Inglewood, California isn’t just part of the story — it’s the lifeblood of Skeme’s music. Skeme has long been known for his raspy voice, gritty realism, and loyalty to his roots. Over nearly two decades, he’s built a reputation as one of the West Coast’s most honest rappers, one who speaks for his city while evolving his sound. His latest project, Duke, shows a matured Skeme: still raw, still Inglewood, but more polished and expansive.
Skeme first came up in the mid-2000s, releasing early mixtapes like Skeme of Things (2007), followed by Skeme of Things 2 in 2009. These were rough-around-the-edges works, filled with youthful hunger: battling for respect, finding his voice, making stories of the street. Those early years laid the foundation. His mixtapes caught enough attention that by 2012 he dropped his debut studio album, Alive & Living under RBC Records. Soon after came Ingleworld (2013), the start of a series of albums and mixtapes under that name that would become central to his identity as an artist.
What makes Skeme distinct is his refusal to compromise those Inglewood roots. He’s spoken in interviews about staying in the neighborhood, about representing “Inglewood niggas,” calling attention to the real life, real struggles, and real people who aren’t often spotlighted. His music is steeped in contrasts: the pride of where he comes from, the harshness of what he’s seen, and the clarity with which he paints both. Over time, he’s also absorbed influences — not just from fellow West Coast artists, but from across the country — enabling him to experiment sonically while maintaining grounded storytelling.
That brings us to Duke, released May 29, 2024. The project is ten tracks strong, with features from artists like AzChike and Sada Baby. Duke doesn’t feel like a departure — it feels like the next step. The production is sharp, the flow tighter, the hooks more accessible, but the lyrical content remains true: reflections on street life, personal growth, hustle, loyalty, and the environment he grew up in.
What’s clear with Duke is that Skeme is asserting himself not just as a voice of Inglewood, but as a rapper who’s comfortable in his legacy, aware of his past, and focused on what’s ahead. The project bridges where he’s been with where he wants to go. There’s no gloss over his history: the rough edges are still there where they matter. But there’s also an ambition, a polish — perhaps earned from years of carving his lane.
