adminSkrilla’s religion is Santería, an Afro-Cuban faith. The Philadelphia rapper, born Jemille Edwards, has said in interviews that he practices it, and his faith appears in his lyrics and social media posts. This Skrilla religion guide covers what has been reported, what he has said himself, and what remains unexplained.
Early Life and Background
According to Wikipedia, Skrilla was born Jemille Marrail Edwards on June 3, 1999, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and was raised in the Kensington neighborhood. The same entry says his mother is Mexican and from Texas, and his father is African American and from Philadelphia. Wikipedia does not cite a source for the parents’ details, so they should be read as unverified.
As a teenager he played youth basketball and ran cross country, and he has said he spent time under house arrest in high school. None of the sources reviewed describe a religious upbringing or say when he first became involved in Santería. How and when he came to the faith is not publicly documented.
Skrilla’s Religion and Spiritual Beliefs
Wikipedia states that Edwards practices Santería, and notes that his lyrics often reference santería and his Mexican heritage. Hot New Hip Hop reported on January 5, 2026, that he has previously confirmed practicing the religion in interviews.
Santería, also called Regla de Ocha, developed in Cuba from the Yorùbá religion of West Africa, blended with elements of Catholicism and Spiritualism. Animal sacrifice is a recognized ritual practice within it.
In an August 2024 interview with the No Jumper podcast, titled “Skrilla On Sacrificing Goats And Chicken For His Religion,” he discussed this part of his faith. Hot New Hip Hop quotes him saying he sacrifices “goats, chickens, mice” but is “not allowed to explain it.” That limit on explaining the rituals means public detail about his practice is thin.
The 2026 New Year Post
In early January 2026, Skrilla shared an Instagram photo carousel captioned “Happy new years…”. Hot New Hip Hop described the images as appearing to show him sacrificing animals, including a chicken and two doves, alongside a knife and a glass that appeared to contain blood. The outlet tied the post to his Santería practice. Skrilla did not issue an extended explanation in the coverage reviewed.
The post drew renewed attention to his faith and is part of why searches for his religion rose. For other rappers whose beliefs have drawn public interest, see Snoop Dogg’s religion and NLE Choppa’s religion, or compare traditions in World Religions Compared.
Frequently Asked Questions
What religion is Skrilla?
Skrilla practices Santería. Wikipedia states this directly, and Hot New Hip Hop reports that he has confirmed it in interviews.
What is Santería?
Santería is an Afro-Cuban religion that blends the Yorùbá religion of West Africa with elements of Catholicism and Spiritualism, according to Hot New Hip Hop’s description. Animal sacrifice is a recognized part of its ritual practice.
Has Skrilla talked about animal sacrifice?
Yes. In an August 2024 No Jumper interview he discussed sacrificing animals for his religion. Hot New Hip Hop quotes him as naming goats, chickens and mice while saying he is “not allowed to explain it.”
Was Skrilla raised in Santería?
The sources reviewed do not say. They do not describe his religious upbringing or when he began practicing.
