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".
Test Drive
Skyzoo Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
My autograph resembles the sketches on the wall
To blindly put a bid in and never to withdraw
What it brings is what it brings, it's whatever when it's drawn
Underlings wanting rings, it's like catching a reward
Far as I know, having money never did me wrong
So forgive me for the motive of exposing my exposure
I told 'em on the one, to be the one is to be lonesome
And opening the trunk was their way of turning my tone up
Y'all'll get potentially when you growed up
Big paws on a small pup like fuck the hold ups
I'm more for the immediate when all they see is medians
I'm over the shoulders of the norm for the deviant
I'm know that it's going up beyond from your previous
Peeking through the floor at the above like where the ceiling went?
Oh, there it go, better yet, there it was
I heard whistles as much as y'all try to hear the drums
So miss me with the wonderings and the whys
These grapes wouldn't fit no wonder, I don't reply
They say God bless the child like I hold his own
You pay blogs to hold you down, I just throw 'em my poems
And they Olajuwon posts, I'm honored by the most
Hidden they face when they tryin' to find the dope
See this is just a test drive
So tell 'em I ain't sittin' where the rest ride
Shorty say I'm whippin' like I'm next right
I'm just tryin' to figure out my next drive
See baby, this is just a test drive
So tell 'em I ain't sittin' where the rest ride
Shorty say I'm whippin' like I'm next right
I'm just tryin' to figure out my next drive
Games fucked up
Dudes beats is banging, dude your hooks did it
Your lyrics didn't, your blogger look, did it
So I would, write it if y'all could, envision
What was real from what's distilled
And the good, difference between
The two of 'em, easy to bow out and be through with him
But realizing they still write off how I influence him
Made me never mind like I'm Francis pops
Said it smell like teen spirit when you stand on my block
Aspiration, corners employed that handle hard
O's on they mind, it's looking like Camden Yards, I mean
With Stoudamires for hire the man in charge
And more of them in training just look to the handlebars
I handle bars for the broads that speak light
Made her scream to be quiet, I guess I'ma leap right
Am I right, is this what they said it would seem like?
And if so I wouldn't wrote what I wrote by them street lights
I mean humble pie on a plate, it's set behind me
'Cause hustle said it best, I'm just better than everybody
So whaddup chi town, anytime thatchall out
Visiting the borough you good as long as I'm round
'Cause I was in the chi and y'all treated me
Like I was Tomahawkin with a 1 on my back for the south side
So when we at the table and them bottles come close
Just now that that teen spirit corner deserves a toast
And I'll toast with myself if it don't seem comprehensible
Tippin' my fitted to my mirror, the commendable
I been what I talk since December 24th
And from then on I never had to pretend to you
See this is just a test drive
So tell 'em I ain't sittin' where the rest ride
Shorty say I'm whippin' like I'm next right
I'm just tryin' to figure out my next drive
See baby, this is just a test drive
So tell 'em I ain't sittin' where the rest ride
Shorty say I'm whippin' like I'm next right
I'm just tryin' to figure out my next drive
In Skyzoo's song Test Drive, he begins by describing his current state as being in the essence of it all, seated better than before. He talks about how his autograph resembles the sketches on the wall, denoting that he has reached a level of fame that allows him to leave his mark wherever he goes. He mentions that blindly putting a bid in and never withdrawing is a risky move, but sometimes it's worth it. He then emphasizes that having money has never done him wrong before, and so he doesn't care about exposing his exposure. By opening up himself in this way, he finds closure.
Skyzoo then talks about how being the one leads to being lonesome and how some people want rings, like it's a reward. He then talks about how he is more for the immediate and is over the shoulders of the norm for the deviant. He sees the potential in growing beyond one's previous accomplishments and peeking through the floor at what's above like where the ceiling went. He is aware that people try to find the dope but remains focused on his test drive.
He continues to talk about how people always credit God for blessing the child, but he pays blogs to hold him down by throwing them his poetic creations. Skyzoo notes that his influence has caused some people to write off of him, but he still recognizes the good versus the distilled. He ends by highlighting his success and acknowledging his hard work in the rap game while stating that this is only a test drive.
Line by Line Meaning
Sittin' in the essence of it all, seated better than before
I am in a comfortable position in life, surrounded by everything that is important to me
My autograph resembles the sketches on the wall
My signature is well-known and represents my success and accomplishments
To blindly put a bid in and never to withdraw
Taking a risk without hesitation and committing to it completely
What it brings is what it brings, it's whatever when it's drawn
The outcome of the risk is unpredictable, but I am prepared to face it regardless
Underlings wanting rings, it's like catching a reward
People who are beneath me in status are striving to attain what I already have achieved
Far as I know, having money never did me wrong
I have found financial success, and it has not caused any trouble or problems in my life
So forgive me for the motive of exposing my exposure
I am sorry for sharing my success and wealth, but it is essential to showcase my hard work and talent
The opening of me was the way of giving me closure
Sharing my story and experiences helped me come to terms with my success and find a sense of closure
I told 'em on the one, to be the one is to be lonesome
Being at the top comes with isolation and loneliness, and I have warned others of this fact
And opening the trunk was their way of turning my tone up
Others are trying to get involved in my success and use it to enhance their own abilities
Y'all'll get potentially when you growed up
As people mature and develop, they will gain a better understanding of the potential success they can achieve
Big paws on a small pup like fuck the hold ups
I am not letting any obstacles or setbacks hold me back from achieving success
I'm more for the immediate when all they see is medians
While others are focusing on average accomplishments, I am striving for immediate and exceptional success
I'm over the shoulders of the norm for the deviant
I am standing out and going against the norm to achieve something extraordinary
I'm know that it's going up beyond from your previous
I am aware that my success is reaching new heights and continuing to surpass my previous accomplishments
Peeking through the floor at the above like where the ceiling went?
