Thomas Tang: From Harvey to Hip-Hop’s Heart
When it comes to carving your own lane in music, Thomas Tang, an independent artist from Harvey, Illinois, is doing just that. Known by his moniker “Tskywlkr,” Tang has been building a name rooted in originality, emotional honesty, and resilience. Drawing influence from both his suburban upbringing and Chicago’s gritty music scene, Tang creates music that’s deeply personal yet universally resonant.
Finding His Voice as an Independent Artist
For Thomas Tang, music has always been about expression and reflection. From his early years experimenting with rap in 2011 to now producing genre-blending works, Tang’s evolution mirrors his growth as a person. Influenced by icons like Lil Wayne, J. Cole, Kendrick Lamar, Nirvana, and Metallica, his sound fuses elements of rap, rock, and R&B—an eclectic mix that defies boundaries while reflecting real experiences.
Tang explains that his creative process is deeply organic, often shaped by close collaborations with friends such as Moebanz, Cellgotit, and Monye147. These relationships, both personal and professional, allow for a genuine and seamless exchange of ideas. “Dealing with people who are so creative is always a fun process,” he says, emphasizing that authenticity fuels his art.
The Message Behind the Music
As an independent artist, Thomas Tang uses his platform to shed light on life’s complexities. His lyrics often explore harsh realities with a message of hope and accountability. “I want to translate the feeling of optimism when dealing with harsh realities,” Tang explains. “I deliver a raw and uncut perspective of growing up in the ghetto while highlighting family, community, and personal growth.”
His latest album, eviL evoL teL, embodies this vision. The title itself—an anadrome that spells “Let Love Live” backward—symbolizes the duality of darkness and light in today’s music culture. Tang blends thought-provoking lyricism with addictive production to reveal deeper truths about society, spirituality, and self-awareness. From the haunting introduction track “eviL evoL teL” to the powerful closer “Genocide Music,” the album challenges listeners to reflect on the sounds they consume and the messages behind them.
Looking Ahead: Skywalk City 2
Never one to stay stagnant, Tang is currently working on Skywalk City 2, a sequel to his debut album. The project represents growth, maturity, and redemption for the artist. “My first album was rushed because of my own impatience,” he admits. “Now I’m ready to make it everything it was meant to be.”
For Tang, the journey of being an independent artist is about perseverance, faith, and evolution. “I trust in the music while learning how to best deliver it to the world,” he says. And with his unmistakable sound and story-driven vision, Thomas Tang is steadily rising from Harvey’s streets to hip-hop’s main stage.
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