Rich Skillz's (of Nikki & Rich) birthday is today and for all we've been through over the past year your damn right Im gonna write about him. I've known Rich for years, we were part of a "crew" back when life was simply about the party and getting laid. He had and still has one of the most magnetic personalities I've ever seen.. He was that guy, always on, always tan, always crisp. A earlier version of Pauly D without all the cheese.He was fresh from NY but looked as California as a drop top Impala.. until he opened his mouth and Queens spewed out. He came from a self made family who had come to America and worked their way to financial freedom. Our crew had a good run playing the whole Hollywood game. As years passed some of us got married, divorced, began and lost careers, while some turned the Hollywood game into a profitable businesse. Rich, coming from a DJ background in NY, dove in with the help of his brother, into producing and at least to my knowledge learned as quickly as anyone Ive ever heard of. If Im not mistaken I believe the 3rd track he produced won a Grammy with Ludacris in the rap album of the year category. Spending as much time as he did in the studio it was only a matter of time until the technical caught up to his innate talent and incredible instinct when it came to music. He then since worked with Robin Thicke and a host of others while simultaneously teaching himself to play the keyboards and other instruments. When I was working at Interscope he would come in trying to sell beats he had made in the hip hop vein. Some were good, some were great but they were in a genre that had lost its luster and with all the side hustles going on it was hard to sneak tracks in as a new producer . S0metime after that he hooked up with Nikki and within a few months made some of the best music Ive heard in years. A modern mix of various genres done in a contemporary way that felt fresh.. and fresh wasnt happening at that time.. The amazing part is that he had produced and played everything on the album and Nikki fit like a glove with a voice and lyrical talent from Mars. The rest is history and since Ive been involved Ive watched him grow into one of the most talented producers Ive been around and Im convinced that even with the success hes had so far, he has only started his climb to becoming one of the most respected producers in the game. The reason? Very few have the ability to adapt and thrive creatively in any genre. He could make music for Jay Z as easily as for Andrea Bocelli. All of the above is impressive but what impresses me the most about Rich is his heart. Beneath the shiny exterior is a guy who cares and genuinely wants the best for people. Alot of people in his position get lost in their own self delusion and selfishness. For that Im honored to be both his friend and business partner. Thank you for the passion you've put back into my life. This is your year, its already happening. Happy Birthday.
