]

SoNotSalty we already know dat

[@alexispap9243]

1:08 He wanted to say Jahseh first

[@54.06]

4:15 “ I need to hide this forehead” 🤣🤣🤣

[@solomonjohnson4886]

i loved the book of eli...

[@tiktiktik9203]

Skriptid but that’s just one song. As a whole the album was not that good

[@skriptid8946]

@@tiktiktik9203 Tru wasn't as good as his other albums but atleast it wasn't all bad

[@solomonjohnson4886]

@@tiktiktik9203 i disagree it's my fave ski project to date, his personality explodes on every track on the tape except geekin. It's clever, raw, energetic, wild, has tons of hilarious lines and similes. It also has a cool magical vibe on it and has some of the most insane flows from any of ski's music. Production is also super loud and really punches which helps elevate the tape even more. I don't think it's for everybody though and Stokeley is a lot easier to get into. I just love ski in general though

[@konykorver3942]

Same 😂

[@trapgodjayrodd599]

Me too

[@lykkelasse3103]

When an album give you a certian Feeling/emotion that you can Remember! Big ups Strokley gives me a certian Feeling that Any other album does'nt, just like Lil Waynes albums

[@victormurillo6956]

Why everybody afraid of drake? like we need someone to step up to him. Pusha T demonstrated that Drake can break

[@yoshimixsu]

Victor Murillo what did push do honestly he didn't come at him with bars he brought up some baby mama drama and his son that's it literally nothing else anyone remembers from his diss track drake killed push bar for bar

[@josuediaz4257]

Young Showoff push made fun of Drake’s producer dying, and how drakes dad ran off on him, he said so much that Drake went on interview whining and saying “push went too far.” And drake got so mad that he offered bands for some dirt on push. Pay attention to the lyrics bruh, push bullied Drake.. 😂

[@josuediaz4257]

Young Showoff and that “didn’t come at him with bars” shows that you probably listen to Icy Narco and Kid Buu lmao

[@yoshimixsu]

Josue Siaz I don't know either of those people guess that shows you listen to them and once again push didn't say shit that was news to anyone except the baby shit we all knew drakes dad left we all knew 40 was dying push didn't say shit

[@josuediaz4257]

Young Showoff You’re wrong on that, again, lol, and what did drake say then? Zz

[@DusseJay]

Rip X 💕🕊

[@Notorious-AP]

CJAY 1K do you know who The Notorious B.I.G. Is?

[@lucD-vj8gq]

@@Notorious-AP ?

[@alfredvelasquez7867]

Is ski trynna say that Drake steals bars Ina nice way but he couldn't find a way to say it lol

[@jaredbrinkman3343]

Alfred Velasquez cuz Drake stole from X lol

[@mateosoto3520]

Ski mask: “I wanted to make x proud” Me: *crys* 😭😭❤️❤️ THANKS U SKI

[@mmwhitaker1]

cries not to sound like a jerk

[@e3mrun]

he sounds like the time he was skinny

[@konykorver3942]

Dude ik

[@Frankycolombo.13]

Lol rappers get fat/chubby after they blow up

[@Milan4]

@@Frankycolombo.13 ski got fatter because of health probelms

[@Deavhrmordhau]

@@Frankycolombo.13 nah it's cuz of lean

[@luiscruzisaboss7238]

@@Deavhrmordhau He has a heart disease

[@xzy-8029]

Juice wrld sounds so much better screaming then being all sad tbh

[@RyanMatson]

xzy- go listen to some fucking metal & leave the hip-hop culture. Thanks bruh.

[@cudithekid3811]

Ryan Matson stfu it’s clearly an opinion and just because there was screaming doesn’t mean it’s not hip hop

[@CTfromthe713]

Ryan Matson lmao what a way to come off as a whining little pussy 😂😂 ur gonna get mad cuz they like a particular way that juice sings? What a little bitch

[@DVRKSTXR]

Ryan Matson Hip-Hop and Rock are synonymous with each other. Why don’t you go do your homework before you start to ill-advisedly advise others with your uncultured ass.

[@sovereigntobacconist]

Screaming and singing... I prefer rapping bro

[@raymondlopez4344]

R.I.P. Juice 😢

[@aliaalyric]

“I wanna make X proud” ~Ski💛

[@sofiam980]

Ahhhhhh I lovee him so muuuuch❤❤❤

[@Morals]

which one of yall interviewed him from complex? i was really surprised, good short interview

[@loafie7334]

It’s sad because when he mentioned X his voice started to deteriorate and he almost broke down. Stay Strong Stokeley. #LLJ #RipX

[@elskulena]

I love his style, I like how he has the do-rag on and then his hat on top. I think it's unique I also love his laugh ❤❤

[@Tom-ct3sq]

I love how down-to-earth Ski is. Aside from his hardcore tracks, I think he's a real nice dude.

