Richmond hip-hop artist, UR professor Mad Skillz wins first Grammy: 'This is for Virginia'

Richmond-based hip-hop artist Mad Skillz won his first Grammy Award on Sunday, bringing home the trophy for Best Spoken Word Poetry Album.

"Words For Days Vol. 1" took the honor at the 68th Annual Grammy Awards, marking a milestone victory for the Virginia artist. This is the second consecutive year Mad Skillz has been nominated in the category.

The 51-year-old, whose real name is Donnie Shaquan Lewis, was unable to accept the award at the ceremony. One of the album's producers accepted the award on his behalf during the pre-telecast ceremony.

"I produced some of the project, and I'm holding a Grammy on his behalf. What is life right now?" the producer said during his acceptance speech. "I'm sure Skillz would thank God first. So thank God. This is for the 804. This is for Virginia. This is for Richmond. This is for everybody who loves spoken word."

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