Skyzoo Explains How Ghostwriting Works In Rap & Why He Won't Use The N-Word | People's Party Clip

In this clip from next week's "People's Party with Talib Kweli," Kweli and co-host Jasmin Leigh talk with actor and rapper Skyzoo about ghostwriting and why he doesn't use the N-word.
Full episode arriving Monday 8/2 at 9AMet/6AMpt. Full audio episode currently live on Luminary.
🔔 Subscribe to UPROXX Video and ring the bell to turn on notifications: uproxx.it/5rzazsh
🎙️ New Episodes of People’s Party with Talib Kweli every Monday 9AMet/6AMpt. Watch all the episodes here: uproxx.it/avxtjgf
🎧 Audio Podcast -- Listen, Subscribe and Review!
Apple: applepodcasts....
Spotify: open.spotify.c...
Soundcloud: / peoplesparty
The UPROXX Family
🎧 UPROXX Music / uproxxmusic
🎥 UPROXX Studio / uproxx
FOLLOW UPROXX
➕UPROXX.com: uproxx.com
➕Instagram: / uproxx
➕Twitter: / uproxx
➕Facebook: / uproxx
FOLLOW Skyzoo
➕Instagram: / skyzoothewriter
➕Twitter: / skyzoo
More Jasmin Leigh:
/ jasminleigh
/ realjasminleigh
Hip-Hop Heads Playlists:
90's Hip Hop ▶️ bit.ly/90sHipHo...
2000's Hip Hop ▶️ bit.ly/2000sHip...
90's R&B Hits ▶️ bit.ly/90sRBPla...
ABOUT UPROXX VIDEO:
UPROXX Video celebrates Hip-Hop, Style, and Creativity through a mix of original shows and music videos from the biggest artists, entertainers, and innovators from our culture.
PEOPLE'S PARTY WITH TALIB KWELI
People's Party is a weekly interview show hosted by Talib Kweli and Jasmin Leigh. Guests range from the biggest names in hip-hop to global entertainers to the most progressive minds moving our culture forward. The audio podcast is available on Apple and Spotify.

[@satishrobertson8771]

Did a show with Skyzoo last month, I was his trumpet player that night. One of the dopest MCs out here by far.

[@bankshot44]

Shut up

[@satishrobertson8771]

@@bankshot44 man up

[@Mjfwm]

But he is better than Dave east tho

[@mikerowe7483]

He's trash... kzbin.info/www/bejne/gZWyh6OnfZ1qg5I This is rap

[@4qutube234]

Respect

[@thegeenius]

"easiest word to lean on"- made me a fan

[@justaregularguyb6258]

I'm from Mozambique, my older brother introduced this poet and MC to me through The Great Debaters Album in 2011, since then, I became a fan. Then I went back to The Salvation, A Dream Deferred, Music For My Friends, and all the joints with Apollo Brown especailly The Easy Truth. He is on another level, I'm grateful to him and to my brother.

[@4qutube234]

Respect from South Africa, keep it real king

[@ryensolar4000]

Skyzoo is top tier MC. No one probably don't even remember he was on 106 & Park for Freestyle Friday's, and lost to Jin. Bruv put in work and got better and better as he went on. Salute

[@jaymac7495]

I definitely remember that

[@ralfireps2421]

mad respect to skyzoo for not using the n word.

[@quagmireswagga]

Skyzoo has been dropping classic since 2015 and NOBODY wants to give this man his flowers for some reason....this brotha dropped arguably the best album of the year so far with "all the brilliant things"....dude needs to get his shine cuz hus material is CRAZY!!!

[@stevec5885]

He has classics from 2006 with 9th Wonder Check Cloud 9 The 3 Day High

[@quagmireswagga]

@@stevec5885 thats true too...but since "music for my friends"...sky been on a run and nobody is giving this man his credit

[@TheSstretch68]

The most consistent emcee in the game now, the legendary SKYZOO!!!!!

