[en] | Ski Mask the Slump God

Stokeley Clevon Goulbourne[4] (born April 18, 1996), known professionally as Ski Mask the Slump God, is an American rapper. He is best known for his association with XXXTentacion, with whom he formed the hip hop collective Members Only in 2014.[5] He is notable for his nostalgic-themed musical production and public image, often clad with multi-colored durags.[6] He signed with Victor Victor Worldwide, an imprint of Republic Records to release his debut commercial mixtape You Will Regret (2017), which entered the Billboard 200 and spawned the platinum-certified singles “BabyWipe“, “Take a Step Back” (featuring XXXTentacion), and “Catch Me Outside“.

Ski Mask the Slump God
Background information
Birth nameStokeley Clevon Goulbourne
Also known as
  • Ski
  • Ski Mask
Born (1996-04-18) April 18, 1996 (age 28)
Fort Lauderdale, Florida, U.S.[1]
OriginBroward County, Florida, U.S.
Genres
Occupations
  • Rapper
  • songwriter
DiscographySki Mask the Slump God discography
Years active2014–present
Labels
Member ofMembers Only
Websiteskimasktheslumpgod.net

Goulbourne’s third mixtape, Beware the Book of Eli (2018), peaked at number 50 on the Billboard 200.[7][8] His debut studio album, Stokeley (2018), reached his furthest commercial success and peaked at number six on the chart, also spawning the Billboard Hot 100-charting songs “Faucet Failure“, “Nuketown” (featuring Juice Wrld), and “Foot Fungus“.[9]

Early life

Stokeley Clevon Goulbourne was born on April 18, 1996, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. He is of Jamaican descent.[10] He grew up listening to Busta Rhymes, Missy Elliott, Wu-Tang Clan, and Lil Wayne, among other artists. He has said that his parents often played Jamaican music around the house. Goulbourne’s father—a rapper who used the stage name “Sin City”—would often force his son to focus on writing his own rap music.[11][12] In 2013, Goulbourne was sent to a juvenile detention center for possession of “around $10 worth of weed”, where he met XXXTentacion.[13] The duo became friends and frequently collaborated on songs after being released from detention.[14]

Career

2014–2017: Mainstream debut

Following Goulbourne’s release from detention, he formed the rap group “Very Rare” with XXXTentacion and released his first song “Catch Me” on the streaming service SoundCloud. Goulbourne eventually co-founded XXXTentacion’s collective Members Only[15][16] after the release of Members Only Vol. 1, a collaboration mixtape with XXXTentacion, in 2015. The mixtape would eventually be followed up with Members Only, Vol. 2 and then Members Only, Vol. 3 on June 26, 2017.[17][18]

Goulbourne released multiple singles on the SoundCloud platform including “Catch Me Outside“, “Where’s the Blow” featuring Lil Pump, “Stunt!” featuring UnoTheActivist, “Life Is Short”, “Like a Soccer Mom”, “Take a Step Back“, and “BabyWipe“. Goulbourne has performed twice at the Rolling Loud Festival[19][20] and has released songs with other artists including Offset,[21] Lil Yachty, A$AP Ferg,[22] Lil Peep,[23] Desiigner,[24] and Denzel Curry.[25] Goulbourne has also collaborated with artists from the 88Rising label including the Higher Brothers and Keith Ape.[26] Goulbourne also worked with Timbaland, who he had previously said was his favorite producer.[27]

In May 2016, Goulbourne released his first mixtape Drown in Designer, which included the songs “Take a Step Back”, which was later certified Gold,[28][29] and “Where’s the Blow”.[26] In June 2017, Goulbourne released his debut commercial mixtape You Will Regret under Victor Victor Worldwide and Republic Records.[30][31]

2018–present: Stokeley, Sin City The Mixtape, and 11th Dimension

In May 2018, Goulbourne released his third mixtape Beware the Book of Eli, which featured the single “DoIHaveTheSause?“. In June that same year, he was named one of XXLs “2018 Freshman Class”.[32] On November 30, 2018, Goulbourne released his debut studio album, Stokeley, which includes the songs “Faucet Failure” and “Nuketown” featuring Juice Wrld.[33] The album peaked at number 6 on the Billboard 200 chart.[34]

Following the success of Stokeley, Goulbourne released only one single in 2019, “Carbonated Water”. In July 2020, he released the single “Burn the Hoods” alongside a music video on Lyrical Lemonade. Simultaneously, he announced that his second album would release later that year, however the album was never released. Goulbourne has stated that he plans to release more music to the public.[35]

In May 2021, Goulbourne announced a mixtape titled Sin City The Mixtape to be released in June.[36] He released Sin City on June 25.

