{{Short description|Filipino rapper}} {{Use Philippine English|date=May 2026}} {{Use mdy dates|date=May 2026}} {{Philippine name|Borja|Ruiz}} {{Infobox musical artist | background = person | name = Skusta Clee | image = | caption = | birth_name = Daryl Jake Borja Ruiz<ref>{{Cite web|title=Skusta Clee bio: age, girlfriend, real name|url=https://kami.com.ph/96619-skusta-clee-bio-age-girlfriend-real-name.html|access-date=2019-10-22|website=kami.com.ph|date=October 22, 2019 |language=en}}</ref> | birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1996|02|16}} | birth_place = [[Upper Bicutan]], [[Taguig City]], Philippines | genre = {{hlist|[[Hip hop music|Hip hop]]|[[Trap music (EDM)|trap]]|[[Contemporary R&B|R&B]]|[[Pop music|Pop]]|[[Alternative rock]]}} | occupation = {{hlist|Rapper|singer|composer|producer}} | instrument = {{hlist|Vocals|guitar}} | years_active = 2014–present | label = {{hlist|[[Ex Battalion|Ex Battalion Music]]|Panty Droppaz League|Saucy Island Records}} | current_member_of = {{hlist|[[Ex Battalion]]|[[O.C. Dawgs]]|[[Ex Battalion|Kakaiboys]]{{efn|''Kakaiboys'' is a Filipino hip hop trio composed of Ex Battalion members Skusta Clee, Flow G, and Bosx1ne}}}} | module = {{Infobox youtube channel | child = yes | youtube_handle = SkustaCleeTVOfficial | youtube_display_name = Skusta Clee TV | youtube_years_active = | youtube_genre = | youtube_subscribers = 3.36 million<!-- PLEASE DO NOT CHANGE WITHOUT UPDATING stats_update BELOW --> | youtube_views = 443.1 million<!-- PLEASE DO NOT CHANGE WITHOUT UPDATING stats_update BELOW --> | stats_update = December 27, 2025 }} }}
'''Daryl Jake Borja Ruiz''' (born February 16, 1996), known professionally as '''Skusta Clee''', is a Filipino rapper and a member of the Filipino hip-hop collective [[Ex Battalion]]. He is known for his numerous hit singles "Zebbiana", "Pauwi Nako", "Dance With You" and [[Kalimutan Ka]]. He is also a member of [[O.C. Dawgs]], a hip-hop group he formed in 2012.<ref>{{cite web|title=OC Dawgs - Pinoy Hiphop Superstar|url=https://pinoyhiphopsuperstar.com/oc-dawgs-pinoy-hiphop-superstar/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211027181903/https://pinoyhiphopsuperstar.com/oc-dawgs-pinoy-hiphop-superstar/|url-status=usurped|archive-date=October 27, 2021|website=pinoyhiphopsuperstar.com|date=September 4, 2019 |access-date=5 February 2021}}</ref>
==History and career== A controversial figure in local hip-hop, Ruiz is perhaps the most prominent hip-hop artist in the [[Philippines]] from the late 2010s to the early 2020s. He has amassed billions of combined streams on all digital platforms, such as Spotify and YouTube. He is the pioneer of the Pinoy trap genre, as he started the mainstream trap movement in the country. His tracks dominated [[Musical.ly]] in 2016, and which he joined the collective Ex Battalion in the same year.
The singer-rapper is also signed to Panty Droppaz League, a partner label of Ex Battalion. Among the label’s biggest hits, which contributed to its widespread success, are "Pauwi Nako" (2018), "Zebbiana" (2019), and "Dance With You" (2020). These tracks have collectively accumulated hundreds of millions of views and streams on YouTube and Spotify.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Ex Battalion Music|url=https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXDPZNH-eEXtrxr5Ert1LWQ|access-date=2020-06-20|website=YouTube|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Panty Droppaz League - YouTube|url=https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjuiUoq_kGqsMFSQom1lvVQ?app=desktop|access-date=2020-07-17|website=www.youtube.com}}</ref>
In 2019, Ruiz starred on the box-office feature [[Sons of Nanay Sabel]] alongside his groupmates from [[Ex Battalion]].
