Pen Game: A Conversation with Mad Skillz and Nickelus F at VSU

00:00 Welcome and Introductions

03:35 When Skillz and Nick first realized they had Pen Game

05:46 Skillz and Nick talk about how their writing process has changed over time

06:51 How daily writing habits help refined the process

12:32 Thoughts on punching in when recording songs

14:14 How emotions show up in their writing

16:58 Skillz and Nick reflect on personal topics in writing and lyrics that may not have aged as well as they have

19:11 Dealing with writer's block

21:58 Knowing when you have it vs. overthinking and over editing

25:25 Skillz and Nick give perspective on writing for other people; do they think it is easier or harder than writing for themselves.

30:29 We asked Skillz and Nick if the have ever hated the way an artist performed something they wrote

32:21 How Richmond and Virginia as a whole have influenced their writing and careers in hip-hop

36:46 When do you feel like you found your voice?

39:40 The business of writing; publishing splits, getting paid and not getting paid.

43:57 Tips for artist to protect themselves in the music business

46:21 Advice for young writers

49:42 Networking across instead of up

50:52 Closing words, remarks from Virginia State University Professors

#virginiahiphop #madskillz #nickelusf #virginiastateuniversity #richmondvirginia

Next

Hip-Hop History Month at VSU with GSAMBO