Born March 26th in Los Angeles, California in California Hospital; LeeOtis Burgess is a true Cali native and in the midst of the 80’s Hip Hop culture it was only a matter of time before he would emerge, fresh on the scene with a relentless ambition to be the best, gaining along the way life lessons combined with his innate artistic outlook which would mold his talents as a Musician, Song Writer and Producer, evolving his love for music to the next level and a successful career in entertainment.

But, before his introduction to the world of Hip Hop, LeeOtis would be versed in the art of music, learning to play the Piano, Drums and Trumpet in grade school and middle school so by the time he discovered his love for Hip Hop in High school, these talents would be honed and utilized as the foundation of his newly discovered love for Hip Hop music. Using his own talents as a novice music producer, he was able to write and produce his own records which many other aspiring Hip Hop artists lacked, placing him ahead of the class — a class of a new generation of Hip Hoppers that were plentiful in number, gifted with talent and all too eager to prove themselves worthy of stardom.

It was during this time that LeeOtis developed his style. A style unique to California; in sound, rhyme pattern, music production and his ever so controversial and often criticized voice — a voice that listeners, so often compare to the likes of Jay-Z. Though, however often criticized, his talent was undeniable and ultimately accepted and admired by all that heard him and witnessed his passion first hand. And LeeOtis continued to evolve. This was also the time that LeeOtis acquired his moniker — Young Ski, from a group of older friends that often, jokingly referred to him as ‘Young Lee-O-Ski’. LeeOtis accepted this name endearingly, transforming a blithe pseudonym into a name that would resonant, just as his music would, in the hearts and minds of his peers, friends, family and fans. A name that has the potential to build the brand that will inevitably build his empire.

In the summer of 2007 Young Ski signed a deal with Independent Label, G.I.D. (Get it Done) Records and a publishing deal with accredited publishing companies. Since then he has received spot light recognition for his music by Los Angeles based radio station Wild 96.1 and has been a featured guest on Inland Empire based radio station 99.1. His music has been featured in Television shows such as Man Hunters (A&E) and In Treatment (HBO) as well as Feature Films such as Next Three Days and Transformers. He has also evolved his artistry from musician to actor, appearing in independent films such as Underground Street Flippers and Assumptions. But these are just a few of the credits on his impressive resume and there are more yet to come.

Just as his artistry continually evolves, his name seems to evolve in parallel as the now, $ki (pronounced ‘Dollar Sign Ski’) admits, “The journey is as great as the goal“. And though his goals of creating number one, chart topping records, winning MTV and Grammy awards, headlining tours and ultimately becoming a multi-platinum recording artist continues to drive him, he saviors each and every struggle and triumph that he encounters; and just as when he first began his Rap career, fourteen years earlier, he utilizes these milestones to better himself and his art form, providing the world with great music and his family with a prosperous life.