In [[Coco Martin]] and [[Angelica Panganiban]]'s 2021 romantic comedy film [[Love or Money]], Ruiz's ''Zebbiana'' was used as the movie's theme song and became part of its official soundtrack.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Basco|first=Karl Cedrick|date=2021-03-02|title=Angelica Panganiban, pinili ang 'Zebbiana' bilang theme song ng 'Love or Money'|url=https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/03/02/21/angelica-panganiban-pinili-ang-zebbiana-bilang-theme-song-ng-love-or-money|access-date=2021-05-23|website=ABS-CBN News|language=en}}</ref>
On June 20, 2021, Skusta Clee released the song "Lagi" ({{literal translation|Everyday}}). The video for the song included his newborn daughter.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Skusta Clee's new music video "Lagi" features his newborn baby girl Bia|url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/entertainment/celebritylife/family/77958/skusta-clees-new-music-video-lagi-features-his-newborn-baby-girl-bia/story|website=[[GMA Network]]|date=June 21, 2021}}</ref>
On October 31, 2021, Skusta Clee released ''Karma'' featuring [[Gloc-9]], with an accompanying [[Thriller (song)|Thriller]]-inspired music video starring [[Bea Alonzo]] and [[Awra Briguela]].<ref name="karma" /> The short film was premiered on [[Halloween]] and gained over 2 million views and took the top trending spot on YouTube PH shortly after its release.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Cruz|first=Dana|date=2021-11-01|title=WATCH: Bea Alonzo runs away from zombies in 'Karma' music video|url=https://entertainment.inquirer.net/425549/watch-bea-alonzo-runs-away-from-zombies-in-karma-music-video|access-date=2021-11-01|website=INQUIRER.net|language=en}}</ref> Alonzo also considers the music video as her Halloween entry for the year. The song is produced by Daniel "Flip D" Tuazon and Christian "Chriilz" Andalez and the music video is directed by Titus Cee.
In 2022, the music video of Skusta Clee's ''Dance With You'' featuring Yuri Dope became the fastest top-grossing [[Original Pilipino Music|OPM]] music video of all time, it is the first to cross 190 million views to date, surpassing [[Sarah Geronimo]]'s Tala which came in second with 187 million views in the most-viewed OPM music videos in the country.<ref>{{Cite web|last=C.C.|first=JE|date=2022-05-30|title=10 All-Time Most-Viewed Official Music Videos by an OPM Artist/s|url=https://www.dailypedia.net/2022/05/list-10-all-time-most-viewed-official-music-videos-by-an-opm-artist-s/|access-date=2022-05-30|website=dailypedia.net|language=en}}</ref>
==Controversies== === "Tap Na" controversy === In late 2019, a video clip of Ruiz scoffing at unknown rappers have gone viral.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Video of Rapper Skusta Clee Scoffing Unpopular Rappers Elicited Reactions Online|url=https://philnews.ph/2019/11/26/video-rapper-skusta-clee-scoffing-unpopular-rappers-elicit-reactions/|access-date=2019-11-26|website=philnews.ph|date=November 26, 2019 |language=en}}</ref> The 12-second video sparked heated debate among netizens for his 'unpleasant' attitude. A year later, the rapper-singer songwriter reused the catchphrase "Tap na" (stop) as a closing line in his verse in [[Ex Battalion]]'s [[diss track]] ''Yearly''.<ref>[https://genius.com/Ex-battalion-yearly-lyrics Ex Battalion – Yearly Lyrics | Genius Lyrics]</ref><ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nSFSYEK7RzI Ex Battalion - Yearly (Official Music Video)]</ref> The track depicts the group's success and its presence being 'timely' in the rap scene, and is also a response to its critics.<ref>{{Cite web|title=21-Gun Salute to 2021, 9-11 of 21 - Ex Battalion|url=https://www.onemusic.ph/news/21-gun-salute-2021-9-11-21-ex-battalion-6728|access-date=January 9, 2022|website=onemusicph.com|language=en}}</ref>
==Discography== === Extended plays === {| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;" |+List of extended plays with selected details ! scope="col" style="width:10em;" |Title ! scope="col" style="width:18em;" |Album Details ! scope="col" class="unsortable" | {{Abbr|Ref.|Reference(s)}} |- ! scope="row" |''Trifecta''<br/>{{small|(with [[Flow G]])}} | * Released: March 8, 2024 <span style="font-size:85%;">(PH)</span> * Label: Panty Droppaz League * Format: [[Digital download (music)|digital download]], [[streaming media]] {{Collapsible list | title = Track listing|1. "Angas"|2. "Deserve"|3. "Inggit" }} | <ref>{{cite web |date=March 8, 2024 |title=Trifecta (EP) by Skusta Clee, Flow G |url=https://music.apple.com/ph/album/trifecta-single/1735111530 |access-date=March 9, 2024 |publisher=Skusta Clee, Flow G |via=Apple Music}}</ref> |}
