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.

Raheem DeVaughn & Apollo Brown: When A Man

A stunning soulful cut here from Raheem DeVaughn and Apollo Brown, as they announce their forthcoming album, Lovesick. It looks set to be a significant step away from the usual Detroit grittiness that Apollo Brown has become synonymous with, but as soon as DeVaughn’s vocals soar into life on When A Man, the collaboration feels like it should have happened a lifetime ago. The full album is due for release on 4 June via Mello Music Group.

Skyzoo & Pete Rock: Retropolitan (Stream)

This week we finally got to explore the much anticipated collaboration from Skyzoo and Pete Rock, as they released their Retropolitan LP. The two NY representatives have crafted an album that is at once an ode to the city they love and a cautionary tale about the gentrification that is so prevalent throughout the Five Boroughs.

Skyzoo ft. Raheem Devaughn: Baker’s Dozen

Skyzoo recently released a staggeringly good album, which doesn’t seem to have received the fanfare it deserves thus far. The Brooklyn MC has always been a reliable source for good, straight up hip hop and In Celebration of US carries on the trend, but with even more high grade lyricism packed into its 15 tracks. Baker’s Dozen is a prime example, with Skyzoo’s wordplay nicely complimented by Raheem Devaughn’s D’Angelo-esque vocal style. In Celebration of Us is out now on First Generation Rich.