Skyzoo answers mtvU’s burning questions in this week’s Hot Seat.
1. Tell us about your craziest touring experience.
My craziest touring experience I’d have to say was in Beijing, China.
I headlined a few shows out there and the response was incredible.
Packed house, fans going nuts. But the crazy part was when I was on stage in the middle of my set, this group of girls were in the front row, and one of them untied my sneaker. I looked down, but I was in mid song, so I didn’t really mind. Then, she did it again to my other sneaker, so I looked at her and she smiled and blew me a kiss. I guess that was her way of flirting. I thought it was pretty fly.
2. What type of college class would you’d most want to take and why?
I was heavy into English and Sociology when I went to school, so I would probably pick up on those. I was always a writer, so English was a favorite of mine. Sociology is dope because it’s about how people live and what makes them who they are.
3. What city in America is the most fun to visit and why?
Besides NY, Boston and Baltimore are favorites of mine. The love I get in those 2 cities is crazy. Boston is a real hip hop heavy city. They love dope hip hop. Baltimore is heavy into lyricism with a purpose. My music reflects a lot of what they go through out there, so they relate to it really well. Plus, Baltimore has dope local food. The Lake Trout sandwiches and Chicken boxes are delicious
4. What’s some of the best advice you were ever given?
Be natural and trust your own judgment. You know yourself better than anyone else.
5. What’s in heavy rotation in your MP3/CD player right now?
Besides myself, I’d say Sean Price, The Clipse, John Coltrane, Torae, Wale, Miles Davis, Scarface, Jay-Z, and Young Jeezy. My taste musically is all over the place.
6. The last good book you read or TV show you’re addicted to.
The Wire is the greatest TV show ever, hands down. There’s never been anything like it. Book wise, I’m a fan of authors like Donald Goines, Claude Brown, Langston Hughes and more.
7. What’s the first concert you ever saw - how was it?
My first full concert was when I was 14. My mom took me to see Puff Daddy on the No Way Out tour at Madison Square Garden. To this day its the best birthday gift I’ve ever received. The level of showmanship and entertainment he gave on that show was crazy. I had a basement demo tape of mine in my pocket, and my plan was to throw the tape on stage for Puff to have and listen to, but my mom wouldn’t let me throw it on the stage. She said we’d probably get thrown out of the building. She was probably right.
8. What are three items you can’t live without on tour?
My ipod, my blackberry, and my rhyme book.
9. Who are your major musical influences?
I started rapping when I heard Chi Ali from the native tongues movement back in like ‘91. Besides that though, I’m influenced by Jay- Z, Nas, BIG, John Coltrane, and all the classics from the mid ’90’s to the early 2000’s.
10. Any random messages or tips you’d like to give to mtvU watchers?
Thanks to everyone who’s been supporting me and my music. My album The Salvation is in stores now. Make sure you cop the album. To everyone aspiring to be an emcee, keep doing what you do, and always put the music first.
