12. Cloud 9: The 3 Day High (with (9th Wonder) (2006)

Cloud 9: The 3 Day High is a snapshot of raw talent and sharp production, a moment where Skyzoo’s focused writing meets 9th Wonder’s soulful beats. Recorded in only three days, this ‘unofficial’ album doesn’t feel rushed so much as instinctual—a product of two artists locked into a creative rhythm. For Skyzoo, this debut full-length collaboration set the foundation for what would become a career built on technical precision and storytelling.

The 12 tracks carry an undeniable North Carolina-meets-New York energy, with 9th Wonder weaving warm, sample-driven loops that nod to Hip Hop’s golden era. His production here has a consistent groove—smooth, with basslines and chopped vocals that stick around after the record ends. Songs like “Way to Go” and “The Spirit” pair breezy beats with a confident, head-nodding swing, highlighting how naturally Skyzoo fits into 9th’s sonic world. There’s no overthinking or gimmickry here. It’s Hip Hop boiled down to its basics: a rapper spitting with clarity over beats that sound like they belong on vinyl.

Lyrically, Skyzoo delivers with an urgency that suits the quick turnaround of the project. His flow cuts through each track with clarity and intention, combining personal observations with familiar street reflections. At this stage in his career, you can hear him honing his voice—building his storytelling chops, sharpening his patterns—but what’s already there is enough to make you listen. Tracks like “Bodega” and “Stop Fooling Yourself” are brimming with sharp moments and easy confidence. The repetition on a few hooks might feel overused, but it doesn’t take away from the overall listening experience.

While Cloud 9 lacks the polish of later releases, its strengths lie in its simplicity and chemistry. Skyzoo and 9th Wonder created something dope here—an album built on craft, energy, and respect for the basics of the genre. This is where Skyzoo’s story really begins. | 7/10

11. Live From The Tape Deck (with Illmind) (2010)

Skyzoo’s Live From The Tape Deck, a 2010 collaboration with producer Illmind, plays like an unapologetic nod to the grit of Hip Hop’s golden era, filtered through a sharper, more modern lens. Stripped of the heavy introspection that defined his official debut The Salvation, this project is all grit, sweat, and lyrical bravado, an exercise in tight rhymes and relentless beats. Skyzoo describes it as a “cassette tape” for a reason—it’s raw, intentional, and locked into its mission.

The mood is immediate, from the first murky synths of “Digital Analog.” Illmind’s production thrives on precision, heavy with menacing basslines, layered snares, and electronic textures that feel futuristic without losing their weight. Tracks like “Speakers on Blast” and “The Burn Notice” hit like blunt instruments, pulsing with energy and urgency. Illmind keeps the sound lean but dynamic, letting Skyzoo’s words shine while the beats pulse like concrete underfoot. Each track works within a blueprint—straightforward and unfussy, but every kick and hi-hat sits exactly where it should.

Skyzoo moves through this production with focused confidence. His delivery is crisp, agile, and as complex as ever, especially on cuts like “Frisbees,” where his flow ricochets between dense internal rhymes and nimble rhythms. He plays with structure, weaving syllables into tight knots, daring the listener to keep up. Meanwhile, guest spots from Torae, Styles P, and Heltah Skeltah add muscle without stealing the spotlight. Each feature feels earned, matched to the album’s aggressive, concrete-heavy vibe.

There’s no room for filler here. Tracks like “Krylon” inject storytelling and vivid imagery into the mix, while “The Winners Circle” lets Skyzoo spit bars without pretense. It’s not a reinvention of either artist’s style; it’s a focused, deliberate reminder of what can happen when two craftsmen lock in.

Clocking in at 12 tracks, Live From The Tape Deck is compact and relentless, built for replay value. Illmind’s beats hit hard, Skyzoo’s rhymes hit harder, and together they make this album a dope listen—equal parts homage and evolution. | 7/10

10. A Dream Deferred (2012)

Skyzoo’s A Dream Deferred opens like the final act of a film rather than the start of an album. “Dreams in a Basement” sets a hazy mood with Jill Scott’s voice gliding over Illmind’s moody production, where crashing drums and layered strings linger like fog. The song feels heavy, reflective—almost as if Skyzoo invites you into a dream already in progress.

