Skyzoo - Theo VS. J.J. (Dreams vs. Reality)

Following up his much-loved mixtape The Great Debater, Brooklyn favorite Skyzoo returns with this eight-song EP, setting the stage for his forthcoming album A Dream Deferred. Produced by Thelonious Martin, 14K, !iimind, Praise, and Hasan Insane, Theo vs. JJ explores the concept of Skyzoo as two classic TV characters: The Cosby Show's Theo Huxtable on the record's first half (Dream), and J.J. Walker from Good Times on the second half (Reality). As expected, Sky's wordplay here is exceptional. Intelligent, witty, intricate, and visual, it rides perfectly over the diverse selection of beats. "Liquor & Sneakers" flips a minimalist, retro-yet-futuristic track, "Ever Loyal" has one of the nicest bass lines we've heard this year, and "#FGR (First Generation Rich)" reanimates a timeless Bob James jam. Torae joins the party on "Know That Cash Rules," while The Faculty's newest artist, Open, impresses on the closer, "By Any Means."

Download the album here on itunes.