Skee-Lo’s “I Wish” was released on Sunshine/Scotti Bros. Records on June 27, 1995. Both the album and the single by the sample name went Gold, selling over 500,000 copies. Production was handled by Skee-
Lo as well as Walter Kahn, who is a Grammy award winning producers but not best known for his work in producing Hip Hop music. The production is a meld of samples and live instrumentation with a really jazzy vibe throughout. All the rhymes were written and performed by Skee-Lo with the exception of one
single. “I Wish” was probably one of the few popular albums at that time not to carry a “Parental Advisory” label.
Lo as well as Walter Kahn, who is a Grammy award winning producers but not best known for his work in producing Hip Hop music. The production is a meld of samples and live instrumentation with a really jazzy vibe throughout. All the rhymes were written and performed by Skee-Lo with the exception of one
single. “I Wish” was probably one of the few popular albums at that time not to carry a “Parental Advisory” label.
*************************
Chris: The song “I Wish” is a song that I would feel comfortable in saying that nearly everyone in our age group is very familiar with. Do you have any specific attached to the song “I Wish”? For me, they just conjure up a lot of memories of being in elementary school and hearing it and other songs like Ahmad’s “Back in the Day”. Side comment on Ahmad’s “Back in the Day”, I always thought it was interesting that that song resonated with me and my peers so much because what were we nostalgic about? We were living in the times he was talking about or maybe Ahmad just made us appreciate it. Anyway, as you’re listening to “I Wish”, what are some memories that are coming back to you? Also, a lot of owned “I Wish”, the single, on cassette. What are some single cassettes you owned back in the day?James: My attachment is being able to capture a memory that sits in such a distant place that of my family, family friends, peace, and serenity. I know exactly what you mean when you wrote nostalgia. For me, it was girls, toys, and being older. As a kid, all I wanted to be was older and able to do more things, and as an adult, the irony of missing being younger and having less worry.
Of course, Coolio was in the tape collection. Do not clown, but I had Color Me Bad on cassette, Disco
hits, Daft Punk, Jars of Clay, and some miscellaneous Christian music like Newsboys.
hits, Daft Punk, Jars of Clay, and some miscellaneous Christian music like Newsboys.
Chris: Back in the day, Hastings and Sam Goody had sections specifically dedicated to just single
cassettes and those were the only items in that store that I could really afford. Some single cassettes
that I can remember having: Dr. Dre – “Nuthin’ but a ‘G’ Thing”, Soul 4 Real – “Every Little Thing I Do”,
Da Brat – “Funkdafied”, and Kid Sensation – “Seatown Funk”.
cassettes and those were the only items in that store that I could really afford. Some single cassettes
that I can remember having: Dr. Dre – “Nuthin’ but a ‘G’ Thing”, Soul 4 Real – “Every Little Thing I Do”,
Da Brat – “Funkdafied”, and Kid Sensation – “Seatown Funk”.
Skee-Lo – “I Wish”
Chris: If you go to MixCloud page, you can listen to a mix I made back in the day called “The Foodie Mix”.
“The Foodie Mix” is a collection of Hip Hop songs that either are about food or reference food items in
it. On that mix I actually have Skee-Lo’s “Cheeseburger” from this album. So I’m wondering, do you
know of any or have any favorite songs that are about eating, or food or reference food? It doesn’t have
to be a Hip Hop song either.
“The Foodie Mix” is a collection of Hip Hop songs that either are about food or reference food items in
it. On that mix I actually have Skee-Lo’s “Cheeseburger” from this album. So I’m wondering, do you
know of any or have any favorite songs that are about eating, or food or reference food? It doesn’t have
to be a Hip Hop song either.
James: The only song that comes to mind is from Chef from South Park. “Chocolate Salty Balls”. This
song only stuck with me since my brother and I used to sing it at the top of our lungs driving around
when gas was 99 cents a gallon.
song only stuck with me since my brother and I used to sing it at the top of our lungs driving around
when gas was 99 cents a gallon.
Chris: Haha I can’t even remember a time when gas was that cheap and even when it was cheap, I
couldn’t even fathom put more than $10 in at any time because I need that money to buy music.
“Chocolate Salty Balls” is a classic! I always thought it was cool that Isaac Hayes was on that show. I read
an article not long ago that said the Church of Scientology had quit the show for him after he had a
stroke. I guess it had been suggested that Isaac Hayes, a known Scientologist, had quit the show because
he had an issue with episode where the make fun of Scientology. Anyway, I’m glad that Skee-Lo sparked
a conversation about Scientology and Isaac Hayes.
couldn’t even fathom put more than $10 in at any time because I need that money to buy music.
“Chocolate Salty Balls” is a classic! I always thought it was cool that Isaac Hayes was on that show. I read
an article not long ago that said the Church of Scientology had quit the show for him after he had a
stroke. I guess it had been suggested that Isaac Hayes, a known Scientologist, had quit the show because
he had an issue with episode where the make fun of Scientology. Anyway, I’m glad that Skee-Lo sparked
a conversation about Scientology and Isaac Hayes.
