Artists often go through a myriad of styles before they find their “niche”. They go through a learning process by experimenting, tweaking and honing their skills until they’re satisfied. The style you’re introduced to in the beginning of an artist’s career isn’t necessarily what you’re going to get in the future. The reason I bring this up is because, the artist S.K.I.P. fits this description perfectly. S.K.I.P. (Samaritan Knowledge Intervenes Preconditioning), is a Central Florida based artist that started on his artistic path around the late 90’s early 2000’s. In this time his music has evolved considerably as he’s experimented with a slew of sounds and styles to ultimately arrive at his newest release “Until the Very End”.
It’s not often that the word “professional” is used when reviewing an album but, “Until the Very End” is professionally put together. From the album art to the comic series that accompanies the release, the whole package is SICK!!! Amidst all the audio and visual pleasure, one might not realize that this album has a story to it but, I won’t spoil it by divulging any of the storyline as I want to pique people’s interest enough to want to purchase this. The story is intermingled with SKIP’s social commentary along with other important topics in a visionary point of view.
There’s really no easy way to describe the aesthetics of UTVE as you’re presented with a multitude of sounds, vibes and emotions. The album does flow from track to track but none of the songs sound alike thus keeping your interest throughout. I had a conversation with SKIP a few weeks ago and I told him his album sounded like a mix of Jamiroquai (Acid Jazz-like), 311 (Ska-influenced) and Cannibal Ox (in its raw futuristic urban decay storytelling) and although you have such a mix of styles, it’s still Hip Hop in its core. SKIP and his cohorts were able to sync and merge all these styles flawlessly.
“Until the Very End” is only 13 tracks deep but, those 13 tracks pack a punch. Most have been introduced to “Red vs. Blue” but that’s just a piece of what’s in store as, “Man from the near Future” is really dope and so is “Bloody Hands”. This album is fun, energetic and a must have. SKIP has definitely found his “niche” and “Until the Very End” serves as his arrival into this ever so fickle industry. Support SKIP by purchasing the whole package at http://www.skiptheartist.com/ . Do it now!!!
Bless C73
