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.

Elzhi: Seven Times Down Eight Times Up (Stream)

The new album from Elzhi is out in full today. Produced in its entirety by JR Swiftz, Seven Times Down Eight Times Up is more of the same solid lyricism we’ve come to expect from one of the most consistently dope and competent rappers of the last two decades. Couple of welcome features from Fes Roc and Monica Blaire, but for the most part it’s simply Elzhi doing what he does best. You can stream it below and downloads are available via Fat Beats.