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".
The Stick-Up Tape From "Menace"
Skyzoo Lyrics
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Imitation's flattery and everything it precedes
Imitation happens to be everything we believe and everything we see leave
But leaving doesn't come with us so never would we leave
So if there's ever a moment you do see leave
Then it was live or die it fit you like a reply
And then all of the attention is with you until you blind
And then all that you was given was written for you to find
.45's and gauges Macs in fact it switch places act for act
It switch stages or switch pages it gets make shift and gets taken
It gets layman's then gets sacred
It's a complicated turn of a events with lights over it
And based on any further intent you might notice it
Like intent on being noticed for what you been on
And what you stood on being the motto that you live on
'Cause what you stood on came from the crate you would sit on
And you would look on and see how you was 'sposed to get on
And when you get on you put on where the attention at
And know that looking on is to listen back and getting back
Everything you did it for bright as what you living for
Promise it would never turn dim at all
And all it took to come to life was a stage to live it
Shit can happen overnight if you're awake to get it
Like aiming before you draw and what it takes to hit it
Or Caine and O-Dog the stick up tape from menace
Before you leave make sure you leave with it
It's like knowing where the cameras in the walls are
And they were already talking for you before the talk starts
And your direction comes into question like it was On Star
It's either turn it on for the tape or turn into wall art
Or maybe you was there but you really wasn't
In the cut but before it cut you can feel it coming
Quicker than you ever could've thought without interrupting
Bottle on the floor and now you wishing you didn't touch it
Empty the cash register out 'fore you get to running
Now there's a motive on top of that tape rolling
On top of that other motive that same tape ain't notice
It's all context but get all that acclaim and you'll get to love it
It starts as a flash it grows into fluorescence
It goes into an essence that poses when you press it like the tape do
It dares you to mimic it like son what your aim do?
And however you fit in that light is how it takes you
Like word to a shooter's touch steady as ever like you shooting up
Brighter than ever you ain't losing much
And validation is everything that you knew it was
You finger prints on a bottle but that ain't proving much
For the importance of needing importance
Until its loud enough where somebody's seeing you for it
And calling for everything you did it for as dull as what you living for
Promised it would never turn dim at all
And all it took to come to life was a stage to live it
Shit can happen overnight if you're awake to get it
Like aiming before you draw and what it takes to hit it
Or Caine and O-Dog the stick up tape from menace
Before you leave make sure you leave with it
Leave with enough time for them to forget what they heard
But still enough time for you to spread that word
Word is that words don't be enough
But certain words be worth speaking up
Up over how we think they know us
Still up under where they hold us
Eye level with what they showed us but
Still up all up with they but they who?
They me or they you?
'Cause they see what they do
And they mean what they drew
But they keeping they cool and
They need you to be you so go 'head be you
But know that that tape's on
And you might not be able to take shorty to the back like
Bitch that tape ain't yours hand that over so me and my man can break north
Still up and still us all for validation
Because they told us we wasn't valid
Told us we ain't matter so now we matter right?
Matter to us matter to you matter to they
It matters what we say and what we portray
But what matters is what we became
All for they so for better and worse
Make sure they spread that around
Cause all it took to come to life was a stage to live it
Shit can happen overnight if you're awake to get it
Like aiming before you draw and what it takes to hit it
Or Caine and O-Dog the stick up tape from menace
Before you leave make sure you leave with it
In "The Stick-Up Tape From 'Menace'" by Skyzoo, the lyrics delve into the themes of identity, imitation, validation, and the pursuit of fame. The song highlights the notion that people strive to emulate others they admire, often mistaking imitation for flattery. Imitation becomes a prevalent aspect of society, shaping what people believe and influencing what they observe leaving behind. However, the lyrics assert that true individuality does not leave with those imitated; one's own uniqueness is never abandoned.
The lyrics also touch upon the attention and fame that can come with living boldly and fearlessly. The moment one succeeds and attracts attention, they become the center of focus, possibly even to the point of blinding others with their brilliance. The opportunities and gifts that are bestowed upon them are meant to be discovered and cherished, like unraveling the hidden secrets of a religion concealed by a .45 pistol. The lyrics also allude to the changing circumstances and interchangeability of tools such as .45s, gauges, and Macs, mirroring the ever-shifting nature of success and the sacrifices made to maintain it.
Furthermore, the lyrics explore the complex and calculated nature of the pursuit of fame. It is described as a process that involves understanding the pre-existing expectations placed upon oneself and the manipulation of those expectations. The song suggests that fame demands a keen awareness of the cameras in the walls, the ability to control the narrative, and the understanding that even seemingly insignificant actions can have significant consequences. The lyrics also allude to a sense of regret when unexpected events unfold, after handling a metaphorical bottle that one wishes they hadn't touched.
The lyrics go on to emphasize the importance of validation and recognition, and how it can shape one's motivations and actions. The desire to be acknowledged and seen for one's achievements and contributions permeates the pursuit of fame. The lyrics suggest that validation is the driving force behind everything one does, guaranteeing that their efforts will never fade into insignificance. However, the song also questions the true value and impact of validation, making a distinction between its superficial nature and the genuine importance of one's personal journey.
Ultimately, the lyrics stress the significance of leaving an imprint on the world and making an impact while being aware of the transience of fame. The metaphorical stage becomes synonymous with life itself, representing an opportunity to truly live and leave a lasting legacy. The lyrics allude to the famous characters Caine and O-Dog from the movie "Menace II Society," a stick-up tape that captures their notorious activities. This reference highlights the potential for rapid and drastic change that can occur in one's life, through both positive and negative means. Before moving on, the lyrics urge individuals to make sure they leave their mark, leaving no room for regret and ensuring their impact is felt even after they are gone.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Gregory Taylor
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind