The First US born generation from Chilean immigrants was also the first generation to embrace the music genre that would define his life. Santiago Skillz is the definition of hip hop. Never getting lost in its stereotypes, trends or bravado Skillz bases his version of hip hop on the break and the words.Originally part of the C.S.K. (Cabbage Skratch Kidz) DJ crew, Skillz immersed himself in the Orlando underground scene. With the help of Nemo (Blakout/Paradox) and X-144 (Scribble Jam Champ), Skillz attained the basic knowledge and tools to make his own music. While continuing to spin with Dj Trademark (the other member of C.S.K/ now MIA resident dj and Crooklyn Clan affiliate) he began to craft his style of production. Also with the help of SPS (Universal Zulu World Champ, DMC 2X Florida Champ) and DJ Dolo (Caveman Theory, DeadbeatRecordings) he began to expand into the turntablist genre of DJ-ing.At the same time the C.S.K. was disbanding from creative and managerial differences, Skillz was pivotal in creating the Secret Sircle with Critical (Critical Madness/ Underground Session 1 Runner-up). The Sircle was a collective of MCs widely considered among the elite of Florida MCs. There, for four years Skillz went on to mix/co-produce/ executive produce/ market the camp's many mixtapes and single official Album release - The Rubberroom Diary by Dr. Comfort (CRITICAL). The Album was hailed in the Second Issue of COOLEH magazine. "It might be a hard CD for you to find, but if you see it new or used make sure you add this to the collection. " This is what Skillz still considers his greatest work.After many years together and many arguments and infighting, Skillz left the Sircle. Since then, he has worked with Sabac Red (Non-Phixion), Manchild of Mars Ill (Indie group), Doc DemEyez (Canada, SARS), Laws (Rawkus 50), Hard Target (Musiclovers), while continuing a working relationship with other Sircle Members Madd Illz (WRC Runner-up, Illfest Battle Champ ) and Ajaxxx (Desi Hip Hop Artist). Now concentrating on his own production and fine-tuning his DJ-in techniques, Skillz should have some interesting things for the future.
