Skales to End the Year on a High Note with New Track ‘In My Cup’ Featuring Ace Hood
Afrobeats sensation, Skales is poised to close out the year with his latest single, “In My Cup,” a collaboration with American rapper Ace Hood. The track emerged from a serendipitous encounter between the two artists while they were both in Dubai.
Skales stands at the forefront of Afropop, adeptly weaving through its evolving themes. With a rich catalog of hits, he showcases a deep understanding of the genre, a testament to his status as a seasoned artist.
The turning point in Skales’ career came with the release of his 2020 album, Healing Process, which marked a significant shift toward self-reflection, healing, and love. This introspective project allowed him to examine the choices that solidified his status in Nigerian music over a remarkable two-decade journey from emerging talent to established icon.
This year has been particularly successful for Skales, highlighted by the widespread acclaim of his earlier single “Jogo.” Produced by Killertunes, “Jogo” features a dynamic mix of vibrant percussion and resonant piano, perfectly complementing Skales’ smooth delivery. The song encourages listeners to find meaning in their personal experiences while advocating for a reset amid the challenges of everyday life.
As he wraps up the year with an uplifting vibe, Skales’ “In My Cup” captures the celebratory essence of his current phase. The song centers on the fleeting nature of life, urging fans to embrace joy whenever possible.
With a melodic blend of rap and singing, Skales effortlessly navigates the instrumental, setting the stage for Ace Hood’s verse, which reflects on the joys of success and the whirlwind of emotions that accompany it.
Recalling their collaboration, Skales shares, “We had rooms next to each other but didn’t realize until we met at the club, where Ace heard some of my tracks that night. When we returned, we decided to create a song together. It’s all about enjoying life and appreciating the blessings we have.”
Few artists can claim a more influential role in Afrobeats’ history than Skales. As a rapper, singer, and songwriter, he has been part of every stage of the genre’s evolution, from its local beginnings to its current global acclaim.
Born Raoul John Njeng-Njeng in Kaduna state, Northern Nigeria, Skales began making music as a teenager. He collaborated with notable local artists like Jesse Jagz and Jeremiah Gyang and won the North Central region of Zain’s Tru Search competition.
To further his career, Skales moved to Lagos and signed with Empire Mates Entertainment, led by Banky W, in 2009. During his time with the label, he became a superstar alongside fellow artist Wizkid, contributing to the compilation album Empire Mates State of Mind in 2012.
In 2014, he established his own label, OHK Music, and began releasing hits like “Shake Body,” solidifying his reputation as one of Afropop’s most versatile hitmakers. His work helped usher in a dance-oriented era that resulted in commercially successful albums such as Man of The Year, The Never Say Never Guy, and Mr. Love.
In 2020, Skales released Healing Process, an introspective project that resonated deeply during the pandemic. Through this work, he explored themes of self-love, healing, and the choices that have defined his impressive two-decade career in Nigerian popular music.
