Exploring new ways to approach conceptual hip-hop in short bursts, Skyzoo put out two EPs this year, both different in theme, but equal in talent. The first is The Bluest Note, a collaboration with Italian jazz group Dumbo Station. The Brooklyn born rapper took off to Rome to record this one. Though jazz sampling has always played a part in his earlier production, this is the first time he went for that full band sound. The lyrical threads are diverse, giving it a stream of consciousness flavor, but still gets specific in moments, like a track about the gentrification of his neighborhood (which pays homage to the great Mos Def). The second is Milestones. The production goes back to the boom-bap beats he’s known for, and this time Skyzoo has a particular subject he’d like to go over – dads. With poetic storytelling, every song reflects on the labors, be them joyous or stressful, of fatherhood. Tributes to both his father and his son. Two great EPs that’ll have you wishing they were LPs.
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