[@user-tk7rl6hw6c]

So fuck, Curren$y, huh ?

[@juseasy9308]

@@user-tk7rl6hw6c yes..he aint seeing S-K-Y-ZOO. Recognize Ali,Rasheed Chapell,Supreme Cerebral and quite a few others.

[@michaeldevall8497]

Papoose been the best spitting since 2004 who got a better delivery? Better memory? Better flow and word play ? Better technical writing? Message? Get out of here naming dumb ass rappers.

[@mikerowe7483]

The game is weak... kzbin.info/www/bejne/gZWyh6OnfZ1qg5I This is rap

[@uproxx]

@@michaeldevall8497 We love pap, too -- they're both great!

[@LonerBecause]

I appreciate him going over who does ghostwriting. And the scenarios are to why: from introverts, to ppl with funny voices; Or ppl flat out didn't make it. It's definitely a Art you have to detach from cause you're giving your lyrics away for a price. And most time to not be mentioned.

[@iquelanga8475]

This was such a great sales pitch... Rappers looking for a ghostwriter must have reached out to him after listening to this part of the pod

[@matt2270]

“Absolutely not”.Damnit haha

[@uproxx]

right? We had to try!

[@thedfferencetab1977]

“I appreciate you shooting your shot” 🏀 😅

[@douglasjones4824]

Wow, I really need to check the entire interview. Sky's new joint has been kept on repeat for nearly two months now. Quite refreshing to hear his take on eliminating use of the N-word; if only so many others would do the same. Words cannot explain how extremely triggering it is to hear it in everything conversation, even worse when used by non-Blacks.

[@dn30001]

Absolutely...we (the black hip hop generation of slang and style creators...and slang and style deaders) can do a whole lot better than keep the "in" word alive. If it doesnt die out, it wasnt hip hop to begin with.

[@uproxx]

check it!

[@curtisjackson6378]

Skyzoo the man....heard him first on speed racin with Little Brother...Sky is cold blooded

[@danross4377]

First time I heard Skyzoo too

[@curtisjackson6378]

Salute

[@d.b.7485]

Always been a Skyzoo fan! His verse on "Basquiat on the draw" is one of my favorites ever.

[@kenyanthornell9717]

My respect for SkyZoo just jumped 2-3 levels!

[@uproxx]

It should be up there!

[@REAP3Rsan]

one interview I AM HEAVILY ANTICIPATING

[@breakemoff9648]

I wish all rappers would stop using the Nword. As a proud black man it makes rap so hard and cringey to listen to. Ive totally outgrown that word.

[@AngelD68]

👀 really dude

[@DC-xp4bl]

I feel you God.

[@alishabazz5905]

The Golden Age of Hip Hop didn’t use the N-word… 💯

[@bp8300]

@@alishabazz5905 But then came N.W.A and all things changed.

[@Profess84]

I agree.

[@wolf7el356]

Jasmin is absolutely gorgeous 😍

[@vmbo]

Who remembers the Jin vs Skyzoo battle at 106 & park?

[@uproxx]

Hands up!

[@fairplayterrific147]

Sky Took That L But He's Still Here To Rap About It....

[@ubuntubantu2404]

Didn't know this guy before but after this interview I'm his fan already

[@DrBigFMC]

Same

[@Kazekage121]

It's awesome that more people are discovering him I've been listening to him for about 7 years now and he is easily in my top 5. I would strongly encourage you guys to listen to the "In Celebration Of Us" album.

[@DrBigFMC]

@@Kazekage121 Will check it out. Thanks. 👍🏿👍🏿👍🏿

[@justaregularguyb6258]

Go Listen to The Great Debaters Album...He writes between the lines. He is not only an amazing MC, he is a poet. #Complicated Rhythm.

[@_AIAH_]

I never knew who Skyzoo was I listened to the album "All The Brilliant Things" it came up as a suggestion and now I'm hooked. He can really really rap

[@justaregularguyb6258]

Can you listen to The Great Debaters - Listen to the song Complicated Rhythm till the end. He doesn't Only Raps, he writes like no one else. He is not only a brilliant MC, he is also a poet. U have to listen and read between the lines.

