Today we’d like to introduce you to D’Andre Skyles.
D’Andre, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I had started making my way into the Chicago Hip-Hop scene around 2012. I was introduced to a lot of amazing artists because we were billed for some of the same performances. The mutual respect for each other’s crafts and work ethics eventually formed into friendships. We immediately noticed that we shared the same type of witty and dark humor.
Lyric Versatile, D2G, The Surge, Young Ali, and I were selected to feature in Volume 16 of the Chi-City Cypher, a platform spearheaded by Gizzo Villanueva to showcase MCs from all around the city. After a very successful taping, we had come to the conclusion that we could be a Hip-Hop collective to be reckoned with. With us being the Founding Five, we formed Petty Gang Chicago. We all adopted a Petty moniker, for example, I go by the name “Petty Murphy”.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Starting out, it wasn’t a walk in the park. We all knew that we were immensely talented in many areas, yet we didn’t know how to properly channel those talents into a collective that everyone would be able to recognize. With some changes in personnel, and establishing a Cabinet that would assume leadership, we were able to delegate roles for each member to execute.
We also had to keep in mind that while we are a crew, we’re a family first. That helps us to be more responsive to one another and keeps our egos checked at the door.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Petty Gang Chicago – what should we know?
Petty Gang Chicago is a music and entertainment company that is comprised of an extensive and eclectic roster of MCs, singers, songwriters, engineers, producers, videographers, photographers, DJs, radio personalities, actors, and marketing specialists. Petty Gang is also an acronym; Principles Exceeding The Typical Yesteryears, Guiding A New Generation. We live up to that credo by demonstrating to the youth how they can achieve and excel in the entertainment industry without having to compromise their integrity or their craft.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
At an early age, I was mentored by the Proviso Township Positive Black Men Association. This group of individuals had showed me the first images of Black Excellence and Entrepreneurship.
There are an innumerable amount of supporters that I would like to thank, as well as artists and producers that have performed at our events. Of course, I wouldn’t be able to complete my work without my team. They are as follows:
-Lyric Versatile “Petty Pendergrass”
-D2G “Petty Guerrero”
-Chris Schultz “Petty Pablo”
-Monique Goss “Petty Boop”
-T.L. Williams “Petty Kendricks”
-Young Ali “Petty Levert”
-The Surge “Petty Munster”
-D.J. El “Petty Griffin”
-Slick “Petty Prinze, Jr.”
-Mista Dent “Petty Brock”
-Sarcastik “Petty Ness”
-Talia Velasquez “Petty Quinn”
-Anthony Ramos “Petty Roosevelt”
-Danny Barz “Petty Armstrong”
-Chance “Petty Rogers”
-D.J. Wrcks It “Pettywise”
Last, but certainly not least, my darling fiance, Ashley. She has been my rock and my biggest cheerleader. Without her, none of this would be possible.
Pricing:
- Petty Gang T-Shirts (Blk or Wht, S-2X) $20
- Petty Gang Shades $5
- Petty Gang Wristbands $2
- Petty Gang Buttons $2
- Petty Gang Stickers $2
- Petty Pack (Includes T-Shirt, Shades, Wristband, Button, Stickers, and Business Cards) $25
Contact Info:
- Website: PettyGangChicago.com
- Email: pettygangchiofficial@gmail.com
- Instagram: pettygangchiofficial
- Facebook: Petty Gang Chicago
- Twitter: @PettyGangChi
Petty Gang Chicago hosts a monthly All-Genre Open Mic showcase called the Boom Bap, every 4th Monday of the month at Subterranean, 2011 W. North Ave, Chicago, in Wicker Park. The show is from 10PM-2AM, and there’s a $3 donation to enter.
Image Credit:
Ronnie Boykin Jr., Ill Eye Photography
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