[@heyy9772]

things w drake has been so weird lately man he gives me weird vibes now..

[@hunimoonz]

cause he is shady towards everyone he is fake he doesnt write his own music and steals everyones style without crediting

[@kitty-san1524]

i thought I was the only one, drake out here moving shady af...

[@Theunderwrldreloaded]

Push landed a critical attack

[@flygod916]

He always been lol

[@NICK-nr7fw]

Every thing ski drops is 🔥🔥

[@duhitzariia]

When he talks about X you can hear it in his voice and feel it in your heart...the love is always gonna be there no matter what, and the fact that he said he wanted to make X proud..🙁💔.

[@marley1416]

I love the fact that he isn’t categorizing himself like most artists.He took the time out to find himself and actually put work into this album which I’m so proud of him for.He seems so vibrant and happy even after his bestfriend going home.He is is so amazing,I love him so much🦋🇯🇲

[@11thWoods]

Stokeley cooks!! Good job Ski!!!

[@NICK-nr7fw]

He not a rapper he an artist 🔥🔥

[@dantemolinari7253]

" I want to make X proud cuz I know he's always watching but I also want to make myself proud as a artist ", bro, he's already proud of u, before he passed away he was already proud

[@DVRKSTXR]

As a fan, I’m extremely proud of Ski’s devotion and desire to progress and mature as an artist. I can’t wait for the next project. Easily one of the best artists out of the new wave of Hip-Hop. 💯

[@Notorious-AP]

I love Ski

[@chefcurry8983]

i love ski

[@lisaalisa9762]

Ski is my everything💞 such amazing artist!!!!!!

[@courtxsummer]

He’s so humble and great. Proud

[@dennispaul7293]

I feel fantastic

[@ChiefPeep]

SKI MASK FT KING CHRIS AND IMDONTAI WOULD BE FIRE

[@makeouthill8194]

LMAOOOOOOOO I love this interview 😂😂😂

[@itssesha24]

bruhh, I thought at the start when he got asked "who am I" I thought he was gonna say "someone that's afraid to let go" 😂

[@NextgenSkillz]

He’s definitely doing better for himself recently

[@SuperInstrumentals1]

Who is the backround beat starting at 3:00 ???

[@crisr9226]

Were

[@imtrippin7226]

Ikr that beat is lit.

[@doughboy8572]

This man is just so amazing to watch an listen too

[@eightspeed249]

god i love ski and this interview

[@ninjaundue]

That album is the shit 🔥🔥🔥

[@Sirnayooo]

Whaat he was trying to say was Drake is a culture Vulture lol

[@Cat-vg4qf]

I adore himmmm

[@RyanPs3gamer123]

luv this dude

[@fraserpaterson6850]

swear drake sacrificed X and Ski is shouting him out..

[@DirectorSkitsandBTS]

Skiii 🙏🔥🔥

[@thatssoabee]

LOVE HIMMM

[@aronrodel9069]

Brooo i love ski

[@Benj3n]

Was that a fart or the chair ? 😂😂

[@LPRambo6]

Benji Nela as soon as i read this comment that shit happened 😂😂

[@Iamlittlebitdotcom]

😭😭

[@blanketwhite5672]

Benji Nela chair

[@geovannipink7105]

What shoes is he wearing ,those are heat

[@donovangilbert8188]

LV i think

[@clara-aaliyahogarro5079]

love you ski❣️

[@wockfrompoland8323]

X`s friends talk about X in almost all interview

[@mall504]

I wish he would have finished his perspective on Drake.

[@mitsuki4946]

He cant if he wants to be alive

[@sloweddownshtuff338]

exactly^

[@iluvangel_]

“Shoe lace”ou I love him🤣💕

[@heyitsphlopy3103]

I agree with the way Ski sees music like when he was talkin about the themes and stuff I think that’s cool

[@ppsuc6931]

I just realized how early I am lol

[@hal4499]

No one cares

[@b.e.z6831]

Who's smoking a blunt behind his chair?

[@amberly4428]

Man i miss X sm😢❤️

[@jsplzissemoi]

i love him

[@makeouthehill1724]

faucet failure

[@onur3473]

We need ski vs drake

[@kingcoaster7241]

Onur how bouta collar it’ll blow ski up

[@kamaripryor1844]

I love the he talks 😍❤️

[@xen1568]

I love this dude

[@izzegregory7026]

I'm Glad that he knows book of Eli was trash

[@kidd595]

I don’t know why but slump reminds me of Tyler the creator

[@lonelystar9446]

LLJ 🕊

[@BoltBoy21]

We love you ski keep doing your shit man

[@zappin4596]

this guy cannot die, he's too telanted to die