On November 21, 2023, Goulbourne announced his second studio album, 11th Dimension,[37] and said that it is “coming so soon”.[38]

Influences

Goulbourne has said that his musical production has been most influenced by Busta Rhymes,[39] Missy Elliot, and Chief Keef.[40] He has also stated he does not have any main musical influences; “I listen to every genre: rap, rock, classical, heavy metal…I listen to Adele sometimes too”.[41]

Personal life

As of June 2018, Golbourne lives in Atlanta, Georgia.[12] He had a heart condition that required surgery in March 2018.[42]

In a 2016 interview, Goulbourne signaled support for the legalization of gay marriage.[43] In 2020, Goulbourne expressed distaste for President Donald Trump, comparing him to a white supremacist.[44]

Friendships

XXXTentacion

Goulbourne was close friends with XXXTentacion before they both started rapping. They met in a juvenile center in 2013. Goulbourne said in an interview with Adam22 that he was surprised by X’s criminal charges.[45] Whilst in jail, X had taught Goulbourne about different rapping cadences. After the duo were released, they met up with the intention of committing home invasions but instead began releasing music together. The rappers founded the collective Members Only. In 2017, Goulbourne and XXXTentacion embarked on The Revenge Tour with Craig Xen. The tour was postponed following the shooting of XXXTentacion’s cousin.[46][47] By late 2017, the two had parted ways and begun working on their own projects.[48]

At the Rolling Loud Miami festival in 2018, Goulbourne and XXXTentacion were reunited, reaffirming their friendship.[49] On June 18, 2018, XXXTentacion was murdered; Goulbourne learned of his best friend’s death while on Instagram Live and tearfully informed his fans of the rapper’s death.[50]

Juice Wrld

In early 2018, Goulbourne befriended rising rapper Juice Wrld.[51] The two went on to collaborate on the track “Nuketown”, which became Goulbourne’s highest-charting song on the Billboard Hot 100. It was announced that the two were working on a mixtape titled Evil Twins, but the project never released.[52] In 2019, following the release of Juice Wrld’s second album, the two embarked on the Death Race for Love Tour together along with Cole Bennett of Lyrical Lemonade.[53]

On December 8, 2019, Juice Wrld died from an opioid-induced seizure.[54] Goulbourne reacted emotionally to the news of the rapper’s death.[55] Goulbourne was present at Juice Wrld’s funeral later that month.

Aftermath

The death of his two best friends in a span of eighteen months had a profound impact on Goulbourne.[56][57] Following XXXTentacion’s death, Goulbourne honored him multiple times during his own concerts; Goulbourne met XXXTentacion’s son, Gekyume Onfroy, for the first time in person at a show.[58]

Discography

Studio albums

Collaborative albums

Filmography

YearTitleRoleNotesRef.
2018The After PartyHimselfCameo
2021Juice Wrld: Into the AbyssHimselfDocumentary[59]
2022Look at MeHimself[60][61][62]

