Zilla (rapper)

Zilla
Zilla (left) with Vinnie Paz
Zilla (left) with Vinnie Paz
Background information
Birth nameVictor Gurrola Jr.
Also known asVG Skillz
V-Zilla
Blue Collared MC
Zilla the Monster
OriginHouston, Texas, U.S.
GenresHip hop, Southern hip hop
Years active1999–present
LabelsBabygrande, Enemy Soil South, Monster Musick Group
Member ofArmy of the Pharaohs

Victor Gurrola Jr., better known by his stage name Zilla (formerly VG Skillz and V-Zilla), is an American underground rapper and producer from Houston, Texas. He is known for his style of rap, which combines East Coast hip hop with his native Southern hip hop. In 2010, Zilla became a member of hip hop supergroup Army of the Pharaohs, founded by Jedi Mind Tricks frontman Vinnie Paz.

Coming out of Houston, Zilla got his start posting music online. He was discovered by Swedish producer Moonshine, leading to his successful 2001 debut album E.X.H.A.L.E. The album Lockdown Sessions followed in 2004, and three years later he joined forces with Houston locals S.W.A.T. Music Project, changing his style to the more traditional Southern hip hop style with his collaboration album Empty Bottles and Full Ashtrays in 2008.[1]

Returning to his more lyrical, East Coast-influenced roots, he mounted a comeback with 2011's Interview with a Monster, letting it be known that his previous style was a "gross miscalculation" and that he was going to make music the way he feels and marks an official return.[2] Zilla made his first appearance with Army of the Pharaohs on their fourth studio album, In Death Reborn, released in 2014.[3]

  1. ^ Rodriguez, Rolando (January 22, 2010). "V-Zilla is Houston's Hip-Hop Monster on the Mike". Houston Press. Retrieved July 13, 2014.
  2. ^ "Interview With a Monster". iTunes. 2014. Retrieved July 13, 2014.
  3. ^ "Army Of The Pharaohs - In Death Reborn". undergroundhiphop.com. 2014. Retrieved July 13, 2014.