3/5 Stars
The industry seems to be flooded with “mumble” or “Trap” hip hop right now. It’s difficult to tell modern day hip hop artist apart because so much of it sounds the same. This is why Skyzoo’s fourth solo album, In Celebration Of Us, stands out like that one burnt potato chip in the bag. In the era of hook based hip hop with simple lyrics, Skyzoo breaks from the norm with deep lyrical content and flows. He has done this with his previous albums as well, but In Celebration Of Us reflects on the issues and hardships that we deal with in today’s world.
All of his previous albums dealt with his childhood and upbringing. He told a story that seemed to reflect on growing up in an environment that was in the middle of hood and almost suburban. Skyzoo is trying to let the world know how he became the man he is today on his earlier works
Skyzoo takes us to a different place on In Celebration Of Us The Brooklyn based MC does still touch on how he was raised, but this album mostly dives in to social topics that young black men face like police brutality, housing issues, black culture and how it is being lost and stolen and much more. Some of the tracks or so gritty and rough you may feel the need to flip over a table!
, “Baker’s Dozen,” which is the lead single of the album, is one of those tracks that does just that. It features Raheem DeVaughn. The piano hook by Apollo Brown as well as the hook provided by DeVaughn reflects rugged street life and street corner dealings and hustles. This track is all beef and no sides.
“Crown Holder,” has a jazzier feel to it and “Black Sambo” is a song that describes to his son what it means to grow up black. Overall this album is very artistic and is very message based. This music has it all, racism, fear, hope and disappointment. Get ready to experience a rollercoaster of emotions when listening to this album!
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