You’re scrolling through a playlist and "Red Roses" or "Nowadays" comes on, and suddenly you’re hit with that realization that time is moving way faster than any of us expected. It feels like yesterday he was the "new" face of melodic rap, but honestly, he's been in the game for a minute. If you’re wondering how old is Lil Skies, you aren't alone. People ask this constantly because his look—specifically those face tattoos and that lean, athletic build—can make him look younger or older depending on the lighting.
Born on August 4, 1998, Lil Skies is 27 years old.
Think about that for a second. He was basically a teenager when he blew up. While most of us were struggling to figure out our college majors or working dead-end retail jobs, Kimetrius Christopher Foose (his real name, by the way) was already pulling in millions of views and touring the world. He’s a Leo, which honestly tracks if you’ve ever seen him perform. There’s a specific kind of confidence there that you can’t really fake. He grew up in Waynesboro, Pennsylvania, a place that isn't exactly known for being a hip-hop mecca, which makes his trajectory even more impressive.
The Timeline: From Waynesboro to the Billboard Charts
It’s easy to forget how young he was when Life of a Dark Rose dropped. That mixtape hit in early 2018, which means he was only 19. It’s wild. Most 19-year-olds are still figuring out how to do their own laundry, but Skies was out here navigating a major label deal with Atlantic Records.
He didn't just stumble into this, though. His dad, Michael Burton Jr., was a rapper himself (Dark Skies). Kimetrius was literally in the studio at age four. By the time he was in third grade, he was writing his own bars. This isn't a "SoundCloud rapper" who got lucky with a meme; he was groomed for this. When we talk about how old is Lil Skies, we have to factor in that he has the industry experience of someone much older because he’s been around microphones since he was a toddler.
By 2019, when Shelby came out (named after his mom, which is a total "good son" move), he was 20. He was already a father by then, too. His son, Kimetrius Jr., was born in October 2019. Becoming a dad at 21 changes your perspective. You can hear the shift in his lyrics and see it in how he handles his business. He slowed down the relentless touring and started focusing more on longevity rather than just chasing the next viral TikTok sound.
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Why People Get Confused About His Age
Social media is a weird place. Because Skies took a few breaks between major projects, a lot of people thought he had "retired" or fallen off. When he pops back up on your feed with a new look or a new tattoo, it’s natural to ask how old is Lil Skies now. He’s managed to maintain a relatively low profile compared to his peers who are constantly in the blogs for drama.
He's 27, but he’s already a veteran.
He’s outlived the "SoundCloud Era" stigma. Many of the artists he came up with are either no longer making music or, tragically, no longer with us. Skies has managed to stay healthy and focused. He’s been open about his sobriety and his desire to stay away from the harder drugs that plagued his generation of rappers. That clarity probably keeps him looking younger than his age might suggest. If you look at photos from 2017 versus 2026, he’s filled out a bit, but that spark is still there.
A Quick Breakdown of His Milestone Years:
- 18 years old: Dropped Alone and started gaining real traction on SoundCloud.
- 19 years old: Signed to Atlantic and released the massive hit "Red Roses."
- 20 years old: Released his debut studio album Shelby and became a father.
- 22 years old: Dropped Unbothered, showing a more melodic, experimental side.
- 25-27 years old: Transitioned into a true independent-minded artist, managing his brand and legacy.
Dealing With the "Young Artist" Label
There’s a specific trap that happens in the music industry. Labels love to market artists as "young prodigies" because it builds hype. When Skies was 19, he was the poster child for the new wave. But what happens when that "young" artist hits their mid-20s?
The industry often moves on to the next 18-year-old.
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Skies seems to have handled this transition better than most. He isn't trying to act like he’s still 19. His music has matured. It’s less about the party and more about the pressure of maintaining success and being a provider. When you realize how old is Lil Skies, you start to appreciate the "middle-man" position he occupies. He’s old enough to have wisdom but young enough to still be relevant to the Gen Z audience that grew up with him.
He’s also been very vocal about his distaste for the fake aspects of the industry. He’s walked away from deals and situations that didn't feel right, even if it meant less immediate exposure. That’s a 27-year-old’s mindset. A 19-year-old would have taken the check and dealt with the consequences later.
The Impact of Fatherhood on His Career
You can't talk about his age and his journey without talking about his son. Most people in their mid-20s are still living for themselves. Skies has been a dad for over six years now. That changes your "age" in a spiritual sense. He’s often posted videos of him and his son, showing a side of him that’s a far cry from the edgy, tattoo-covered rapper people see in music videos.
This maturity is exactly why he hasn't burned out. He has something to come home to. It’s also why he’s more selective about his collaborations. He isn't doing every feature that comes his way just to stay in the conversation. He’s building a catalog that his kid can be proud of later.
What’s Next for Lil Skies at 27?
He’s in a prime spot. Historically, many rappers hit their creative peak in their late 20s. Think about the greats—their best work usually comes when they’ve had enough life experience to actually have something to say.
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Skies is currently at that crossroads.
He’s moved past the "Lil" prefix in everything but name. He’s a man now. He’s seen the highs of multi-platinum records and the lows of industry politics. If you’re tracking how old is Lil Skies because you’re waiting for new music, the good news is that he’s shown no signs of stopping. He’s just doing it on his own terms now. He’s leaned into his fan base, the "Waynesboro kid" who made it out, and he continues to drop singles that rack up millions of streams without the need for massive radio pushes.
The mystery around his age usually stems from how long he’s been in our ears. When an artist feels like a staple of your high school or college years, you assume they must be 30 or 40 by now. But nope. He’s still in his 20s. He’s still got decades of music left in him if he wants it.
To really stay updated on Skies, you have to look past the surface-level metrics. Look at his growth as a songwriter. Listen to the texture of his voice—it's got a bit more grit now. He isn't just the kid from Pennsylvania anymore; he's a veteran of the digital age of hip-hop.
Key Takeaways for Fans:
- Check the Year: He was born in 1998. Use that as your anchor whenever you’re confused.
- Follow the Music, Not the Hype: Skies often drops music sporadically on SoundCloud or YouTube before they hit major streamers.
- Respect the Privacy: He doesn't post every second of his life, which is why he remains a bit of an enigma.
- Watch the Evolution: Compare "Red Roses" to his recent drops. The technical skill has leveled up significantly.
If you’re looking to dive deeper into his current projects, keep an eye on his independent releases. He’s been moving away from the traditional label structure, which means more raw, unfiltered content for the fans who have been there since day one. Skies is proof that you can grow up in the spotlight without losing your soul—or your mind.
The best way to support his journey at this age is to engage with his official channels directly. Stream the albums, sure, but also check out his merch and his live shows. That’s where the real connection happens. He’s built a cult following that doesn't care about Billboard charts as much as they care about the vibe. And at 27, the vibe is stronger than ever.