References

  1. ^ “Look At Me!: The Noisy, Blown-Out SoundCloud Revolution Redefining Rap!”. RollingStone. June 19, 2018.
  2. ^ “Ski Mask The Slump God’s Magnetic Meme Rap Is The Next Wave Of Hip-Hop”. January 14, 2019.
  3. ^ “2018 SoundCloud Rappers Guide”. Vulture.com. April 4, 2018. Retrieved August 4, 2019.
  4. ^ “Stokeley Goulbourne Mugshot | 08/02/16 Florida Arrest”. florida.arrests.org. Retrieved June 19, 2018.
  5. ^ “Ski Mask The Slump God Reveals Why He Distanced Himself From XXXTENTACION”. HipHopDX.com. Retrieved September 10, 2018.
  6. ^ “Ski Mask the Slump God Thinks Drake Doesn’t Give Proper Credit – XXL”. September 4, 2018.
  7. ^ “BEWARE THE BOOK OF ELI by Ski Mask the Slump God”. Apple Music. May 11, 2018. Retrieved August 4, 2019.
  8. ^ “Ski Mask The Slump God Beware The Book Of Eli Chart History”. Billboard. Retrieved June 4, 2018.
  9. ^ “STOKELEY by Ski Mask the Slump God on Apple Music”. Apple Music. November 30, 2018. Retrieved August 4, 2019.
  10. ^ “$ki Mask on Twitter”. Twitter.com. Retrieved August 12, 2018.
  11. ^ “Open Space: Ski Mask The Slump God | Mass Appeal”. YouTube. July 27, 2017. Retrieved June 20, 2018.
  12. ^ a b Nick Mojica (June 13, 2018). “Ski Mask The Slump God’s Dad Is A Rapper From Florida”. Retrieved June 20, 2018.
  13. ^ “The Break Presents: Ski Mask The Slump God – XXL”. XXL Mag. April 22, 2017. Retrieved June 19, 2018.
  14. ^ “X talks about how he met Ski Mask in Jail – No Jumper Highlights”. YouTube. December 22, 2017. Retrieved August 12, 2018.
  15. ^ “Members Only: The Complete 2017 Roster”. HotNewHipHop.com. Retrieved June 19, 2018.
  16. ^ “XXXTentacion Aims to Be the Biggest Artist Ever Despite Legal Case and Drake Controversy – XXL”. XXL Mag. February 6, 2017. Retrieved June 19, 2018.
  17. ^ “XXXTENTACION & Crew Release “Members Only Vol. 3″ Mixtape”. HipHopDX.com. Retrieved June 19, 2018.
  18. ^ “Listen to ‘Members Only Vol. 3’ Featuring XXXTentacion and Ski Mask The Slump God”. XXL Mag. June 27, 2017. Retrieved June 19, 2018.
  19. ^ “Rob Stone Replaced by Ski Mask The Slump God on 2017 Rolling Loud Lineup – XXL”. XXL Mag. May 2, 2017. Retrieved June 20, 2018.
  20. ^ “Ski Mask The Slump God, XXXTentacion Reunite at 2018 Rolling Loud – XXL”. XXL Mag. May 13, 2018. Retrieved June 20, 2018.
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  22. ^ “Ski Mask The Slump God “No Tilt” Feat. A$AP Ferg & Lil Yachty (WSHH Exclusive – Official Audio)”. YouTube. September 7, 2017. Retrieved June 20, 2018.
  23. ^ “Ski Mask The Slump God (Ft. Lil Peep & Tracy) – (NEWWORLDORDER)”. Retrieved June 20, 2018.
  24. ^ “16YROLD – Up Next (ft. Desiigner & Ski Mask The Slump God)”. YouTube. July 12, 2017. Retrieved June 20, 2018.
  25. ^ “SKI MASK THE SLUMP GOD x DENZEL CURRY x CRAIG XEN – Unmask”. YouTube. May 16, 2016. Retrieved June 20, 2018.
  26. ^ a b “Rolling Stone”. Rolling Stone. June 2017.
  27. ^ “Ski Mask The Slump God Names Timbaland as His Favorite Producer”. YouTube. May 18, 2017. Retrieved June 20, 2018.
  28. ^ “How Rappers Like Lil Uzi Vert & Travis Scott Made Moshing & Metal Tees Mainstream in Hip-Hop”. Billboard. Retrieved June 19, 2018.
  29. ^ “TAKE A STEP BACK ft XXXTENTACION Prod.RonnyJ”. Soundcloud.com. Retrieved June 19, 2018.
  30. ^ “Ski Mask The Slump God Reveals Release Date for ‘YouWillRegret’ Project we may have another collab with trippie redd also so prepare for the fire – XXL”. XXL Mag. June 22, 2017. Retrieved June 19, 2018.
  31. ^ “Ski Mask The Slump God Releases ‘You Will Regret’ Mixtape – XXL”. XXL Mag. June 30, 2017. Retrieved June 19, 2018.
