He released the critically-acclaimed Corner Store Classic mixtape in 2007, and released a remixed version, including some new material, as a digital download album in 2008. Corner Store Classic was rated 'XL' (4/5) by XXL Magazine. In 2007, he stated that he had a second album ready, called The Salvation, but was waiting for a major record deal before releasing it.
He cites as influences hip hop artists such as Notorious B.I.G., Jay-Z, Nas, N.W.A., Big Daddy Kane, and Kid 'n Play, as well as artists such as Sade, Nirvana and John Coltrane, and cites Coltrane's A Love Supreme as his favorite album. He credits J Dilla as his biggest inspiration and favorite producer. He has been critical of the direction that Hip Hop has taken, stating "People are taking the 'whetever we gotta do' method, resulting in gimmick records. I'm about making money but it has to be with dope records".
Return of the Real
Skyzoo Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
We got Jamla juices right over there on the left
Fort Knocks soy burgers on the right
The entertainment tonight is my man, S-K-Y-Z-O-O
With that Return Of The Real
Ladies and gentlemen put your hands together
I'm feelin like it's workin, I feel it when I work it (uh huh)
June '96
They predictin it will, so the hype is fittin it's purpose
They was missin the real, I write it and make it worth it
Call it how it feels but as far as gettin a word in
You swallow that for real and keep it the way you heard it
When they playin catch up, I'm tearin the tape deck up
Maybe's it April '94
, Half moon partin it
And I don't see a lane but I'm seein the page that's carvin it
So I don't need a lane, you can keep away with the bargainin
I ain't wear a cuff yet and you see where my cup rests
Sittin on the shoulders of anybody who jump next
Powder in the air, burgundy wears, Upper Deck
None of them can worry me, my pennin is worry free
And the moment it breathes, it's September 13th
It's the return of the real, about as real as you knew
See how I jumped in this for real, yeah I'm livin the proof
Know that you wanted it for real, so I give you the new
And you remember how it feel, yeah I give you that too
It's the return of the real
I see them lookin for the real but they ain't find that yet
A couple made it but they ain't recognize that yet
I see them lookin for the real but they ain't find that yet
A couple made it but they ain't wanna rewind that yet
So now they lookin on me, they lookin towards me
Now they lookin on me, they lookin towards me
Now they lookin on me, they lookin towards me
And they recognize I as the look that they all need
And for the visually impaired, they stared until they saw it
It was clearer than the thinnest of air, so they was on it
Fuck Japan
, Ain't a thing over there that could walk along it
Beside it or in front of it, try it and live under it
One of the last left, who pen it as it is
So from jump I was past left and spinnin back again
They don't get it, they don't comprehend it
So my talk be, listed as different, they throw they hindrances on me (woo)
Picture me trippin, my walk gimpy, see it's on beat
A told me get 'em, so I get 'em 'til they caught me
All said and done, you can all say that they all me
Birthed 'em, if it's '
95, I August 1st 'em
Couldn't find nobody truer as far as verbs
The mouthpiece for all the pursuers for +What It's Worth+
So when it turns out that I be what the term 'bout
Can't say that I ain't signal nobody to turn 'round, right?
It's the Return Of The Real baby, uh
June 25th, '96
April 19th, '94
September 13th, '94
August 1st, '95
Aiyyo Just, tell 'em Wikipedia that
The song "Return of the Real" by Skyzoo is a celebration of real hip hop and the return of authentic lyrics and music. The opening itself is an introduction to the performance, narrated in a comical manner by Just Blaze. The song opens with the artist feeling confident and declaring his mastery of wordsmithery. He reminisces about June '96 when he started writing and how his cursive style captivates his listeners. He acknowledges the hype around him and how his content makes it worth the listeners' time.
The artist then goes on to take listeners through his musical journey. He remembers April '94 when he was just starting out, and how he feels that he is carving a lane for himself that he doesn't necessarily have to share with anyone. He talks about how his style has evolved, from not wearing a 'cuff' to sitting on the shoulders of anybody who will jump next, and how his penmanship has remained worry-free. It is the real experience he's returning to, something for which he knows his fans yearn. Skyzoo knows what hip hop fans need, and he takes pride in being the one to give it to them. He describes his existence as the return of the real.
Line by Line Meaning
Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the Just Blaze, Bar and Grill extravaganza
Welcome to this exciting event hosted by the famous Just Blaze, Bar and Grill.
We got Jamla juices right over there on the left
There are delicious Jamla juices available on the left.
Fort Knocks soy burgers on the right
On the right side, there are amazing Fort Knocks soy burgers available.
The entertainment tonight is my man, S-K-Y-Z-O-O
Skyzoo is going to be the performer for the night.
With that Return Of The Real
He will perform his popular song 'Return Of The Real.'
Ladies and gentlemen put your hands together
Please show your appreciation for him by clapping.
I'm feelin like it's workin, I feel it when I work it (uh huh)
I feel like I'm doing something right and I feel it when I work on my music.
June '96
This line refers to a specific time in June '96.
The ceiling might move when I lift up to pen my cursive
My writing is so powerful that the energy I create might move the ceiling.
They predictin it will, so the hype is fittin it's purpose
People expect great things from me and the hype is serving its purpose.
They was missin the real, I write it and make it worth it
People were missing authenticity and I bring that to my writing to make it worth reading/listening to.
Call it how it feels but as far as gettin a word in
I write exactly what I feel but I also make sure I get my point across in my music.
You swallow that for real and keep it the way you heard it
Take in my music authentically and keep it the same way you heard it, don't misinterpret it.
When they playin catch up, I'm tearin the tape deck up
While others are trying to catch up, I am making a mark and tearing up their tape decks with my music.