===Singles=== ====As a lead artist==== {| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;" |+ List of singles as lead artist, showing year released, selected chart positions, and associated albums ! scope="col" rowspan="2"| Title ! scope="col" rowspan="2"| Year ! scope="col" colspan="2"| Peak chart positions ! scope="col" rowspan="2"| Album |- ! scope="col" style="font-size:90%; width:2.75em" | [[Philippines Hot 100|{{Abbr|PHL|Philippines}}]]<br /><ref> Peak chart positions on the [[Philippines Hot 100]] charts: * "Kalimutan Ka": {{cite web|title=Philippine Hot 100 (Week of June 28, 2025)|url=https://billboardphilippines.com/chart/philippines-hot-100/06-28-2025/ |website=[[Billboard Philippines]] |date=June 28, 2025 |access-date=June 25, 2025}} * "Since Day One", "Sa Susunod Na Lang": {{cite magazine |date=April 15, 2026 |title=Philippines Hot 100 (Week of April 18, 2026)|url=https://billboardphilippines.com/chart/philippines-hot-100/04-18-2026/ |url-status=live |access-date=April 15, 2026 |magazine=[[Billboard Philippines]] |language=en-ph}} </ref> ! scope="col" style="font-size:90%;width:2.75em" | [[Philippines Hot 100#Top Philippine Songs|PHL<br>TPS]]<br /><ref>Peak chart positions on the [[Philippines Hot 100|Top Philippine Songs]] charts: * "Kalimutan Ka": {{cite web|title=Top Philippine Songs (Week of June 28, 2025) |url=https://billboardphilippines.com/chart/top-philippine-songs/06-28-2025/ |date=June 28, 2025 |access-date=June 25, 2025}} * "Since Day One": {{cite web|title=Top Philippine Songs (Week of April 18, 2026) |url=https://billboardphilippines.com/chart/top-philippine-songs/04-18-2026/ |date=April 15, 2026 |access-date=April 15, 2026}} </ref> |- ! scope="row" | "Dami Mong Alam" | 2015 | – || – | rowspan="22" {{n/a|Non-album singles}} |- ! scope="row" | "Paalam"<br/>{{small|(with Future Thug)}} | rowspan="2" | 2018 | – || – |- ! scope="row" | "Sa Susunod Na Lang"<br/>{{small|(featuring Yuri Dope)}} | 30 || – |- ! scope="row" | "Zebbiana"<ref name=":0" /> | 2019 | – || – |- ! scope="row" | "N'Luv'"<br/>{{small|(featuring Leslie)}} | rowspan="5" | 2020 | – || – |- ! scope="row" | "Umaasa" | – || – |- ! scope="row" | "Nandito Lang Ako"<br/>{{small|(with Jnske, Leslie, [[Honcho (rapper)|Honcho]], Bullet D & [[Flow G]])}} | – || – |- ! scope="row" | "Kung Tayo" | – || – |- ! scope="row" | "Dance with You"<ref>{{Cite news|title=7 Pinoy R&B bops of the moment thanks to TikTok|url=https://cnnphilippines.com/life/entertainment/Music/2021/3/15/7-Pinoy-R-B-bops-TikTok.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210315114848/https://cnnphilippines.com/life/entertainment/music/2021/3/15/7-Pinoy-R-B-bops-TikTok.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=March 15, 2021|date=March 15, 2021|website=CNN Philippines|language=en}}</ref><br/>{{small|(featuring Yuri Dope)}} | – || – |- ! scope="row" | "[[Lagi (Skusta Clee song)|Lagi]]"<ref>{{Cite news|title=Music video ng bagong kanta ni Skusta Clee, alay sa anak|url=https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/06/24/21/music-video-ng-bagong-kanta-ni-skusta-clee-alay-sa-anak|date=June 24, 2021|website=ABS-CBN News|language=tl}}</ref> | rowspan="4"|2021 | – || – |- ! scope="row" | "Ang Liwanag"<br/>{{small|(with [[Magnus Haven]])}} | – || – |- ! scope="row" | "Karma"<ref name="karma">{{Cite news|title=WATCH: Skusta Clee Goes "Thriller" on New MV "Karma" feat. Gloc 9|url=https://www.onemusic.ph/news/watch-skusta-clee-drops-new-mv-karma-feat-gloc-9-6544|date=31 October 2021|website=OneMusicPH}}</ref><br/>{{small|(featuring [[Gloc-9]])}} | – || – |- ! scope="row" | "Kaya Natin" | – || – |- ! scope="row" | "Alak Pa"<br/>{{small|(featuring Yuri Dope)}} | rowspan="2" |2022 | – || – |- ! scope="row" | "Solo" | – || – |- ! scope="row" | "Testing" | rowspan="4"|2023 | – || – |- ! scope="row" | "Ikaw Na Nga Yon" <br/>{{small|(featuring [[Flow G]])}} | – || – |- ! scope="row" | "Noche Buena" | – || – |- ! scope="row" | "Lagabog"<br/>{{small|(featuring Illest Morena)}} | – || – |- ! scope="row" | "[[Kalimutan Ka]]" | rowspan="2" | 2025 | 8 || 5 |- ! scope="row" | "Bebe"<ref>{{cite web|title=Skusta Clee Premieres Music Video For New Single “Bebe” |url=https://billboardphilippines.com/music/news/skusta-clee-music-video-bebe/ |website=[[Billboard Philippines]] |date=November 17, 2025 |access-date=December 27, 2025}}</ref> | – || – |- ! scope="row" | "Since Day One"<br/>{{small|(featuring Flow G)}} | 2026 | 1 || 1 |}
