When Atlanta rapper MD$crilla says that he’s a street artist, he means that literally. As a matter of fact, he is the streets. Growing up on the city’s southwest side, hustling was a way of life, which is how he copped his stage moniker. While stacking paper was always the motive, making music was the only other passion that got and kept his attention.

MD$crilla was first introduced to rap through his older cousin, who was also an aspiring artist and began penning original rhymes at the young age of 8. He also honed his voice by experimenting with singing after constantly hearing r&b played in the house and in the car by his mother. By the time he was 11, he was recording in studios and when he reached high school, the skilled teenager was pursuing music full-time. He was absent from class but present in the booth. While he ultimately graduated, MD$crilla wasted no time building up his name on the underground circuit once he secured his diploma. He performed locally doing BMI showcases and talent shows, taking every available opportunity to improve, as well as be discovered.

Inspired by lyrical storytellers such as Andre of Outkast, Snoop, Lil Wayne, Jay Z, Pac, Biggie and the Hot Boyz, MD$crilla brings the same level of care, mastery and intensity to his music. In fact, he believes in only crafting quality records that have “legs,” classic songs that stand the test of time. He knows how to entertain on the beat, but more importantly he tells the truth and puts young soldiers onto game. MD$crilla doesn’t glorify his past, which includes a 6-year bid for getting fast money and serving time alongside Gucci Mane who he counts as a friend, he articulates his lifestyle that led up to his lockdown in epic cinematic detail. Being behind bars only elevated his bars.

MD$crilla is not new to the culture. He was not only mentored by Young Jeezy, but he was signed to his CTE imprint after the Corporate Thug Entertainment CEO heard him spit and was impressed by his flashy yet authentic No Line Gang movement. MD$crilla’s solid reputation, work ethic and songwriting skills further cemented his position on the roster, however after doing a few tours but not making much progress career wise, the two bosses amicably parted ways. During the same time, the wordsmith had also been working with famed Atlanta-based turntablist and producer DJ Nando, but when he was violently murdered, that unfortunate circumstance felt like defeat. Additionally there were major label deals on the table that got fumbled after his legal problems persisted. But with a true champion spirit, MD$crilla refused to stay down.

You can’t deny his ability to pack powerful metaphoric punches that pair well with 808 bass lines from some of hip-hop’s most notable and rising production talent. And sharing a bloodline with 808 Mafia’s Southside also doesn’t hurt, especially when you both respect each other’s musical genius. Before releasing a new mixtape, MD$crilla is executing an artistic campaign under his new imprint BRIM (Being Rich is Mandatory) that includes a pair of all-star tracks. “I Do” is a club banger produced by Pyrex and “Bonnie and Slime” is a pensive masterpiece that highlights his wordplay and versatility.

Charismatic and confident, MD$crilla is nothing like these other rappers. He’s one of the rare few that has maintained his credibility in the streets and in music and never compromised. If he talks about it, he’s experienced it and like a G, MD$crilla remains silent and lets the music speak for itself. That fact alone is reason enough to support and salute a real one.