Richmond native ‘Mad Skillz’ takes home Grammy for best spoken word poetry album

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Richmond native Donnie Lewis, also known as rapper "Mad Skillz," took home his first Grammy award for "Best Spoken Word Poetry Album" of the year at this year's 68th annual Grammy Awards.

The two-time Grammy award-winning rapper, Mad Skillz took home the Grammy for his latest album, "Words Fore Days Vol. 1."

Mad Skillz poses in the press room with the award for best spoken word poetry album for "Words For Days Vol. 1."during the 68th annual Grammy Awards on Sunday, Feb. 1, 2026, in Los Angeles. (Photo by Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP)

Virginia was also represented throughout the 68th annual 2026 Grammy awards with performances by Virginia Beach native Pharrell, who was also awarded the "Dr. Dre Global Impact Award," and country and hip-hop artist Shaboozey of Woodbridge in Prince William County.

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The award show also paid tribute to Richmond native and legendary singer-songwriter D'Angelo, who passed away in mid-October of 2025.

Skillz has a total of nine studio albums and said in a post via Instagram, "It may not come when you want it to but its always on time!!!!"