Skyzoo is probably one of the underground’s most criminally slept on. With his version of dense lyricism drenched in a Brooklyn flow, he makes much use of the English language. Releasing “Frisbees” (songs/albums that fly out then come back once you figure out the multilayered references), Sky has been on his grind since Cloud 9. With an upcoming album (A Dream Deferred), he decided to released Theo vs. JJ (Dream vs. Reality). With this “mixtape”, he allows listeners to tap into his past and present participles tense to understand his hope in future tense.

 

Let me be clear about this: there isn’t a weak lyric on this album. Referencing the famous painting in the Cosby house on TV, “The Ellis Wilson Painting” makes reference to “picking the baton off the floor” and carrying on tradition. “Be Well” lets Skyzoo unleash words of wisdom through introspective street rap. “Henny Black” allows him to “not stunt”, but to “regulate” and prove his point. Having one foot in the street and another in hip hop’s retreat, Skyzoo leaves no words wasted.

 

The production, above all, is necessarily dope. With the familiar Bob James sample, “#FGR” goes through the motion of familiarity. Yet, it is the subtle nuances that Jahlil Beats incorporated, taking the track to the next level. “Look What We Have Here”, representing the “dream”, sounds like a sunny day with its soul sample and chopped up vocal composition. The same thing can be said for “By Any Means” despite it being in the “reality” side of the album. As equally alluring as Skyzoo’s lyrics is his selection of production; this emcee knows how to find impressive production.

 

Serving as a segue between The Great Debater and A Dream Deferred, Theo vs. JJ makes the use of great lyrics and even more impressive production. Instead of gearing his flows towards commercialism, he kept things “the same as they ever was”. This is working in Skyzoo’s favor. Already the lethal lyricist, he just needs for hip hop heads to catch up and catch on. Theo vs. JJ serves as the proper context for all future releases. Soon enough, his dream will become his reality.

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