====As a featured artist==== {|class="wikitable" |- ! Year ! Title |- | 2019 | ''HBD (Birthday Mo)''<br/>{{small|(with [[Donnalyn Bartolome]], [[Bassilyo]], Smugglaz, Zaito)}} |- | rowspan="6"|2020 | ''Dahil Sayo''<br/>{{small|(with Jom of [[ALLMO$T]])}} |- | ''You & I''<br/>{{small|(with Chriilz, Ijiboy, [[Honcho (rapper)|Bosx1ne]])}} |- | ''Halika Na''<br/>{{small|(with [[Billy Crawford]])}} |- | ''Pasensya Na''<br/>{{small|(with [[Honcho (rapper)|Honcho]], Jekkpot)}} |- | ''Iisang Tulay''<br/>{{small|(with Mike Kosa, OG Sacred)}} |- | ''Wag Na Lang''<br/>{{small|(with MC Einstein)}} |- | rowspan="2"|2021 | ''Pwedeng Ayusin Natin To?''<br/>{{small|(with Because)}} |- | ''Sabay sa Ulap''<br/>{{small|(with SLy Kane, Jkris, Zargon)}} |- | 2022 | ''Kumpisal''<ref>{{Cite news|title=Gloc-9 teams up with Skusta Clee on Latin guitar-flavoured new single 'Kumpisal'|url=https://www.nme.com/en_asia/news/music/gloc-9-teams-up-with-skusta-clee-on-latin-guitar-flavoured-new-single-kumpisal-3224767|date=13 May 2022|website=NME.com}}</ref><br/>{{small|(with [[Gloc-9]])}} |- | rowspan="4" |2023 | ''Bawal''<br/>{{small|(with Yuri Dope)}} |- | ''Paasa (Remix)''<br/>{{small|(with Chriilz)}} |- | ''Huli Na''<br/>{{small|(with Yuri Dope)}} |- | ''Laya''<br/>{{small|(with [[Flow G]])}} |- |2024 |''Ligaw Na Bullet<br />''{{small|(with [[Denise Laurel]])}} |}
==Personal life== His former partner, [[Arabs in the Philippines|Filipina-Lebanese]] [[YouTube]]r [[Zeinab Harake]], gave birth to their daughter Zebbiana “Bia” on April 28, 2021.<ref>{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=2021-05-01|title=Zeinab Harake gives birth to baby girl!|url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/lifestyle/familyandrelationships/785885/zeinab-harake-gives-birth-to-baby-girl/story/|access-date=2021-05-05|website=GMA News|language=en}}</ref> In May 2022, Harake confirmed her break-up with Ruiz.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Cruz|first=Dana|date=2022-05-10|title=Zeinab Harake confirms breakup with rapper Skusta Clee|url=https://entertainment.inquirer.net/448403/zeinab-harake-confirms-breakup-with-rapper-skusta-clee|access-date=2022-06-11|website=INQUIRER.net|language=en}}</ref>
==Awards and nominations== {| class="wikitable sortable" !Award ceremony !Year !Category !Nominee(s)/work(s) !Result !{{Abbr|Ref.|Reference}} |- ![[MYX Music Awards]] |2020 |Spotify's Top OPM Hip-Hop Artist |align=center |''Skusta Clee'' |{{won}} |<ref>{{Cite web|title=MYX AWARDS 2020 WINNERS: THE COMPLETE LIST|url=https://myx.abs-cbn.com/amp/features/25342/myx-music-awards-2020-winners-the-complete-list|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200725161425/https://myx.abs-cbn.com/amp/features/25342/myx-music-awards-2020-winners-the-complete-list|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 25, 2020|website=myx.abs–cbn.com|language=en}}</ref> |- ![[Wish 107.5 Music Awards|Wish Music Awards]] |2019 |Wishclusive R&B Performance of the Year |align=center |''Zebbiana'' |{{won}} |<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|title=WINNERS ALL: 2021 Wish Music Awards|url=https://mb.com.ph/2021/01/18/winners-all-2021-wish-music-awards/|access-date=2021-01-18|website=mb.com.ph|language=en}}</ref> |}
==Notes== {{Notelist}}
==References== {{Reflist}}
{{authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Clee, Skusta}} [[Category:1996 births]] [[Category:Living people]] [[Category:Ex Battalion members]] [[Category:Filipino rappers]] [[Category:People from Taguig]] [[Category:Singers from Metro Manila]] [[Category:Tagalog people]] [[Category:Universal Records (Philippines) artists]] [[Category:21st-century Filipino male singers]] [[Category:21st-century rappers]]