[23] In the spring of 2009, Skyzoo jointly signed to independent label Duck Down Records and to 9th Wonder's Jamla Records imprint.
The album was released on September 29, 2009, via Jamla Records, founded by 9th Wonder, which is a sub-label of Duck Down Records. Upon release Skyzoo described it as autobiographical and his most personal work. [67] The album includes production by Illmind, Thelonious Martin, Jahlil Beats, MarcNfinit, Apollo Brown, DJ Prince, and others, and also features cover art commissioned by comic book illustrator Chris B. [6], The Brooklyn-raised emcee stated that he had been planning this album since he was 9 years old. "[29] Among the contributing producers are Best Kept Secret, 9th Wonder, Nottz, Just Blaze, Illmind, Needlz and Black Milk. The album was released on September 29, 2009, via Jamla Records, founded by 9th Wonder, which is a sub-label of Duck Down Records. Skyzoo has also released a plethora of free online mixtapes such as Corner Store Classic and The Great Debater throughout his career,[1] and has worked with artists such as Jill Scott, Wale, Lloyd Banks, Tyrese, Dr. Dre, Raheem Devaughn, Black Thought, Jadakiss, Talib Kweli, Spike Lee, John Legend, and others. AllMusic gave it a positive review and a rating of 4/5,[4] while XXL gave it 4/5.
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Carlitta Durand, an underground R&B singer, is the sole featured artist on the album. [16][17][18], On April 21, 2010, Skyzoo released a video for the song "My Interpretation", the final single of the album. [3] Primarily featuring Skyzoo's lyrics, among the contributing producers are Best Kept Secret, 9th Wonder, Nottz, Just Blaze, Illmind, Needlz and Black Milk. [24] Skyzoo then went on to release the mixtape The Power of Words. With that being said, no one can help tell my story better than me.
's success as an influence on his writing. [36] On July 30, 2009 the video for "The Beautiful Decay", produced by 9th Wonder and directed by Artemus Jenkins, was released. 36 at Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums,[31] and was written about positively in the music press.
Skyzoo has headlined or co-headlined often-yearly tours throughout Europe, the United Kingdom, Africa, Australia, and Asia, and he owns and operates the independent record label First Generation Rich.
by Marc Nfinit) 03. [41], Released on October 5, 2010, Skyzoo's collaborative EP with Illmind titled Live from the Tape Deck[42] was a free-form showcase of his lyricism. This one was more of a beats and rhymes type of album.
[52] The first single, "JanSport Strings", was released on August 29, 2012.
He was previously linked to Sharlee Jeter, the sister of former New York Yankees baseball player Derek Jeter, which attracted some attention in the media. [72], An avid basketball fan, Skyzoo at times guest blogs for the online version of Slam magazine with a column named "Chain Link Champions. [48] Skyzoo has stated that The Great Debater is loosely based around the theme of achieving success in one's field, and that as a child he saw the Huxtable family as a picture of success. [87], Initial visibility: currently defaults to autocollapse.
It was more so ‘just get what sounds right.’ I got a lot of big name producers, and I also got a lot of up and comers. [3], Following the release of the album, a video for the song "Popularity" was made and released on November 18, 2009. [65][70] HipHopDX gave the album 4/5 stars, writing that the album is "a collection of stories and anecdotes from Skyzoo’s youth, with shout outs to — and from — friends and family. The video is directed by Artemus Jenkins.
4 on the Top Heatseekers chart, and No. & Rakim, Gang Starr, EPMD, N.W.A and A Tribe Called Quest brought by having one producer with one sound and one theme. [3] He was raised one block away from rapper Notorious B.I.G.,[8] and has often cited B.I.G. [6] Skyzoo grew up listening to hip hop artists such as Big Daddy Kane, N.W.A, Kid 'n Play,[7] EPMD, Eric B. The video, directed by Todd Angkasuwan, is a parody on the popular high-school drama Saved by the Bell. [47][48] Skyzoo has said that the project was created as a "thank you" gift to his fans for continuously purchasing and supporting his releases. Additional singles include the Jahlil Beats produced "Range Rover Rhythm", and then Skyzoo' single "Spike Lee Was My Hero" featuring Talib Kweli.
[2], The album was critically acclaimed.
[58] A music video was also released for the album's track "Meeting the Presidents. [73] Skyzoo has also licensed his music in various corporate outlets including NBA2K11, NBA2K12.