From there, the energy picks up sharply. “Jansport Strings,” a 9th Wonder-produced standout, moves with the nostalgia of childhood afternoons spent rhyming in schoolyards. It’s part tribute to Chi-Ali, part reminder of where Skyzoo started. The horns and soulful loops give the track its pulse, and Sky’s rhymes glide effortlessly across the beat, every line intentional, grounded in his past but reaching ahead.

Skyzoo’s partnership with Illmind shines brightest across the album. “Pockets Full,” with its head-nodding rhythm and easy hook, blends groove with grit, and Freeway’s raspy delivery punches through like a freight train. “Glass Ceilings” pulls back into darker territory, where heavy basslines and introspective verses cut through any illusions of success. Lines about dreams tucked in duffle bags and the weight of ambition feel tactile—unfolding the quiet tension of chasing something bigger.

The middle of the album experiments with mixed results. “Give It Up” stumbles into a chaotic blend of dubstep and Hip Hop that disrupts the flow, though Skyzoo’s steady delivery anchors it. The R&B-flavored “The Knowing,” “Drew & Derwin,” and “Realization” also feel a bit out of place. The mood is reclaimed with tracks like “Steel’s Apartment,” where Black Milk offers a minimalist beat that lets Skyzoo’s storytelling shine—raw and understated.

Skyzoo closes strong. “Spike Lee Was My Hero” pairs him with Talib Kweli for a heartfelt tribute to Brooklyn’s cinematic icon, while “The Cost of Sleep” lingers long after it ends, mulling over ambition and sacrifice with a weighty calm.

A Dream Deferred thrives on its shifting moods—confident highs, introspective lows, and everything in between. Skyzoo’s sharp lyricism, paired with soulful production, creates an album that lingers like late-night thoughts. It’s not perfect, but the album’s sincerity and ambition make it a worthy chapter in Skyzoo’s catalog. | 7/10

9. Music For My Friends (2015)

With Music for My Friends, Skyzoo paints a picture of Brooklyn adolescence—kids on the stoop with big dreams, small victories, and the lessons that come in between. The album unpacks the nostalgia of teenage life with a clarity that feels like flipping through old photos. For Skyzoo, this is both a personal and universal story—growing up, figuring things out, and doing it all under the watchful chaos of Bed-Stuy.

The production embraces classic East Coast Hip Hop without feeling overly rigid. Jazzy flourishes and mellow trumpets give the album its color, while understated boom-bap drums ground it. Tracks like “Suicide Doors” move with confidence, where sharp rhyme patterns cut through the smoothness, blending energy with introspection. “Civilized Leisure” follows suit, offering a calm, cool backdrop for Skyzoo’s lyrical prowess. The beats are deliberate but never flashy, leaving space for his words to carry the weight.

Where Music for My Friends excels is in its storytelling. Skyzoo dives deep into memories with verses that read like carefully composed vignettes. On “Money Makes Us Happy,” featuring Black Thought and Bilal, he peels back the layers of chasing wealth with sharp honesty, balancing ambition with caution. “Women Who Can Cook” uses food metaphors to serve up clever flirtation, while “The Moments That Matter” reminds listeners of the fleeting innocence in adolescence. These songs aren’t simply reflections; they capture what it means to be young, impressionable, and caught between temptation and loyalty.

The pacing, however, isn’t always perfect. After a strong start, some tracks lean too heavily on softer hooks that soften the album’s punch. A song like “Sweet Pursuit,” for example, struggles to leave the same impression as earlier cuts. While Skyzoo’s lyricism never falters, there’s a slight dip in momentum in the back half.

Still, Music for My Friends holds its place as a well-executed concept album. Skyzoo delivers a lyrical time capsule, inviting listeners into his world with intelligence and heart. For those who value sharp penmanship and an unfiltered lens on life, this album stands tall. | 7/10

8. The Salvation (2009)

The Salvation (2009), his ‘official’ debut album, is Skyzoo’s moment to speak directly to listeners without interruption. Sixteen tracks. No guest rappers. Just the Brooklyn emcee at the mic, cutting through life’s noise with his steady, deliberate delivery. It’s a bold choice for a debut, one that demands confidence—and Skyzoo doesn’t flinch. Every verse sounds carefully measured, every word laced with meaning, as if he’s determined to lay it all out, from personal struggles to reflections on the environment that raised him.

