Skyzoo is a unique talent. The Brooklyn emcee honed his skills on the mixtape circuit starting in the early 2000s before signing on with Duck Down in 2009. His catalog is extensive, laden with collaboration albums with popular producers, from 9th Wonder to Illmind. The solo studio endeavors, however, have been less frequent; an impressive feat considering his level of respect and dedicated cult following. With Music For My Friends, Skyzoo provides a fearless work, rooted in traditional East Coast sounds and powerful first-person nostalgia.
The title doesn’t mince words: the album is a collection of stories and anecdotes from Skyzoo’s youth, with shout outs to — and from — friends and family. Its message is relatable for those who find solace in the memories of teenage angst and young adulthood. As such, the stories, wisdom, and tonal production of Music For My Friends make it a distinctly human record.
More than once, Skyzoo articulates the power of being fully present, a prevailing theme of the album. On “Playing Favorites,” he speaks directly to an old flame: “Say hi to knowing me, and hi to who you be / ‘Cause being in the now is the high that you need.” Likewise, alongside Black Thought and Bilal on “Money Makes Us Happy,” he provides positive reinforcement against the classic root of all evil: “Because money makes us happy and, happiness is / Everything, and everything is now and, now is more than never and, there’ll never / Be a moment where happiness doesn’t matter so, if you can quote the prices of / You’re happy then get at us yo.”
Earnest moments notwithstanding, the bulk of the album is a tour de force in lyricism. “Women Who Can Cook,” is cleverly lustful, loaded with food puns and metaphors: “From the K but my family from the country / A bowl of banana pudding is the dopest way to love me / You say I gave you the dopeness / I say I’m just whipping the way you whip at the stove and / Compliments in doses.” The level of thought is appreciated, considering he never exhausts a particular rhyme style. “Suicide Doors,” for instance, is an impressive bar-for-bar expose with complex rhyme patterns (if you’re interested, Skyzoo himself explains each of the track’s verses on its Genius page). And with regards to his aforementioned clout in the game, he shares the spotlight with Jadakiss on the extra grimy “See a Key (Ki’),” an album highlight.
The beats are rooted in classic styles. Most everything has New York boom-bap flavor, save for the J Dilla sound on “See a Key (Ki’), and the synth-driven production of “Sweet Pursuit.” A recurring theme is trumpet instrumentation, which establishes ambiance and a certain vibe (“Suicide Doors”; “Civilized Leisure”). A mellow overtone prevails, and the mood is consistent.
Music For My Friends is an above-average effort from Skyzoo. Hip Hop purists will appreciate the framework in particular, but everyone can relate to the album as a whole for its universal sentiment, conveyed vis-a-vis storytelling and life lessons from the artist himself.
Really good album. There are still hard working artists that care about hip hop and not just selling trash. Skyzoo is one of them.
its DOPE
Skyzoo has done it again…. This is probably his best album to date and Album of the year so far…Hands down!!
This is another dope ass record from Skyzoo and the production is on point.
It’s straight but nothing that got me excited to listen to.
Only new generation kids who like swag rap and ratchet rap don’t like this shit. This is the album of the year, hands down.
I can honestly say I was very excited for this album… Skyzoo doesn’t disappoint and keeps that heat coming! Wonderful album
Beautiful album, always progressing to make better quality music with every release. 5 Stars.
Skyzoo did it again. Best album since The Salvation. Great production, great features. It’s got a vintage feel, but very updated so it doesn’t sound dated. Cop it.
This is best album that i’ve heard in my life. shouts to Skyzoo for giving us another album to vibe with.
amazing album. definitely had a few flashbacks to my childhood. well done, indeed. 5/5
DOPE tings from Skyzoo!
Skyzoo is the best writer/storyteller in the game. This album is very very dope! 4 stars
Tight…
Amazing album from a great artist. Sky did it again folks! This might be his best album
Sky has managed to out do his “The Great Debaters” album! This and B4Da$$ albums in a few short months, Rap is back. 5*s
Not too shabby, but the production is kind of mediocre to me. I give it a 3/5: Lyrics 3.5/5, Beats 2.5/5.
Dope album, dude iz an emcee!!!
first album i’ve bought in years – pen game razor
Album of the year. Put down the Lil Wayne and listen to this.
This is definitely the best all around album of the year. Skyzoo’s pen game is just too sharp for these younger generation rappers. So many stand out tracks on here. And it’s definitely his best work.
Album of the year for sure. Skyzoo is just too sharp with the pen. A true lyricist.
This is the definition of grown man hip hop. Skyzoo covers EVERYTHING and he does it well. He can give you abstract poetry, story telling, battle rhymes, romance songs, etc. The dude is just too talented and this is without a doubt the best hip hop album of the year.
This is Skyzoo’s best work. Love it!.
INCREDIBLE ABULM. Well written review too.
Well Crafted. East Coast Sounds. Music for my Friends.
dope
Wow just 27 comments? These kids are straight up SLEEPING. We are literally witnessing one of the greatest lyricists of all time put out what you could say is his best work and so many are just missing out.
What is wrong with my generation?
Skyzoo is a genius. I’d say on par with the likes of Nas, Big L, GZA, Elzhi, etc. You kids indeed are sleeping.
One of thee most underrated lyricists out there. In my top five projects of the year so far. And the concept is just really clever, nostalgic and human moments for one to enjoy. Love this album. #MusicForMyFriends
Skyzoo is the #1 lyricist in the game right now. Hands down