With over 30 years of experience, Dedan “Skillz” Gills is a cultural curator, Hip Hop connoisseur, producer, and vocal producer whose contributions to the culture span decades.

Mentored by his cousin DJ Bobcat (producer for LL Cool J, Ice Cube, and Eazy-E), Dedan quickly made his mark as an A&R consultant for Bobcat Music, working on tracks for Tupac Shakur’s sophomore album Strictly for My N.I.G.G.A.Z., including “Souljah’s Revenge Pt. 2,” “Last Wordz” featuring Ice-T and Ice Cube, and “Peep Game” featuring Deadly Threat.

While at Clark Atlanta University, Dedan founded and hosted the revolutionary radio show Panther Power Hour (1991–1996), which broke iconic records like Wu-Tang Clan’s Protect Ya Neck and Goodie Mob’s Cell Therapy. He also co-founded the underground collective S.O.L.A.R. Panel, releasing over 50 vinyl records in the 1990s, and later executive produced The Natural by Divine Verbal Dialect, produced by DJ Khalil.

Dedan co-founded streetpressure.com, an early hub for Hip Hop culture that spotlighted rising talent and launched a mixtape/concert series featuring Kendrick Lamar, Freddie Gibbs, Jay Rock, and more before they became household names.

In addition to his deep roots in music and culture, Dedan has earned notable film and television credits, serving as Music Coordinator on projects such as:

• Diarra from Detroit (TV Series, 2024)

• Rob Peace (Feature Film, 2024)

• Wu-Tang: An American Saga (TV Series, 2023)

Earlier in his career, he also worked in the Art Department as Property Master on Lord Help Us (2007).

Over three decades later, Dedan remains a torchbearer for Hip Hop culture, driven by his philosophy that the movement will continue to inspire future generations of leaders.

Website: streetpressure.com