From the first track, Skyzoo sets his tone. “The Opener” kicks things off with gospel vocals swirling around a heavy piano riff, grounding the album in a neighborhood corner—close to home, familiar, real. Throughout, Skyzoo moves seamlessly between observing his world and reflecting on his role in it. Tracks like “The Necessary Evils” speak to the pull of survival’s darker choices, while “For What It’s Worth” grapples with time slipping by, his voice tinged with frustration and resolve. Even when he’s recounting pain or confusion, he keeps a level head—rarely raising his voice but never losing weight in what he says.

The production gives The Salvation its backbone, balancing soul-infused boom bap with crisp drum work and layered sampling. Heavy hitters like 9th Wonder, Just Blaze, and Black Milk contribute, yet the sound stays unified. There’s no excess—beats arrive, hit, and step back to let Skyzoo work. “The Beautiful Decay” is the album’s centerpiece, a hypnotic slice of 9th Wonder soul where Skyzoo illustrates urban life’s contradictions with sharp, poetic precision.

If there’s a critique, it’s that Skyzoo’s methodical cadence rarely shifts. His voice sits comfortably in the mid-range, which, for some, may blend tracks together over time. Still, that steadiness feels purposeful—it forces listeners to lock in, focus on his words, and let his stories unfold naturally.

With The Salvation, Skyzoo proves there’s power in clarity and intention. It’s unflashy, stripped-down rap music—just a man, his thoughts, and the beats that carry them. For fans who value substance over spectacle, this album delivers exactly what’s needed: truth. | 7.5/10

7. Barrel Brothers (with Torae) (2014)

With Barrel Brothers, Skyzoo and Torae bring the rugged essence of New York Hip Hop to the forefront, delivering a project that’s raw, loud, and locked into the boroughs that raised them. This is an album with grit under its fingernails—hard drums, precise bars, and a determination to speak loudly without overcomplicating the mission. Across fourteen tracks, it’s clear the two rappers came to rap first, trusting their energy and chemistry to drive the whole thing forward.

Skyzoo, as expected, is sharp with his words. His verses are dense, stacking metaphors and slick imagery that dart in quick succession. Torae, meanwhile, hits you like a freight train—his booming voice and direct delivery make every syllable hit with force. They’re different enough to complement each other without ever straying too far apart, trading lines in ways that make the whole thing feel like a cipher that never stops moving.

Production-wise, Barrel Brothers is heavy with head-nodding boom bap, but it’s far from generic. Beats from Illmind, Oh No, Black Milk, and DJ Premier pack variety into a sound rooted in tradition. “Blue Yankee Fitted,” for example, melds horns with a haunting melody, while “Tunnel Vision” is relentless, pounding out something dusty and dangerous. Even when the sound stretches beyond the grimy, bass-heavy territory, like on “Memorabilia,” the album never loses its footing. The mood stays tough and purposeful, never letting up for long.

The guest spots lean into the energy of the record rather than pulling focus—Sean Price and Guilty Simpson tear through “All In Together” with an intensity that matches Skyzoo and Torae bar for bar. Nothing here feels unnecessary or bloated. At just over 50 minutes, Barrel Brothers runs efficiently, allowing each song to make its point without dragging the listener along.

This isn’t music built to be dissected or overanalyzed; it’s made to hit hard and keep moving. Skyzoo and Torae know what they’re good at, and they spend the album delivering it straight—one beat, one verse, and one punch at a time. 7.5/10

6. The Mind Of A Saint (with The Other Guys) (2023)

Skyzoo’s The Mind of a Saint, crafted in collaboration with The Other Guys, is a lyrical tightrope walk, pulling listeners into the fractured mind of Franklin Saint, the protagonist of FX’s Snowfall. This isn’t a linear retelling of the show; instead, Skyzoo operates from Franklin’s perspective, voicing the thoughts and regrets that may never make it on screen. The structure is intentional and streamlined, unfolding like journal entries rather than a rigid storyline.

