The FADER: How did you meet Black Jesus?
Skrilla: “I was in my neighborhood, getting ready to go to the studio, and it just popped in my head that I wanted somebody from the neighborhood on the album. So I started walking around, talking to everybody, just seeing who had something to say. Then he walked up to me, and as soon as I heard his voice, I was like, ‘What’s your name?’ He said, ‘Black Jesus.’
Every answer he gave me, I could tell he had a story. I could tell he had been through a lot. His voice was exactly what I was looking for.
In Kensington, you never really know if you’re ever going to see somebody again. So I felt like if I let that moment pass, I might miss out on something incredible for the project. I ended up taking him to the studio, and we made some shit.
He really appreciated it. He knew who I was, and I feel like I did something good that day. I think it made an impact on his life, too. Even if he never beats his addiction, he’ll always have that memory, and that means a lot. It means a lot to have him be part of the album.”
