Urban Review: Skillz - The Million Dollar Backpack
Our very own, Randall Ells, has hit us with an album review of Skillz‘ album The Million Dollar Backpack. The album was released today so make sure you guys get that. Check out an excerpt of the album review below and then after the jump you’ll get a chance to read the rest of the review plus a preview of the album.
Skillz (formerly Mad Skillz) dropped his new album titled The Million Dollar Backpack today, Tuesday, July 22. The Virginia rapper was previously signed to Atlantic Records back in 1992 when he placed second in a national freestyle competition. It was to be the start of a successful career for Skillz until he dropped the 1996 album From Where??? When the album dropped it was met with lackluster sales and was unfortunately overlooked and eventually forgotten. He eventually was revitalized when he began working and writing with reputable artists like P. Diddy, Jermaine Dupri, and Ma$e.
Review by: Randall Ells
It’s been 12 years since Skillz has technically dropped an official album - and in a way it shows after reviewing The Million Dollar Backpack. There were several tracks such as ‘Crazy World” and “My Phone” which contained lukewarm lyrics and subpar beats. I found the album production to be inconsistent and the tracks “Preachin To The Choir” and “Hip Hop Died” random at times. The album does have some excellent collaborations. Skillz’ track “Don’t Act Like You Don’t Know” features Freeway and was produced by Orthodox. This duo showcases excellent rhymes with a club-style beat. Probably the best parts about the album are the lyrical content and rhymes.
For example, the track “Yeah Ya Know It” which was produced by Khari Ferrari and Skillz has a phrase in the song, “Why we in here I’m gonna make it clear, I got love for you all that appreciate your ear”. There is absolutely no questioning Skillz’ lyrical ability, but some of his flows and beats do raise some questions on the overall quality of the album. Overall, the album is decent and if you are into true old school freestyle hip hop this album is definitely for you.
You can check out a preview of Skillz’ - The Million Dollar Backpack by clicking on the link.
