What's A Skyzoo, Anyway?

Skyzoo proves that it takes more than a catchy psuedonym to rock the mic. Currently number 7 on Hot 97's list of Top 10 emcees based on skills, hunger, and potential, this Brooklyn-born emcee has worked with the likes of DC's Wale, the late-great, J Dilla, Detroit super producer, Black Milk, Hi-Tek, 9th Wonder, the Justus Leauge..already an impressive resume for this unsigned MC. In what my colleauges might call "a power move", he took a Chinese two-city tour, to Hong Kong and Beijing, and brought with him braggin rights for the mantle of new school, true school best emcee. The man has punches galore. Especially coming from one of the only emcees i've known to proudly cite Ma$e (yes, rappa-turnt-preacha-mr. em-ay-dollah-sign-ee) as an influence.

I caught this footage behind the boards, next to Sky's DJ, DJ Nyce. In between songs we reminisced wit Pete Rock, and paid homage to Mr. James Yancey--on hype-man duty in the 20th regiment. "I cant believe," Nyce remembers his father saying, "that that noise in the basement has you touring in China, keep doing your thang!"

"I'm havin fun just bein a fan."--Nyce

It takes a different sort of technique to rock a crowd with a language barrier, especially for a conscious, multi-layered rapper such as Skyzoo. There's no room for naivete in this game--it was very apparent that Sky's been on tour in Europe before.

I gotta admit, he had the composure and maturity, I wouldnt epect from a 25 year old (exactly how old are you, Mr. Mims?) emcee's first visit to Beijing. In my experience, its really quite easy to lose one's mind or place in a place like this, especially in a venue where the majority of the crowd can't follow your punchlines. To counter, Nice maintained the party atmosphere by weaving in hip hop classics between sets, while Sky exhibited his trademark flow and verbal skill--which, through the sheer number of utterances per second--could be appreciated by anyone, regardless of language. The crowd's familiarity and response to Sky's vocals were impressive, adding much to gaining the respect of this American emcee. Sorry, Hong Kong fans of Skyzoo, Beijing definitely had the livest crowd in China--maybe next time around. Be on the look out, cuz like Harlem World, this brotha is definitely on the rise.

It was a good night for hip hop. All the Beijing local legends were in the house: Yinsanr and Lil' Ray, Young Kin (soon-to-be-aka "Keyzie") and Sbazzo, and of course Hiphop.cn and their vast cohort. Young Kin and Sbazzo, 2/3rds of the group Yintsang, even collaborated with Mr. Zoo on a track or two on stage. Mad props to Hiphop.cn, for hookin' a brother up with tickets, drinks, and all-access. Beijing-ren, keep ya heads noddin.

...But why not check it out for yourself?


Skyzoo Live in Beijing from Jamel Mims on Vimeo.