[@lexdadon]

Same here, honestly I first heard him or the Otis freestyle and been hooked ever since. Something about the way he writes, shit is just different and amazing

[@SolidSnake240]

Check his album with Apollo Brown called The Easy Truth. 🔥🔥🔥

[@eddiezayas6624]

OC did a whole album with No Curse words

[@jaredsouza4631]

Rahkim has never sworn in any tracks ever...

[@Issey_B_Devo]

Don’t forget C.L. Smooth as well never cursed.

[@abdia.1093]

Skyzoo is very underrated

[@FatStarZzzz]

Shout Out from Paris Big Zoo.. France Loves U . And Sean Lives On

[@SILMANTV]

Retropolitan was a real good album

[@outlawstarr417]

I do the same thing. I don't curse in my raps (anymore) and it challenges me to write better and find better words.

[@Issey_B_Devo]

A Dream Deferred ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Classic

[@MerlinsWand]

Still listen to this day🔥🔥

[@jonaslocao1690]

I agree with the n word thing. It's disrespectful to those people that lived 400 years plus in slavery.

[@sadlonelybbccraig9074]

Used to be so in tune with hip hop. Ughh everyday listening to all the new stuff crom all the underground. Literally talking to a coworker a few days ago about how i thought skyzoo would be bigger. I just wasnt paying enough attention

[@TheCause]

Back in the studio!

[@deemann1976]

Salute from Inhambane Mozambique

[@sirleroyale4412]

This dude ain’t aged since I first saw him

[@TheJiGenius]

Whenever Skyzoo is on a song that song is a masterpiece. Skyzoo one of the most underrated rappers. Actually one of the best of the best.

[@rgjr1977]

Sky is an authentic guy..Got the chance to meet him in Portsmouth VA .Shot a video with my people..Very humble and approachable..Respect

[@dutchleaf481]

Shout out to Ptown

[@ishmaelwilson6702]

I've been getting music from bruh since 05- 06👍🏿👍🏿👍🏿👍🏿 Skyzoo is DOPE AS HELL!!!! Cold pen game!!!!

[@legalgreenmusic7860]

Its funny how Kweli cut him off at the 0:43 second mark 😂😂

[@jasonmays1844]

I thank god Sean Price introduced me to Sky

[@FaceFamous]

Yea you never tell who you ghost wrote for. That's an industry secret for many people to never tell. She did shoot her shot though 🤣🤣

[@1LORENZOUTUBE]

Unless you want to get sued and never be trusted again!

[@uproxx]

Jada and Mase tell!

[@dassolosyndikat5113]

Royce told too he wrote a song on dr. dre's chronic album

[@jamaalhorton2343]

@@uproxx word?

[@mightyraccoon7155]

@@dassolosyndikat5113 Royce would’ve had to been 14 at that point unless you’re referring to Chronic 2001?

[@blackmonk7400]

One of my favorite rappers that should have blown

[@Ock_mantis]

Wow, this a mc i never thought I'd see. Blew my mind with this one. Good to see him.

[@2TrainWakefield]

Her headlights pointin through that top lol

[@stillatit90]

I want this interview!!!!

[@lifestraight]

I respect him not using the n word 4:08

[@worldtree2027]

Ghostwriting has been prevalent in music for a while. However, I will say most of the ones who use writers are talented themselves but lack the intangibles like hard work, dedication, etc. Sometimes the demand outweighs the supply so labels try to crank out as much as possible which is where writers come in. I don’t mind an artist using them but points have to be deducted, not too much though if it’s proven they’re good without it.

[@kasharianthony3661]

THIS alot of em CAN write the workload is just too much and labels wanna work you like a mule

[@francisbaxter4663]

They go through dry spells and have to keep producing to stay relevant.

