Many would look at Skizzy Mars and see a bum rapper from New York, just another desperate artist trying to make it in the rap industry. However, this is far from the story Skizzy Mars is writing. Born and raised in Manhattan, Skizzy is slowly but surely increasing popularity and gaining followers across the United States. Since the release of his first song “Douchebag,” he has now put out two free albums. However, ask a common music fan who Skizzy Mars is, and you’ll likely get a blank stare. Who is he? What does he represent? What kind of setting is his music appropriate for?
First and foremost, he is more than a street rapper. His first two free albums, "Pace" and "Phases," offer music for any setting. From reminiscing to pre-gaming or partying, all the way to studying for a test, Skizzy's got the song for you. In my words (and I hope Skizzy would agree), he represents the youth culture and the ability to represent one’s self in the most original way possible. Skizzy doesn’t conform to the mainstream; in fact, that has never been a goal of his.
Reaching the youth and gaining followers who can find something in his music to connect with are likely his main goals when putting out new music. With over 60,000 followers now on Twitter, it's clear that Skizzy is continuing to increase in popularity. Given the chance to listen to his music, you’ll be hard-pressed to not find at least one song you feel you can connect with or vibe to.
Skizzy recently just announced his first tour in conjunction with the Miniature Tigers. This tour is yet further indication of Skizzy’s progression as an artist and his evolution from more than just another rapper desperate to make an impression. He appears to a demographic that perfectly suits a college student (I’m biased here; I’ve been listening since high school myself) Does his music contain references to substances that not all of us use? Of course; rap music most often does. However, Skizzy Mars isn’t chasing fans or fame. He is chasing his dream of reaching people through his music. His concerns do not lie in the opinions of others, which frankly is a very courageous way to live.
The way Skizzy approaches music is a consistent metaphor for those trying to find their way in the world, where a young adult often finds themselves in their college years. Skizzy’s style is unique; his lyrics don’t always rhyme but they flow with a progression that his smooth voice makes all the more attractive to the senses. His most recent release “Way I Live” samples a very popular song from Baby Boy Da Prince and shows Skizzy’s ability to manipulate sound into something that is his own yet relatable to many listeners at the same time. As I mentioned, Skizzy’s music offers any listener a chance to find a niche in their life where his music connects. It may be thinking about the opposite gender and their tendency to all seem to blend together through “All Say”, or it may be finding true meaning through the lyrics of a song that speaks to the human condition of pain in “Lucy.”
Regardless, I truly believe Skizzy Mars offers an approach that any music fan can find solace in. He truly deserves a chance and at least one listen (or hundreds if you’re a true fan like me). I hope you take my opinion on this and give Skizzy a chance. Like Drake said all too well, you’ll thank me later for this one. Skizzy’s music (including his free albums) can all be found online via SoundCloud and most (if not all) of his songs are on YouTube. Give him a shot and see what this young and upcoming rapper (or better termed musician) is all about.
