Richmond native and hip-hop artist Donnie Lewis, aka Mad Skillz, won a Grammy Award on Sunday in the Best Spoken Word Poetry Album category for his project Words For Days Vol. 1.

Mad Skillz is a familiar face on the University of Richmond campus. As an artist-in-residence, he co-taught Voice of Hip Hop in America with liberal arts professor Erik Nielson.

“I can say without hesitation that he’s one of the most talented people I have ever met. What’s more, he’s a terrific teacher,” said Nielson, an expert on hip hop culture and the intersection of rap lyrics and the law. “His students appreciate his deep knowledge of the music industry and look forward to the insights he brings to each class.”

Mad Skillz shared his excitement about the honor via email. “I want this win to inspire and uplift every creative from where I’m from. Through hard work and dedication, you can achieve any dream you have. It may not happen when you want it to or the way that you want it to, but if you stay on your path with your passion, it will happen.”

His UR connections go way back. He grew up in Richmond and got his start rapping at the University radio station, WDCE. Nielson says he was thrilled when Mad Skillz agreed to help teach the class, first offered in 2018. They taught the class together last fall and expect to offer it again next year, Nielson said.

Mad Skillz is credited for putting Virginia on the hip hop map as he was among many artist to break out nationally from the state, while having performed and collaborated with celebrities including, The Roots, Nas, Missy Elliott, Cee Lo Green, Musiq Soulchild, Pharrell Williams, Mos Def, Talib Kweli, Common, Q-Tip, Chris Brown, Travis Barker, Jay-Z, Will Smith, and DJ Jazzy Jeff.

“I was beyond excited when I learned he won his first Grammy, but I was hardly surprised. I can’t imagine a more deserving recipient,” Nielson said. “This is a big win for him, but it’s also a win for the University and the city of Richmond as a whole.”