[@truestorymusic1471]

I think when your a dope lyrist and writing for self , you focus on writing a cold piece without the N' word or profanity. Cuz when you freestyle , the N word and profanity is your buy u some time to gather up some thoughts for your next bar. I've heard the N' word to many times in these freestyle circles. Now you putting pen to the pad , let's just write a solid Cold Piece y'all feel Me!!!!💯💯💯💯💯

[@stardude3396]

This was really insightful, that's something I really knew nothing about. Thanks for sharing.

[@AngelD68]

What's there to think about, Ghost writer is a Ghost writer, it's not trigonometry 👀

[@nicechasinchasegods7051]

Good to see Skyzoo man he's dope waiting on another project tho

[@AJandWrmyinitials]

He just dropped a 56 minute album in June. He usually drops one a year ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

[@coreys1114]

The peoples party theme on the wall is mac miller’s THANKYOU mixtape font. Big shoutout

[@oblack6351]

SKYZOO DIFFERENT 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@Dawsoncrom2012]

Maaaaaaan Sky has been that dude. Peace and blessings.

[@dutchleaf481]

I'm not doubting you but where's the proof

[@FukWhiteSuprmecy]

Funny, I directly asked Talib Kweli about his use of NBombing during a question and answer at our university. And his answer was " speak to people in a way that they relate to"-- basically, conform to standards and practices.

[@Farfarlointain]

I appreciate this

[@kevinnogiets3333]

This is the kind of MC that deserves the recognition which goes to cats these days who don’t deserve the flowers. The Barrel Brothers album is🔥

[@HH-xw7qt]

I appreciate him not using the N-word, as well. It's not necessary for anyone to use it, in n my opinion.

[@user-tk7rl6hw6c]

Might as well be a Christian rapper 😂

[@burningspear90]

@@user-tk7rl6hw6c very interesting response then considering the undertone of your statement the N word is attached to the Devil then eh?

[@HH-xw7qt]

@@user-tk7rl6hw6c so r u saying u believe it's better for rappers to use the n-word? U make it seem as if that word makes their skills/music better, or something? It doesn't. Many rap legends chose not to use that word, and still had great careers. Rappers need to expand their vocabulary, and at times, make music that will stimulate people's minds on a lyrically level.

[@shadowsmith1386]

@@HH-xw7qt straight facts they don't understand that and All that swearing to

[@1SUNGODELBASIR]

Great interview and Information. Use and expand your vocabulary

[@CRob-wu4xg]

“I’ll have ya mother hanging up Skyzoo posters” - 106 & Park

[@ACT1O1]

And he still lost!

[@CRob-wu4xg]

@@ACT1O1 He was ROBBED!!! I remember that battle CLEARLY! He lost bc he said “You rap like AJ dress dawg, terrible” 🤣 maybe not robbed but he gave Jin a scare.

[@BoldenFMA]

Immense talent.. Best MC to come out of NYC in the last 15 years IMO

[@michaeldevall8497]

Best mc papoose obviously lol vocabulary is unmatched.

[@special-t-419onurbandictio9]

One of the best rappers out there

[@zncuentertainment712]

I still listen to Retropolitan on the regular.

[@Dogen70]

Probably one of my favorites as an old head. I still play a lot of his music to this day. And met him at A3C bc he usually attends. Real solid dude. Langston's Pen is probably my favorite song

[@miltonfrank1130]

Drake is one of the most ghost written for dudes in the game today!!!!

[@terencedhlamini7682]

Yes, granted he is talented, but you can't get that dominance for as long as he has. The thinking is 20% of an elephant is better than 100% of a mouse

[@crazykenbei]

You need help if you're chasing constant hits.

[@whysoserious1978]

Cap 🧢

[@OmarScruggs]

Thats like Diddy song Everything I Love ft. Nas. Soon as i heard Diddy verse i was like 100% that sound like Nas lyrics/style

[@dco1019]

diddy has a song where he spits a pharaoh monch verse too..couldn't be more clearer. Forgot the track..oh yeah the future.

