Most Slept On: Skyzoo

Of all the independent, underground rappers in New York City, there are only a small child’s handful of those who possess true talent.

And to be sure, when I say talent I am at the very least referring to actual rapping ability, versatility, vocabulary, flow, subject matter, word play, and an ear for music — just to name a few.

So, knowing that the above should be universal qualifications for any rapper, I find myself wondering why Brooklyn’s Skyzoo doesn’t receive more acclaim for his efforts, which are very prolific.

Sadly many people know Sky from when he took a shameless loss to rapper Jin on BET’s 106 & Park six years ago.

But since then Sky has been on a serious non-stop grind that has produced countless mixtapes, a critically acclaimed EP with Grammy Award-winning producer 9^th Wonder, and myriad collaborations with some of the game’s most respected rappers, as well as some unknown upstarts.

His hard work continues to this day as he steadily releases songs and freestyles to the masses en route to the release of his upcoming album, which has yet to be titled.

Sky is special in that he can simultaneously straddle the streets while still appealing to the more erudite Hiphop demographic, and he does so without compromising his respect for either.

His lyrics are not the most complex (and neither is his wordplay) but he still comes off as a highly accomplished emcee with above average rapping ability. Combine that with creating songs that the average listener can relate to (for example, he rhymes about the streets but doesn't glamorize guns or dope) and he is what mainstream rap is missing right now.

Only Talib, Mos and Black Thought can do that and come off as believable.

Here are a few of my favorite songs from Sky, as well as some of his videos:

A Day in the Life

Block Sh*t feat. Marco Polo

Click Feat. Torae (Prod. DJ Premier)

Get it Done Feat. Torae (Prod. DJ Premier)

Incredible

Sick With the Slang

Stop Fooling Yourself

Skyzoo vs. Jin on 106 & Park

Skyzoo: The Necessary Evils



Skyzoo: Way to Go



Torae Feat. Skyzoo & Chaundon: 3 Kings (LIVE)



Skyzoo: Freestyle at POW! Radio