The time is ripe, the time is NOW for Stanford Milburn, aka Shadow Skillz. After years of opening for other famous acts and producing other artists, it's his turn to blow up.

His impending CD will demonstrate all of his versatile and diversified attributes - and a sound with an edge of his own.

"I want to be known for my own sound," said Shadow Skillz. "I don't want to come out with people saying that I sound like so-and-so. I know that's going to happen, but I want to know for a fact that, when people hear me, they know that it's me."

One spark that will help lead to Shadow's impending explosion in the industry is his gaining the production assistance of Grammy Award winner Madukwu Chinwah. The multi-faceted songwriter and producer took home music's ultimate treasure with his co-penning of the song "Love of My Life," with songstress Erykah Badu. Shadow is also collaborating with K-Phlx. While several artists have come out of Dallas, on to stardom, Shadow is determined to do it all from within.