This independent hip-hop incorporates intricate layers into its compositions which sometimes gets lost under the sheen and glamour of large scale productions however, SKIZZA with their album ‘Summer League’ are anything but a compromise. This album is a combination of ten good songs with soulful sample cutter, powerful drumming, rapping, metaphors, entertaining and memorable chorus line.
SKIZZA is surrounded by their passion for music and being true to themselves, and their unique talent is most definitely an exception that is not a rule of having to come from a big city or big music industry label.
The album begins with the track “Another W” and establishes the theme of the work with the sound of upbeat hip-hop music incorporated in the song. It has few instruments used in the production of the track, with the drums being central to the groove and basic chords that get the job done. It is employed consistently throughout the album, allowing for a coherent musical theme due to which the lyrics become the focus of the duo. The rhythms and choruses of the songs also make them very tight with the ad-libs, duets, and even SKIZZA’s rapping and rhyming.
Some of the songs include: Excalibur which is a special track with the best use of strings and hence a distinct feel from the rest of the songs. In the same way, the chords in ‘ESPYs’ bring an interesting and catchy feeling that would linger in the mind of the listener. One of the noteworthy tracks is “Ride” with the vocals of the Western Canadian singer Bex, who singing in R&B style adds quiteness and a sense of fun to the song.
As for the instrumental, in “Summer League”, AK demonstrates a consistent style of combining soul samples with mighty bass and drums, appropriate groundwork for SKIZZA’s wordplay word games. Inviting Toronto-based rapper emcee B1 the Architect and Bex on guest verses on some of the tracks also helps to build more layers to the project.
While known for its eccentricity, hip-hop heads cannot afford to miss SKIZZA’s “Summer League”. If it’s up to me, it is evident that SKIZZA is destined for greater heights and “Summer League” is a reflection of their talents.