The album moves with a jazz-infused fluidity that gives the boom-bap foundation a sense of elegance. The Other Guys’ production is full of dusty textures and soulful loops, delivering a refined and nostalgic atmosphere. Tracks like “Panthers & Powder” layer in poignant horn samples, creating a tension between the ideals Franklin was raised on and the darker path he chose. It’s a balance the album nails repeatedly: beauty resting against something unnerving.

Skyzoo’s writing remains sharp and immersive. Each track is vivid without leaning into excess. “Bodies!”, for example, combines rumbling pianos with a laid-back drum pattern, allowing him to detail Franklin’s mounting guilt with surgical precision. On “Straight Drop,” a pivotal moment in Franklin’s rise as a kingpin, the beat pulls in echoes of ’80s street energy while Skyzoo drops clever cultural nods, like referencing Norm Nixon in a way that grounds the story even deeper into its era.

The album works effortlessly on two levels. For fans of Snowfall, it’s an intricate exploration of a beloved character’s psyche. For everyone else, it’s a tightly executed record that stands on its own. There’s no need to know the show to appreciate its richness; Skyzoo’s storytelling and the production’s warmth make this a rewarding listen regardless of context. Franklin’s voice becomes its own entity here, allowing Skyzoo to channel ambition, regret, and paranoia through lines that stick long after the song ends.

Closing out with “Purity,” the album circles back to reality, a somber reflection punctuated by its anti-drug messaging. It’s the kind of finale that lingers, asking listeners to reflect rather than simply applaud. The Mind of a Saint is a singular entry in Skyzoo’s catalog—unflinching, thoughtful, and strikingly human. | 8/10

5. In Celebration Of Us (2018)

With In Celebration of Us, Skyzoo crafted a deeply personal and socially reflective album, merging autobiography with sharp commentary. Skyzoo uses his impeccable storytelling to pull listeners into a world rich with detail, texture, and perspective, offering insights on topics like fatherhood, cultural heritage, systemic racism, and the pressures of Black identity. It’s an album that invites you to sit with it, to unpack its layers, and reflect on its intentions.

The sound of In Celebration of Us leans heavily on jazz-inflected beats, with a warm yet melancholic tone running through much of the production. Tracks like “Heirlooms & Accessories” feature a looping piano riff that carries a sense of nostalgia, while Skyzoo weaves observations about survival and resilience in a world set against him. The jazz influence is unmistakable throughout the album, with live instrumentation and soulful undertones evoking the intimacy of a Spike Lee film score. Producers like !llmind, Apollo Brown, and MarcNfinit work in tandem to build an atmosphere that feels simultaneously grand and introspective.

Skyzoo’s lyricism is razor-sharp, his voice commanding without being overbearing. Tracks like “Black Sambo” hit hard, confronting racial stereotypes and systemic violence with a mix of anger and thoughtfulness. On “Baker’s Dozen,” featuring Raheem DeVaughn, Skyzoo uses clever wordplay to tackle gentrification and the ever-changing dynamics of his Brooklyn neighborhood, all over a hard-hitting Apollo Brown beat. Meanwhile, songs like “Forever in a Day” and “Honor Amongst Thieves” showcase his ability to thread personal experiences into larger cultural narratives, offering both specific and universal stories.

At over an hour, the album is a dense listen, but its length feels intentional—there’s a lot to digest here, and Skyzoo uses every moment to explore his themes in depth. The interludes, like the spoken-word piece “Remembering the Rest,” add to the conceptual weight of the project, bridging tracks with moments of reflection.

While In Celebration of Us might not be flashy or immediately accessible, its strength lies in its richness. It’s an album that rewards patience, offering a powerful meditation on identity, legacy, and the weight of history. Skyzoo’s voice, both literally and metaphorically, carries a sense of purpose that is rare in today’s music landscape. | 8/10

4. Keep Me Company (2024)

Skyzoo’s Keep Me Company sounds like late-night reflections set to a jazz-heavy boom-bap score. It’s intimate, unhurried, and built on moments that linger like a quiet conversation. This time around, Skyzoo isn’t focused on impressing anyone—the sharpness of his pen has nothing left to prove. Instead, he writes with a relaxed confidence, exploring family, memory, and purpose without over-explaining or overstaying.