  32. ^ “XXL 2018 Freshman Class Revealed”. XXL. June 12, 2018. Retrieved June 14, 2018.
  33. ^ Norris, John (December 5, 2018). “Ski Mask the Slump God on His Eclectic Album ‘Stokeley’ & Life-Changing Advice Given to Him by XXXTentacion”. Billboard. Retrieved December 18, 2018.
  34. ^ Centeno, Tony M. (December 11, 2018). “Ski Mask The Slump God’s ‘Stokeley’ Album Enters Billboard 200 Top 10”. XXL. Retrieved December 18, 2018.
  35. ^ “Instagram”. Instagram.com. Retrieved May 5, 2021.
  36. ^ “Sin City The Mixtape Dropping In June”. Twitter.com. May 14, 2021. Retrieved June 20, 2021.
  37. ^ “1th Dimension : The Album !!!!!”. Twitter.comaccess-date=April 18, 2024.
  38. ^ “Ski Mask The Slump God announces his new album, ’11th Dimension’. Twitter.comaccess-date=April 18, 2024.
  39. ^ Roger Krastz (June 19, 2018). “Ski Mask The Slump God’s “Nationwide” Video Will Pay Homage To Busta Rhymes”. XXL Mag. Retrieved June 19, 2018.
  40. ^ “Ski Mask The Slump God Breaks Down The Meaning Of “Nuketown”. Genius.com.
  41. ^ “Ski Mask the Slump God”. Officemagazine.net. July 13, 2017. Retrieved August 12, 2018.
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  43. ^ “The Xxxtentacion Interview”. YouTube. April 27, 2016.
  44. ^ “Ski Mask the Slump God Is Back From Hiatus, and He Has a Lot to Say”. Complex Networks.
  45. ^ Burford, Corinna (June 19, 2018). “The Complete History of XXXTentacion’s Controversial Career”. Vulture. Retrieved June 9, 2020.
  46. ^ India, Lindsey (April 26, 2017). “XXXTentacion Announces The Revenge Tour With Ski Mask The Slump God and Craig Xen – XXL”. XXL Mag. Retrieved June 9, 2020.
  47. ^ II, C. Vernon Coleman (June 25, 2017). “XXXTentacion Postpones Tour After His Cousin Gets Shot – XXL”. XXL Mag. Retrieved June 9, 2020.
  48. ^ Berry, Peter A. (October 31, 2017). “Ski Mask The Slump God Distances Himself From XXXTentacion – XXL”. XXL Mag. Retrieved June 9, 2020.
  49. ^ Cline, Georgette (May 13, 2018). “Ski Mask The Slump God, XXXTentacion Reunite at 2018 Rolling Loud – XXL”. XXL Mag. Retrieved June 9, 2020.
  50. ^ “Ski Mask The Slump God Reacts To Reported XXXTentacion Shooting”. HotNewHipHop. June 18, 2018. Retrieved June 9, 2020.
  51. ^ “Tracing Juice WRLD & Ski Mask The Slump God’s Friendship”. Genius.com. Retrieved June 10, 2020.
  52. ^ Orcutt, K. C. (December 7, 2018). “Ski Mask The Slump God, Juice Wrld’s ‘Evil Twins’ Drops in 2019 – XXL”. XXL Mag. Retrieved June 10, 2020.
  53. ^ “Juice Wrld announces Death Race for Love Tour”. Twitter.com. February 20, 2019. Retrieved June 10, 2020.
  54. ^ “Juice WRLD’s death ruled as an accidental overdose”. BBC News. January 23, 2020. Retrieved June 10, 2020.
  55. ^ “Ski Mask The Slump God Reacts To News Of Juice WRLD’s Passing”. HotNewHipHop. December 8, 2019. Retrieved June 10, 2020.
  56. ^ “Ski Mask wishes death upon himself”. Twitter.com. June 8, 2019. Retrieved June 10, 2020.
  57. ^ “Ski Mask looks back on the deaths of his friends”. Twitter.com. May 5, 2020. Retrieved June 10, 2020.
  58. ^ Clarkson, Brett (December 12, 2019). “XXXTentacion’s baby son Gekyume was on stage at Ski Mask The Slump God’s concert”. sun-sentinel.com. Retrieved June 10, 2020.
  59. ^ ‘Juice WRLD: Into the Abyss’ Review: Gone-Too-Soon Rapper Tells His Story in Elegiac Documentary”. November 13, 2021.
  60. ^ “Instagram”. Instagram.com.
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  62. ^ “XXXTentacion Documentary”. IMDb.

Source: en.wikipedia.org