What Is Life Like as the Face of Kensington's Zombieland?

TL;DR

Skrilla, a Philadelphia rapper who has lived his entire life in Kensington, is the self-proclaimed "face of Zombie Land," with "dog food" (street slang for heroin) tattooed on his face and hands. The video follows him outside from 4:00 p.m. until 4:00 a.m. through a neighborhood gripped by the fentanyl and xylazine epidemic, past McPherson Square's "needle park." See how he embraces the "zombie" label, warns kids off drugs, and documents the taboo religious practices he posts on Instagram.

Transcript

this is without a doubt the craziest video I've ever filmed in my life mix x with bit I'm the face ofie godamn Philadelphia rapper skrilla also known as the face of Zombie Land has lived his entire life in Kensington he reps the city of zombies so hard he has dog food which is slank for heroin tattooed on his face and hands recently he's been makin... Read More

Key Insights

• ❓ Kensington is characterized by a significant drug crisis, with many residents visibly affected by addiction.
• 😮 Skrilla’s rise as a rapper reflects the stories and struggles of Kensington residents, offering a unique perspective on life in the area.
• 🫡 The community response to being labeled “Zombie Land” reveals a complex mix of acceptance and frustration, highlighting struggles for respect and dignity.
• 🛟 Religious practices, such as Santería, serve as a coping mechanism for individuals like Skrilla amidst societal challenges.
• 🖐️ Local artists play a crucial role in shaping the narrative of Kensington, fostering a sense of identity and community.
• 💋 Youth in Kensington navigate a precarious environment marked by addiction and crime but also harbor aspirations for better futures.
• 👮 The law enforcement approach in Kensington often prioritizes policing minor offenses while neglecting the root causes of community distress.

Questions & Answers

Q: Who is the "face of Zombieland" and what is his stage name?

The "face of Zombie Land" is Skrilla, a Philadelphia rapper who says he has lived his entire life in Kensington. He reps the neighborhood so hard that he has "dog food," slang for heroin, tattooed on his face and hands. He built his following with a unique rap style, performing outside surrounded by addicts.

Q: What is the significance of the term "Zombie Land" in Kensington?

"Zombie Land" is the name Skrilla and residents use for Kensington because of the neighborhood's open drug crisis, where people are visibly incapacitated by the fentanyl and xylazine epidemic. Skrilla fully embraces the label, saying "I love it, I love Kensington" and even calling himself "a zombie too." For him it is a grim but proud acceptance of where he is from.

Q: How does the community react to Kensington being called the "city of zombies"?

The host explains that after a previous video, other YouTubers and CNN accused him of exploiting people by calling it the "city of zombies." When he asks residents how they feel, several say they are not upset at all, with one longtime local responding "no, that's what it is, just Zombie Land." The people in the video largely embrace the label rather than reject it.

Q: What does Skrilla say about drugs in the video?

On camera Skrilla holds up drugs that have frozen into ice and warns "don't do drugs, this is what it does to your brain cells." He also describes his own past on the block, saying he used to "wake up, come here, trap, go home" over and over, referencing years spent dealing. His message to young people leans on his firsthand experience of that life.

Q: What religion or beliefs does Skrilla follow?

The video is partly about learning Skrilla's religious practices, which the host describes as "taboo" and which Skrilla posts on Instagram. The page's summary characterizes this as an Afro-Caribbean faith (Santería) involving the worship of deities and rituals meant to invoke blessings. It is presented as a personal coping practice rooted in cultural tradition rather than something explained in doctrinal detail.

Q: What is "needle park" and why is it dangerous for kids?

"Needle park" is the nickname for McPherson Square, a recreation area that doubles as an after-school spot for children and a popular place for local addicts to shoot up. Residents describe how kids used to accidentally touch discarded needles and risk hepatitis. The city cleans it out roughly every few months, but locals say the addicts quickly return.

Q: How long has Kensington been like this and how has it changed?

One longtime resident in the video says he has lived in Kensington for about 45 years and that it is "real different" now, with "a lot of killings." The host, who has traveled from Skid Row to Baltimore, calls Kensington the most disturbing place he has ever been. To capture it honestly he stayed out from 4:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m. and even slept on a stranger's hardwood floor.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The content dives into Kensington, a neighborhood struggling with addiction, crime, and poverty, showcasing real-life interactions and experiences.

• Skrilla, a local rapper and self-proclaimed "face of Zombie Land," shares insights into his life, including his unconventional religious practices and the realities of living amidst addiction.

• The video highlights the stark contrast between the festering drug issues in Kensington and the community’s resilience, as portrayed through the voices of its residents and local artists.