Skillz: 5 Ways To Know You’re A Backpacker

Backpack rap isn’t dead yet. At least not yet. But in the past year, backpackers have seemingly taken a back seat to tight jeans-wearing hipsters. [Editor’s Note: Is there really a difference?] They’re are still out there. One of our staffers caught up with proud backpacker, Skillz, to find out exactly what makes a backpacker.

XXL Staffer: Name five things that makes you a backpacker.

Skillz: You haven’t been on 106 & Park yet (1). You haven’t been on TRL yet (2). They’re not on your radar. They wont be on your radar until the company decides to put a little more money in your backpack. You’re not on tour with Jay-Z (3).

XXL: Jay shows backpackers love, though.

Skillz: Who? Who?

XXL: Some consider the Roots backpack. And what about 9th Wonder? He got him on “Threat” from The Black Album and on two songs on Destiny’s Child’s last album?

Skillz: He didn’t take him on tour. [Laughs] He took Just Blaze. We do good when we down here. See if I was Jay-Z I would definitely find who the hot underground artist is and do a song with him.

You’re Not Invited To Any Award Shows. Unless they wanna put you on the cipher in their show on the rooftop. If you don’t have any of the old Jordans…You gotta have something that reminds people of that era. You gotta be able to go back to some degree. If you don’t have no throwback, retro nothing. It’s not the same.

XXL: Would you say that anybody who doesn’t fit those, may have to consider themselves a backpacker?

Skillz: May have to. –XXL Staff