Ski Mask the Slump God emerged as a distinctive and influential voice in the late 2010s hip-hop landscape, known for his rapid-fire, lyrical dexterity, nostalgic video game and anime-inspired aesthetic, and a string of viral hits. Born Stokeley Clevon Goulbourne on April 18, 1996, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, his career was inextricably linked with the South Florida rap scene. His early life was marked by a move to New York City during his childhood before returning to Florida, where he attended high school and began cultivating his musical ambitions.

His artistic path was profoundly shaped by his friendship and collaboration with fellow rapper XXXTentacion. Together, they formed the influential collective Members Only in 2014, a group that became a central hub for the raw, genre-blending sound defining that era of underground Florida rap. Ski Mask began building a dedicated online following through platforms like SoundCloud, releasing a series of mixtapes including Drown in Designer (2016). His breakthrough arrived in 2017 with the release of his commercial mixtape You Will Regret. The project debuted on the Billboard 200 and spawned the platinum-certified singles "BabyWipe" and "Catch Me Outside," which were both certified Gold by the RIAA. Another track from the mixtape, "Take a Step Back" featuring XXXTentacion, also achieved platinum status, cementing his reputation for crafting chaotic, high-energy anthems.

The year 2018 proved to be a period of both tragedy and significant career progression for the rapper. Following the murder of his close friend and collaborator XXXTentacion, Ski Mask released the mixtape Beware the Book of Eli, which peaked at number 50 on the Billboard 200. He then achieved his highest charting project to date with his debut studio album, Stokeley, released in November 2018. The album debuted at number six on the Billboard 200, propelled by popular tracks like "Faucet Failure," "Foot Fungus," and the hit single "Nuketown" featuring Juice WRLD. His musical style, characterized by complex rhyme schemes, humorous punchlines, and production often sampling classic video game sounds, carved out a unique niche within hip-hop.

Following the success of Stokeley, Ski Mask the Slump God continued to release music, including the 2021 mixtape Sin City The Mixtape, and remained a consistent touring presence. His influence is noted in his distinctive fashion, often featuring multi-colored durags, and his ability to blend technical skill with internet-born sensibility. While fans eagerly await a formal sophomore album, his catalog of mixtapes and debut album maintains a strong presence, underscoring his role as a key figure in the SoundCloud rap movement who successfully transitioned to mainstream recognition.