Well-known Baltimore City hip-hop artist YBS Skola was born Dajuan Cannady on June 30th, 1994.

A Westside native, Skola lives by the captivating

phrase, “You can’t find this swag no where. I’m the

chosen one”. His own style, own sound, and plans to

break molds as a continuing independent label

separates him from all others relevant in 2016. With

success as a key goal in mind he plans to use music

to make money in other major U.S. Cities and

become living proof of success for Baltimore and all

who look up to him.

YBS, an acronym for the street movement “Young

Ballers Shining”, is a group Skola has always

identified with. ’Skola’ was a family nickname given

to Dajuan during childhood. Encouragement from

his Family pertaining to the pursuit of his career as a

hip-hop artist was always given but it wasn't until

2015 that Cannady decided to take his music

seriously with the release of his first music video.

Seeing reactions from a rising fan base contributed

to the start of his career as a rapper. “I was always

told I could rap but I saw it as more of a hobby. I

never saw it as a way out because no one else from

the City was doing it so there was never really an

effort, it just happened”. The influence he has on

kids is something he says feels unbelievable. “It’s still amazing”. A vision to become a professional athlete was

a focus for Skola throughout school. During middle and high school years he played Football and Basketball

devoting his attention to becoming a pro. Towards the end of his grade school years he noticed that he was

not as dedicated to an athletic career as he would’ve needed to be. This allowed him to reconsider his interest

of becoming a professional and influenced his new dedication to a career in music.

By age 17 Skola, was able to record his first song. Having friends who wanted to become musical engineers

and producers gave him the opportunity to record music on a regular basis. “I used to record with them but,

never came out with a project”. After becoming comfortable with recording he began reaching out to different artists in the city and researching the quality of studios for more exposure. A connect to fellow campaign

member and well-known Baltimore artist, “Lor Scoota” allowed for new access to recording studios throughout the City.

His sound may be inspired by artists such as Future, Young Dolph, Young Jeezy, Yo Gotti, Lil Durk, and

Meek Millz, but Skola believes it is his delivery that sets him apart from all other street rappers today.

Considering himself a dynamic artist, his motivation is not similar to that of the cliché rapper persona. “I

already had what most rappers talk about having or could get it before I started doing music”. As a rapper,

his focus is to get paid in cities outside of Baltimore and make legitimate financial opportunities for those

around him. “I don’t have to fake it, I already live the lifestyle”.

As it stands today the young artist doesn’t see a positive outlook for the future of our youth, since majority of

individuals younger than 20 are heavily influenced by negativity. He doesn’t consider himself a role model

but would like to promote a more positive message through his music.

By age 17 Skola was able to record his first song. Having friends who wanted to become musical engineers

and producers gave him the opportunity to record music on a regular basis. “I used to record with them but

never came out with a project”. After becoming comfortable with recording he began reaching out to different

artists in the city and researching the quality of studios for more exposure. A connect to fellow campaign

member and well-known Baltimore artist, “Lor Scoota” allowed for new access to recording studios

throughout the City.

His sound may be inspired by artists such as Future, Young Dolph, Young Jeezy, Yo Gotti, Lil Durk, and

Meek Millz, but Skola believes it is his delivery that sets him apart from all other street rappers today.

Considering himself a dynamic artist, his motivation is not similar to that of the cliché rapper persona. “I

already had what most rappers talk about having or could get it before I started doing music”. As a rapper,

his focus is to get paid in cities outside of Baltimore and make legitimate financial opportunities for those

around him. “I don’t have to fake it, I already live the lifestyle”.

As it stands today the young artist doesn’t see a positive outlook for the future of our youth, since majority of

individuals younger than 20 are heavily influenced by negativity. He doesn’t consider himself a role model

but would like to promote a more positive message through his music. Cannady has a strong disbelief in

condoning violence and unnecessary ‘beef’ for attention. Urging fans to always look out for one another he

wants to motivate anyone who comes from nothing to continue dream chasing. “Want for better. Whether it’s

in becoming a doctor, a professional athlete, or even a rapper, do what it takes to get in a better position.

There’s