Skee-Lo – “Cheeseburger”
Chef – “Chocolate Salty Balls”
Chris: Skee-Lo produced most of the album on his own and according to the liner notes, he got some
help from producer Walter Khan. There is a lot of live instrumentation on this album and in my opinion,
it really enhances the samples they used. A track that really stands out for me for its production value is
“Top of The Stairs”. It sounds a lot like Patrice Rushen’s “Remind Me” but it’s a tad bit different and I
wonder if they decided to play a version of it with live instruments to avoid having to clear any samples.
I know that producers will hire a musicologist to help them alter a music arrangement enough to avoid
any copywriting issues. What did you think about the production on this album?
James: The production seemed solid and they must have known what they were doing back then
because the tracks still flow smooth 30 years later. I have remained tied to the style out West and the
Bay. I have love for the East and every artist between, but something about the mindset from the coast
that just sticks out from the rest.
help from producer Walter Khan. There is a lot of live instrumentation on this album and in my opinion,
it really enhances the samples they used. A track that really stands out for me for its production value is
“Top of The Stairs”. It sounds a lot like Patrice Rushen’s “Remind Me” but it’s a tad bit different and I
wonder if they decided to play a version of it with live instruments to avoid having to clear any samples.
I know that producers will hire a musicologist to help them alter a music arrangement enough to avoid
any copywriting issues. What did you think about the production on this album?
James: The production seemed solid and they must have known what they were doing back then
because the tracks still flow smooth 30 years later. I have remained tied to the style out West and the
Bay. I have love for the East and every artist between, but something about the mindset from the coast
that just sticks out from the rest.
Skee-Lo – “Top of the Stairs”
Patrice Rushen – “Remind Me”
Chris: Being that you’re from out West, what other Hip Hop artists were you guys listening to back then?
James: I remember hearing Caprice and Rappin’ 4Tay. Too $hort and some underground that was so far
away in difference that you would laugh but it was true that random artists like ICP and KMK came into
the picture for a few different clicks around school. I mention KMK because they used drums, piano,
strings, and horn. If you want to talk about groups that lost street cred, or lost the spotlight as soon as it
hit them, KMK was one of them even. I am not sure if you have heard “Dogs Life” but the song was
heard in even a few movies somewhere between then and now. Kurupt and Nate Dogg were pretty
popular and TuPac. Granted, many of these artist were a bit above my age, my older friends graduating
high school before I left middle school Cross and Crown, haha, introduced me into the style and sounds
of the 70’s aged artists.
away in difference that you would laugh but it was true that random artists like ICP and KMK came into
the picture for a few different clicks around school. I mention KMK because they used drums, piano,
strings, and horn. If you want to talk about groups that lost street cred, or lost the spotlight as soon as it
hit them, KMK was one of them even. I am not sure if you have heard “Dogs Life” but the song was
heard in even a few movies somewhere between then and now. Kurupt and Nate Dogg were pretty
popular and TuPac. Granted, many of these artist were a bit above my age, my older friends graduating
high school before I left middle school Cross and Crown, haha, introduced me into the style and sounds
of the 70’s aged artists.
Chris: Did you have any favorite tracks?
James: This album has played from start to finish while I work. With that being said, “Never Crossed My
Mind” hit hard and made me respect Skee-Lo. He sounds like an intellect and human. Original and
precise in his message. Upfront and honorable when it comes to the opposite sex. I think a lot of young
men today could learn a lot from this track because even being in my mid-30s, regardless of how the
lady may feel, I am going to be upfront and honest because that is the right thing to do. I feel that some
listeners get tied up in Hip Hop and Rap now days, misunderstanding that leading people on or playing is
cool even if they are keeping each in the dark. Skee-Lo and a few others have hammered in their tracks
their mistakes and wanted their fans to learn from them not repeat theirs. This is what makes the track
and album, my fav. His album, “I can’t stop” is second.
Mind” hit hard and made me respect Skee-Lo. He sounds like an intellect and human. Original and
precise in his message. Upfront and honorable when it comes to the opposite sex. I think a lot of young
men today could learn a lot from this track because even being in my mid-30s, regardless of how the
lady may feel, I am going to be upfront and honest because that is the right thing to do. I feel that some
listeners get tied up in Hip Hop and Rap now days, misunderstanding that leading people on or playing is
cool even if they are keeping each in the dark. Skee-Lo and a few others have hammered in their tracks
their mistakes and wanted their fans to learn from them not repeat theirs. This is what makes the track
and album, my fav. His album, “I can’t stop” is second.
