Skyzoo: All The Brilliant Things (Stream)

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Today sees the release of Skyzoo’s latest album, All The Brilliant Things, which focuses on the gentrification and appropriation that have besieged his beloved New York borough and beyond. If you caught the singles that were released in the run-up, you will have some sense of the direction the production is taking – jazz-soaked beats with heavy dashes of soul – and if you’re familiar with Skyzoo’s reputation, then you will already know that virtually every line is a thing of beauty in its own right. Some strong features too, with the likes of Raheem DeVaughn, BJ The Chicago Kid, Monica Blaire and Hypnotic Brass Ensemble bringing their own strains to the mix. You can explore the album below, then cop a physical or download via Mello Music Group.

Skyzoo ft. Hypnotic Brass Ensemble: Bed-Stuy is Burning

Skyzoo is preparing to release his new album and today saw the unveiling of the first single. When Mello Music first announced that the NY rapper had a new project on the way, I was particularly happy to see Hypnotic Brass Ensemble listed in the credits, and so I was even happier when they ran with their feature as the lead single. They provide their usual jazzy accompaniment on Bed-Stuy is Burning, Skyzoo’s ode to the rapidly changing Brooklyn neighbourhood. The track is produced by Rashid Hadee. The full album, All The Brilliant Things, is due for release on 11 June.

Yasiin Bey X Hypnotic Brass Ensemble Live in London: Win Tickets

On 14 October, for one night only, the mighty Mos Def will touch down at the Kentish Town Forum in London, to perform a retrospective of some of his classic material. Now performing under the name Yasiin Bey, it is safe to say that since he first came to our attention back in 1994 as part of UTD, he has become one of hip hop’s most respected voices.