Maybe's it April '94, Half moon partin it
This line refers to a specific time in April '94.
And I don't see a lane but I'm seein the page that's carvin it
I don't have a set path, but I am seeing where my writing is taking me and following that.
So I don't need a lane, you can keep away with the bargainin
I don't need a specific genre or audience, I'll write what I feel and stay true to myself.
I ain't wear a cuff yet and you see where my cup rests
I haven't been held back yet and my cup (life) is in a good place.
Sittin on the shoulders of anybody who jump next
I am on the level of greatness and those after me will be compared to me.
Powder in the air, burgundy wears, Upper Deck
This line is a reference to specific memories/details of a past event.
None of them can worry me, my pennin is worry free
I am not worried about competition or others' opinions because I am confident in my writing.
And the moment it breathes, it's September 13th
This line refers to a specific moment in September 13th when inspiration hits.
It's the return of the real, about as real as you knew
I am bringing authenticity back to music and it will be as real as you remember it to be.
See how I jumped in this for real, yeah I'm livin the proof
This is proof of me living/being authentic in a music industry that is not always authentic.
Know that you wanted it for real, so I give you the new
People want authenticity in music, I am bringing something new to the table.
And you remember how it feel, yeah I give you that too
I am bringing back a feeling that people remember and giving them that same experience.
I see them lookin for the real but they ain't find that yet
People are searching for authenticity but they haven't found it yet.
A couple made it but they ain't recognize that yet
There are a few people in the industry who are authentic but not everyone has recognized that yet.
So now they lookin on me, they lookin towards me
People are turning to me for authenticity and looking up to me as a role model for that.
And they recognize I as the look that they all need
People recognize me as someone they need to look up to for authenticity in music.
And for the visually impaired, they stared until they saw it
Even those who couldn't physically see me could still sense my authenticity and stared until they found it.
It was clearer than the thinnest of air, so they was on it
My authenticity was evident and clear and they couldn't ignore it.
Fuck Japan, Ain't a thing over there that could walk along it
This line likely refers to the idea that nothing compares to the authenticity that Skyzoo is bringing.
Beside it or in front of it, try it and live under it
People who try to compete with or mimic Skyzoo's authenticity will fail and will not measure up.
One of the last left, who pen it as it is
Skyzoo is one of the few people in the industry who writes what they truly mean and does not conform to expectations.
So from jump I was past left and spinnin back again
Skyzoo has always been ahead of the game and keeps moving forward.
They don't get it, they don't comprehend it
Others in the industry do not understand or cannot grasp the concept of authenticity.
So my talk be, listed as different, they throw they hindrances on me (woo)
Skyzoo's views and ideas are seen as different and unique and therefore attract criticism from others who do not share those opinions.
Picture me trippin, my walk gimpy, see it's on beat
Despite others trying to bring Skyzoo down, he keeps moving forward and stays on beat.
A told me get 'em, so I get 'em 'til they caught me
Skyzoo's ambition and drive is fueled by the idea that those who do not understand or support his message will eventually come around.
All said and done, you can all say that they all me
Skyzoo's authenticity and unique style will leave a mark on the music industry and he will be remembered for it.
Birthed 'em
This line is likely a reference to Skyzoo having an influence on other artists and their music.
if it's '95, I August 1st 'em
This line refers to Skyzoo being present and influential in the music industry since '95.
Couldn't find nobody truer as far as verbs
There is no one who is more authentic and true to themselves in their writing than Skyzoo.
The mouthpiece for all the pursuers for +What It's Worth+
Skyzoo speaks for all those who are pursuing authenticity and staying true to themselves in the music industry.
So when it turns out that I be what the term 'bout
Skyzoo is the epitome of authenticity in the music industry.
Can't say that I ain't signal nobody to turn 'round, right?
Skyzoo has signaled for others to follow his lead and embrace authenticity.
It's the Return Of The Real baby, uh
Skyzoo is bringing back realness and authenticity to music.
June 25th, '96
This line refers to a specific event from June 25th, '96.
April 19th, '94
This line refers to a specific event from April 19th, '94.
September 13th, '94
This line refers to a specific event from September 13th, '94.
August 1st, '95
This line refers to a specific event from August 1st, '95.
Aiyyo Just, tell 'em Wikipedia that
This line is a playful jab at people who may look up these references on Wikipedia instead of understanding their meaning from the song.
Writer(s): Gregory Skyler-taylor, Smith Justin
Contributed by Lily O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
LionKing
ONE OF THE DOPEST BEATS EVER!! damn I just can't sit still!!!
Adar 252
Miss old just blaze production like this
Ppl used to make the world go round
Ain't too many albums made me come out my shell since the music got so whack since 2000. I slept on Sky. Slept on Budden. Reks gets me amped. Seriously starting to get that old feeling back.
RC LaROCK the Mic 🎤stro
I could slap myself for sleeping on this BROTHER….dude is dope……..need rhymers like this…good stuff..BRONX PIONEER CHEER….
BAKER TYPE BEATS
TOO SICK. one of the best blaze beats i think.
George Luo
this album, POS' Never Better, Blakroc and Cudi's were my favorite rap albums this year.
stuckin95wu
I m luvin this shit!!!!!!! This gonna be banged long time
Sir Pumpernickel
Ive been through alot of this guys tracks and found not one i didn't like yet!
Elton
The Classic Albums He Lists In The End Reasonable Doubt - Jay-Z Illmatic - Nas Ready To Die - Notorious Only Built 4 Cuban Linz - Raekwon All NY Artists And No I Didnt Wikipedia That - All 5 Mic Classic Debut Lp's Know The Difference Between Hip-Hop and Rap, Keep The Culture Alive, Peace Gods
Jimmy
skyzoo is the next big thing