Skee-Lo – “Never Crossed my Mind”
Chris: This album is really good and I couldn’t help but wonder why the album, not the single, isn’t as
well thought of. The album did go Gold but I think that we can agree that was probably on the
popularity of the single, but why did we never hear from Skee-Lo again? Here’s my theory and please
tell me what you think. I think “I Wish”, the song, is an undeniably dope but most of the lyrics are very
self-deprecating which in turn caused a lot of us not take him very seriously. And he wasn’t being self-
deprecating in the Humpty Hump, where although he had big nose and he looked like he was MC
Hammer on crack, he was still getting girls. And it wasn’t in that Eminem way, where you make fun of
yourself before anyone else gets a chance to because you don’t give a fuck. Skee-Lo went on himself and
in a very playful way but I think it caused him to lose some credibility as a rapper in some of our eyes,
which inevitably caused us to dismiss him as a “one hit wonder”.
well thought of. The album did go Gold but I think that we can agree that was probably on the
popularity of the single, but why did we never hear from Skee-Lo again? Here’s my theory and please
tell me what you think. I think “I Wish”, the song, is an undeniably dope but most of the lyrics are very
self-deprecating which in turn caused a lot of us not take him very seriously. And he wasn’t being self-
deprecating in the Humpty Hump, where although he had big nose and he looked like he was MC
Hammer on crack, he was still getting girls. And it wasn’t in that Eminem way, where you make fun of
yourself before anyone else gets a chance to because you don’t give a fuck. Skee-Lo went on himself and
in a very playful way but I think it caused him to lose some credibility as a rapper in some of our eyes,
which inevitably caused us to dismiss him as a “one hit wonder”.
James: Being 2021 and him doing him is cool with me. I know Ice cube, Ice T, Snoop, have stayed active
to this day, with their shows, movies, etc,. but I think for Skee-Lo, he switched gears away from the
spotlight and was not going to change or try to be something he wasn’t or be someone that would stay
on the radar. I was reading that in 2011 he was still writing and rhyming so that’s cool too. Even two
years later he dropped “Fresh Ideas” and putting on iTunes. I think popularity was ruthless in the 90s.
There was a lot in that decade and some rapper ate their own to survive.
to this day, with their shows, movies, etc,. but I think for Skee-Lo, he switched gears away from the
spotlight and was not going to change or try to be something he wasn’t or be someone that would stay
on the radar. I was reading that in 2011 he was still writing and rhyming so that’s cool too. Even two
years later he dropped “Fresh Ideas” and putting on iTunes. I think popularity was ruthless in the 90s.
There was a lot in that decade and some rapper ate their own to survive.
Chris: You can’t really feel bad for Skee-Lo. He’s probably still making money and funding all his
endeavors now off of his “I Wish” money. There is a lot of magic that has to have a hit much less to have
one that would have you considered a “one hit wonder”. I think that it’s admirable that Skee-Lo didn’t
sell himself to get it like I’m sure some have.
endeavors now off of his “I Wish” money. There is a lot of magic that has to have a hit much less to have
one that would have you considered a “one hit wonder”. I think that it’s admirable that Skee-Lo didn’t
sell himself to get it like I’m sure some have.
Skee-Lo – “Waitin’ For You”
Chris: I heard Skee-Lo in an interview say to Sway that he was making a point on this album but not
using any curse words. Not that he had anything against curse words, he just wanted to make the point
that you don’t need them to make a record to sell one. Why the lack of curse words evident to you?
Does Skee-Lo get any extra credit or any credit at all from you for not using curse words? Do you have
any thoughts on Skee-Lo’s lyrical prowess?
using any curse words. Not that he had anything against curse words, he just wanted to make the point
that you don’t need them to make a record to sell one. Why the lack of curse words evident to you?
Does Skee-Lo get any extra credit or any credit at all from you for not using curse words? Do you have
any thoughts on Skee-Lo’s lyrical prowess?
James: Reminds me of Will Smith. Back when my Coolio tape got snatched, I went to Smith because he
hit the ground writing songs without curse words so everyone could play it even driving by church.
Numbers might be different but if I saw records, CDs, even cassettes at the store with both artists, I’d
pick them up.
hit the ground writing songs without curse words so everyone could play it even driving by church.
Numbers might be different but if I saw records, CDs, even cassettes at the store with both artists, I’d
pick them up.
Chris: I may not have given him any credit for it back then but I definitely do now. Skee-Lo was dope. He
had multiple styles that he could use. He was an extremely talented cat on the boards as well. I heard on
that Sway interview that Skee-Lo was also part of the Good Life, which I didn’t know. He used to make a
lot of beats for all them cats to rap over. I thought that was cool gem. If you’re not familiar with the
Good Life, I encourage you to go back and read the review my cousin Marissa and I did of Freestyle
Fellowship’s “Innercity Griots”.
had multiple styles that he could use. He was an extremely talented cat on the boards as well. I heard on
that Sway interview that Skee-Lo was also part of the Good Life, which I didn’t know. He used to make a
lot of beats for all them cats to rap over. I thought that was cool gem. If you’re not familiar with the
Good Life, I encourage you to go back and read the review my cousin Marissa and I did of Freestyle
Fellowship’s “Innercity Griots”.
Chris: Finally, how do you feel about Skee-Lo now after hearing him again 26 years later?
James: Jazzed up, man. I have the thump in my trunk and I know Skee-Lo will make it bump how it
should.
should.
Chris: I really enjoyed listening to this album as well! I’d encourage anyone to give the entire album a
listen.
listen.
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