Wondering how far my success can take me and what limits there are to my potential achievements
Oh, there it go, better yet, there it was
I have found success and recognition, and it has been present all along
I heard whistles as much as y'all try to hear the drums
Others may not recognize the success I have achieved, but I have heard the validation and recognition of my hard work
So miss me with the wonderings and the whys
I do not have time for those who question or doubt my success and accomplishments
These grapes wouldn't fit no wonder, I don't reply
I am not interested in entertaining those who are curious about my success if they cannot comprehend or appreciate it
They say God bless the child like I hold his own
I have succeeded and achieved wealth on my own, without relying on anyone else
You pay blogs to hold you down, I just throw 'em my poems
Other artists may need to pay for exposure, but I have gained recognition and success simply through my talent
And they Olajuwon posts, I'm honored by the most
Seeing my name and accomplishments consistently mentioned in media and online coverage is an honor to me
Hidden they face when they tryin' to find the dope
When others try to discover the secret to my success, they hide their true intentions and motives
Games fucked up
The industry and world of music and success can be chaotic and challenging
Dudes beats is banging, dude your hooks did it
Other artists may have impressive beats and catchy hooks, but my lyrics and talent set me apart
Your lyrics didn't, your blogger look, did it
Some artists may rely on their appearance or public image to gain success, but true talent will always stand out
So I would, write it if y'all could, envision
If others had the talent to match my success, they would be able to understand and envision it themselves
What was real from what's distilled
Separating reality from fabricated or exaggerated claims of success
And the good, difference between
Recognizing the true successes and achievements rather than comparing oneself to others or relying on external validation
The two of 'em, easy to bow out and be through with him
It is simple to give up and walk away from the challenges and obstacles of the journey towards success
But realizing they still write off how I influence him
Others are still influenced by my success and talent, despite their reluctance to acknowledge it
Made me never mind like I'm Francis pops
Like the famous actor Francis in a popular movie, I am unfazed by what others say or think of me
Said it smell like teen spirit when you stand on my block
My success and influence is strong and reminiscent of a rebellious, youthful spirit
Aspiration, corners employed that handle hard
Those in tough situations and environments often have the greatest aspirations and potential for success
O's on they mind, it's looking like Camden Yards, I mean
Those around me are striving for wealth and success, similar to the Baltimore Orioles baseball team and their home field
With Stoudamires for hire the man in charge
Those who are talented and driven are often sought after and valued in the pursuit of success
And more of them in training just look to the handlebars
Young and aspiring individuals are looking to those who have already achieved success for guidance and inspiration
I handle bars for the broads that speak light
My talent and success serve as inspiration for women who want to achieve similar success and recognition
Made her scream to be quiet, I guess I'ma leap right
My talent and success have made others jealous or envious, motivating me to achieve even more
Am I right, is this what they said it would seem like?
I am questioning whether my success has met or exceeded the expectations of others
And if so I wouldn't wrote what I wrote by them street lights
If I had achieved the success that others expected, I may not have been inspired to write about my own experiences and struggles
I mean humble pie on a plate, it's set behind me
Challenges and struggles have taught me humility and made me more grateful for my success
'Cause hustle said it best, I'm just better than everybody
My own hard work and talent have brought me success, and I am proud of my accomplishments
So whaddup chi town, anytime thatchall out
I am a respected figure in Chicago and always happy to be there for my fans and supporters
Visiting the borough you good as long as I'm round
With me around, those in the community and borough are safe and will have a good time
'Cause I was in the chi and y'all treated me
When I was in Chicago, I was shown respect and admiration for my success and talent
Like I was Tomahawkin with a 1 on my back for the south side
My influence and success in the community and industry was like that of a famous and respected athlete
So when we at the table and them bottles come close
During times of celebration and success, we should come together and enjoy each other's company
Just now that that teen spirit corner deserves a toast
Acknowledging the rebellious and youthful spirit that has brought me success and recognition
And I'll toast with myself if it don't seem comprehensible
If others do not understand or appreciate my success, I will still celebrate and acknowledge it on my own
Tippin' my fitted to my mirror, the commendable
Showing appreciation and respect for myself and my own hard work and accomplishments
I been what I talk since December 24th
I have been consistent and true to myself and my goals since a significant day in my past
And from then on I never had to pretend to you
I have always been honest and genuine with others about my desires and goals
See this is just a test drive
My current success and accomplishments are just the beginning, and I am only just getting started
So tell 'em I ain't sittin' where the rest ride
I am not content with average success and am pushing myself to achieve even greater heights
Shorty say I'm whippin' like I'm next right
Others recognize my talent and potential for success, and are excited to see what I achieve next
I'm just tryin' to figure out my next drive
I am still focused on my goals and figuring out the best path to achieve them
Contributed by Brody E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.