A Dream Deferred (10th Anniversary)＜限定盤＞

Coming hot off his mixtape The Penny Freestyle Series, Skyzoo's official 2012 album builds on all the power and grace of the Brooklyn rapper's early work while adding just a bit of polish, but certainly not too much. Literate and with a natural backpacker flow, Skyzoo rides a superior 9th Wonder production on the key cut "Jansport Strings," a loving tribute to his hero Chi-Ali with a promise to always keep it positive and real. Talib Kweli joins Skyzoo for the album's other major tribute, "Spike Lee Was My Hero," while guest shots from Jill Scott and Freeway are choice, both offering a chemistry with their host that's even better than expected. Black Milk, DJ Khalil, and Tall Black Guy supply the crafted beats, but it's Illmind who becomes the album's MVP (Most Valuable Producer), turning in four tracks of prime future soul including the massive "Pockets Full," which just may make the listener feel as such. ~ David Jeffries

ブルックリンの実力派ライマーがダック・ダウン移籍後の2作目を投下。レーベルのインハウス・プロデューサーであるイルマインドが大半を手掛けるなか、9thワンダーやブラック・ミルクらも参加し、アルバムの内容をぐっとドラマティックに盛り上げる。冒頭の“Dreams In A Basement”をはじめとする収録曲の多くは哲学的でもあり、じっと耳を傾けてしまうライムが多い。MCとしての成長も感じさせる作品に。
bounce (C)渡辺志保