The album flows effortlessly, and every track feels like it belongs where it lands. Production leans into dusty horns, subtle basslines, and warm, lived-in drums. Tracks like “Community Service” set the tone early, blending jazz flourishes with Skyzoo’s calm delivery. His words carry weight, but they’re conversational—less like a lecture, more like an elder who’s seen it all and is still figuring things out.

There’s a tenderness to Keep Me Company that gives it its heart. “Wins of the Father” plays like an open letter to his child, layering love and vulnerability over understated keys. “Sleeping Beauty” is equally reflective, proving that silence often says more than declarations. Skyzoo’s voice, steady and deliberate, fills in the spaces between the beats, making small moments hit harder than grand statements.

Not everything here is mellow or subdued. “Finder’s Keepers” moves with quiet determination, Skyzoo channeling persistence into tight, rhythmic lines. “Drug Free School Zone” strips the sound down to its essentials, all thudding drums and careful observations about responsibility. When Chuck D appears on “Courtesy Call,” the energy sharpens, as if the music takes a step back to let wisdom echo through.

By the time the eight-minute closer “Jazz in the Projects” plays, the album feels complete without calling attention to itself. It doesn’t overreach, and that’s what makes it so impactful. Keep Me Company is a space to reflect, to listen closely, and to sit with Skyzoo as he navigates growth. It’s an album that understands its place and does exactly what it sets out to do: keep you in good company for as long as you’ll have it. | 8.5/10

3. All The Brilliant Things (2021)

All the Brilliant Things plays like a long walk through a Brooklyn neighborhood where every corner holds a story. Skyzoo’s voice, steady and unhurried, narrates the experience over a jazzy boom-bap backbone that hums with nostalgia. It’s not loud or flashy; the album moves like a conversation between old friends, unpacking a love for a city that’s changing before its own eyes.

The sound here is lush and deliberate. Horns drift in and out, keys dance subtly, and basslines are sturdy without overwhelming. Tracks like “Bed-Stuy is Burning” hit with the weight of history. Hypnotic Brass Ensemble’s warm, mournful instrumentation underlines Skyzoo’s reflection on gentrification creeping into his backyard, making the neighborhood feel less familiar. You’re not just hearing words—you’re seeing boarded-up bodegas, remembering the music that poured from open windows, and sensing the quiet frustration of communities priced out of their own homes.

Skyzoo excels at zooming into the details. Where other rappers blow through stories, he lingers. “A Tour of the Neighborhood” lets listeners tag along as he paints street-level vignettes—corner stores, childhood memories, and lives caught in the gears of progress. His delivery never rushes, a calm storyteller balancing nostalgia with insight.

The production throughout the album leans soulful, a natural pairing for Skyzoo’s reflective tone. Beats like those on “Bodega Flowers” carry a warmth that feels alive, while moments of stripped-back percussion keep the focus on his words. Guest vocalists, like BJ The Chicago Kid, offer depth without pulling attention away.

If All the Brilliant Things has a flaw, it’s its consistency—strange as that may sound. The album’s steady rhythm can sometimes feel too smooth, with few moments of surprise or sharp deviation. Skyzoo’s voice—relaxed, almost conversational—can wear thin across 14 tracks if you’re not tuned into his subtleties.

But that’s the charm of Skyzoo. He doesn’t need theatrics or trendy production to hold your attention. All the Brilliant Things is patient, soulful, and richly detailed, an album that understands the beauty of its simplicity. In a world racing ahead, Skyzoo’s ability to slow down and capture the essence of a moment feels timeless. | 8.5/10

2. The Easy Truth (with Apollo Brown) (2016)

The Easy Truth is a masterclass in restraint and precision, offering 15 tracks where grit and refinement coexist. Detroit producer Apollo Brown and Skyzoo, steeped in their respective regional traditions, come together here with an unspoken synergy that feels natural but never predictable. Brown’s beats are rich in soul—layered with dusty samples, warm strings, and crackling vinyl textures—while Skyzoo’s pen carves vivid snapshots of aspiration, memory, and survival with surgical precision.

