I finally made it here, I’m glad to be here and I brought extra solo cups. In all seriousness, I was actually very excited for this project. As someone who has been following Skuzii since Freshman year at HU, I knew that he had the potential to make it big! From Open Mics in DuBois to Concerts at the Graffiti Warehouse in Newport News, Skuzii has definitely been on the hustle and bustle end of the grind. One thing I do appreciate about Skuzii is his incorporation of live instruments during his performances. Only a few rappers that I personally listen to can pull that off (Anderson PAAK, Jay-Z, Lil Uzi Vert maybe, Kanye West).
I will start off by saying that “Veronica's Apartment” is definitely a vibe. I know it’s a cliché saying in our “culture” but it’s true. Think about it, when was the last time you listened to an album from the beginning (car) to end (train/train stop). I get my best focus with music on the train so when I entered "Veronica’s Apartment" I felt comfortable and welcomed with open arms and a shot. Like I said earlier, I have always been a fan of Skuzii so I followed his career very closely which built up my excitement for this project.
“Veronica's Apartment” shows all of the hard work, gigs, open mics, and IG shows, wrapped up in 12 tracks. I’m going share with you all my top 2 favorite tracks and 3 honorable mentions from “Veronica's Apartment”. Trust my judgment, you will enjoy them just as much as I did.
Track 5:
“All that I know” ft .Yung IV & Jack Union
“All that I know” is that quintessential “ride around your hood with your friends’ song”. Reminisce about good times and also share your future dream and goals. I knew about this song before the project dropped because of the video that was released last year. Set in a someone’s’ home, the song definitely fits the scene. Although the majority of the video is set in the home, that’s what makes this video original. Outside of the video, the song features rapper Yung IV (I wonder what the 4 stands for). His flow matches the tracks as well as meshes with Skuzii’s verses. Song’s nowadays w/features are starting to show competition. One artist wants to out rap or outflow the other. Not sure why but that’s what these new rappers like to do. But “All that I know” lacks any type of lyrical competition which is great! My suggestion to you is to listen to this song first if you don’t know who Skuzii is. “All that I know” is a great introduction to Skuzii, who he is, where he’s from and what he knows.
Track 9:
“Conversations in a Parking Lot”
First off, Shout out to all the Gemini musicians! You can’t touch the creativity that my fellow Geminians spew out when it comes to music. “Conversations in a Parking Lot” is a dope perspective of a well-needed conversation between two close people. A conversation that you can have w/that one person that will listen, not judge and be there for you regardless of how messed up or twitted the conversation might end up being. I wouldn’t say that this is the whole vulnerable side of the artist Skuzi but, it’s definitely a window into it. The whimsical, true hip-hop beats accommodated by deep voice responses from who is identified as Skuzii’s father blends perfectly. This track reminds me of 2010-2012 Tyler, the Creator back when he used to use his alter-ego Wolf Haley in his tracks. Artists don’t utilize that type of creativity anymore so it was refreshing to hear that on a new 2018 project.
You want some real rap? “Conversations in a Parking Lot” is where it’s at.
Honorable Mentions
“Breathe” ft. Bobby Blaze and Andre Joyner
Bobby Blaze is going places! His flow is dope, the sound is different and it works for the track “Breathe”. Check out his live performances as well, he is definitely a true entertainer. I’m glad to see his contribution to this project.
“Sober” ft. Lavahi
Vocals are first and foremost A1. I liked this song a lot because of the story and how relatable this could be for a girl who is listening to it. What had me weak though was the commentary at the end. I literally turned up my volume and said to myself, “Does this girl have a lisp?”. I died at my desk. What a great touch to a song, definitely different from your “thotty, sensual and drunk sounding voice” most artists utilize for their commentary.
“Dasani” ft. MyNameBryan
For some reason, I want to call this song Fiji. The keys incorporated on this track reminds me of an ending to a wholesome black sitcom. Black sitcom only. It was also refreshing to hear male vocals accompany Skuzii’s rhymes. “Dasani” to me, sounds like a lovely coming to love story about both parties’ feelings for someone and the initial thoughts before approaching that somebody.
“Veronica's Apartment” is like no other apartment I have been to. The nucleus of the Skuzii’s storytelling. This project should not go unnoticed by anyone. This will be that project of the summer. I claim it! You can find Veronica's Apartment” on Spotify, iTunes, and Tidal.
Instagram: @Skuzii
Youtube: Skuzii
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