The album balances nostalgia with immediacy, sounding like it could’ve emerged from the mid-’90s without feeling tethered to it. Tracks like “On The Stretch & Bob Show” are steeped in homage, nodding to the golden era’s mixtape freestyles while injecting Skyzoo’s signature wit and lived experience. Meanwhile, songs like “Visionary Riches” ride a jazzy undercurrent, bringing a meditative air to Skyzoo’s sharp observations about navigating life’s dualities: the grind and the dream, the weight of legacy and the pull of ambition.

Apollo Brown’s production is consistent without being monotonous. His drums land with an unflinching snap, but they’re tempered by melodic flourishes that feel soft yet purposeful. Tracks like “A Couple Dollars,” featuring Joell Ortiz, expand this dynamic with swirling strings over Brown’s steadfast percussion. It’s a sound built for late-night reflection, and Skyzoo’s introspective delivery matches the mood. He doesn’t force his words; instead, his measured flow lets the weight of his bars sink in.

Guest features are sparse but effective. Westside Gunn and Conway bring their gravelly menace to “Basquiat on the Draw,” a standout where the tempo shifts into darker, more ominous territory. Patty Crash’s haunting hook on “One in the Same” adds a delicate counterpoint to Skyzoo’s narrative of hustle and identity.

The Easy Truth feels grounded, avoiding theatrics in favor of substance. Brown and Skyzoo take the long view here, crafting a work that respects tradition while feeling lived-in and personal. It’s an album that rewards close listening, where the grooves and the verses reveal new layers with each play. For those who value raw artistry and careful execution, this LP delivers exactly what it promises: the truth, told beautifully. | 8.5/10

1. Retropolitan (with Pete Rock) (2019)

On Retropolitan, Skyzoo links up with legendary producer Pete Rock to deliver an album that speaks to New York’s identity as both a memory and a living, breathing city. It’s a record rooted in the past but aware of the present—one where Pete’s soulful, sample-heavy beats are the perfect bridge for Skyzoo’s lyrical precision.

The album opens with “Glorious,” where Sky wastes no time letting his pen shine, rapping over horns and crisp snares that give off a triumphant, vintage New York energy. That mood carries into tracks like “Truck Jewels,” where Pete Rock joins in to drop a verse over breezy woodwind flourishes. This isn’t a flashy collaboration—it’s the kind of back-and-forth that feels unhurried and confident, like old friends building a cipher on a block where the streetlights hum.

Skyzoo’s writing sharpens on cuts like “Penny Jerseys,” a nod to youth nostalgia woven through reflections on growing up in Brooklyn. His words are vivid without being nostalgic for nostalgia’s sake. He paints scenes of old-school jerseys and corner-store summers but avoids turning the city into a postcard. Instead, the production wraps around his memories like worn denim: textured, familiar, and purposeful.

One of the album’s standout tracks is “Eastern Conference All-Stars,” a posse cut featuring Elzhi and Griselda’s finest—Benny the Butcher, Conway the Machine, and Westside Gunn. It’s a masterclass in lyrical dexterity, with each rapper bringing their own heat while Pete crafts a beat that lets their bars simmer.

Pete Rock’s production sticks close to his signature sound: jazz-inflected samples, dusty drums, and melodies that hum beneath Skyzoo’s layered lyricism. There’s an intentional restraint to it all—no unnecessary gloss or frills—just two artists who understand that the music speaks louder when it keeps things raw. Tracks like “One Time” and “The Audacity of Dope” hit the sweet spot, balancing Sky’s storytelling with beats that lean into a timeless New York grit.

Retropolitan works because Skyzoo and Pete Rock know what they’re building: a reminder of where Hip Hop comes from and where it still stands today. It’s a love letter with no romanticizing—an album as direct and unwavering as the streets it represents. | 9/10