[@mikebizzleuk]

Everyone know nas wrote for will Smith. When you go back and listen it so obvious

[@apexone5502]

@@dco1019 yeah, that song has Pharoahe all over it.

[@yungCarter1211]

It’s Like “Still Dre” And Jay-Z. I Can Hear His Pen All Over That.

[@mikebizzleuk]

@@yungCarter1211 totally agree. Hopefully one day we get to hear the reference track for still dre

[@StupidIsAsStupidDoe2]

Two of the greatest in my book

[@borattopaz4592]

Ghostwriting is the dumbest thing to do to your career. Songwriting is better because you get the credit for it and other people see that you helped write for them so they contact you to work and you make more money. I ghostwrote for people it did nothing for me, they didnt extend me to other buyers/artists. Just $80-100 a song

[@DoNColey456]

Peace to Skyzoo

[@lesterwright3333]

Great to become aware of another conscious artist.... Peace

[@thatsbrujaafrikana]

MY GUY SKYZOO One of the most slept on MCs in the game 🎯

[@brandohmc8547]

I personally think ghost writing in hip hop is dope and shows another layer and storyline that adds to the intricacy of hip hop

[@DC-xp4bl]

Hey Drake

[@adg_87]

@@DC-xp4bl 😆😆

[@bigfellamike1913]

It's not dope whatsoever. Ghost writing it's self isn't bad but needing a ghostwriter makes you a full bitch

[@adg_87]

@@bigfellamike1913 I won't quite go that far, but I'm not a huge fan. I think producers who spit like a Black Milk are prime candidates. Not saying BM uses one but these dudes sometimes wanna rhyme over their own track. I get it then.

[@2TrainWakefield]

I would love to ghost write if I had the chance

[@pierreboyd4107]

The n word is used so loosely in our community some people get it twisted and think it ok for everyone to say. Its not at all.

[@SymmetricsAudio]

Kweli has a bit of a resemblance to Forest Whitaker, in my opinion.

[@chokethewoke3412]

I've always felt that the n-word was a easy crutch for rappers to lean on. And it's probably the most used word in hip hop and to remove it is only going to make your pen game stronger. Salute to this man he's been a legend for more than 15 years now and I think he's one of the most underrated in the game prob him & cyhi tha prince could rap circles around anyone in the game imo

[@masonwabemredlana1088]

Reminds me of Akala. His reasons are similar to Skyzoo for not using the N-Word.

[@LXA2008]

Great questions, I’ve always wondered what the process was

[@travismcclung8761]

If I ghost wrote for someone I just want to be credited as part of the crew to confuse everyone.

[@coreyhendricks9490]

Cool interview with Skyzoo

[@uproxx]

full thing is fire

[@coreyhendricks9490]

@@uproxx 💯%

[@charlessands7649]

I see Skyzoo, I watch.

[@josephthepoet2856]

Glad he opened up about it. I still think it's fucked up, regardless. You no longer need to be an artist to be an artist.

[@uproxx]

There are a lot of skills to being an artist -- should you have to have them all?

[@jKHAHN215PA]

Yea ima check this out tomorrow.. b/c that’s the lane I’m trying to tap into!!

[@TherealPapaDogP]

I want to be a ghostwriter. I have been decent with the pen since I was young, but I don’t like my voice and I struggle to stay on beat…it’s always been so embarrassing.

[@TherealPapaDogP]

@Ali Chaudhry thank you for the encouragement. I really appreciate that

[@onlyrog5]

I've always felt the same too

[@dco1019]

Maybe after you write your lyrics...go in again and work the words into a beat. Figure out how you wanna say it precisely on the beat. And also write a new version with precise notation. or you might be writing stuff you cant say..like it's too far from your talking voice keeping it more natural is always better than complicared stuff that nobody feels

[@TherealPapaDogP]

@@dco1019 I appreciate the advice

[@DM-lj2mn]

WSG natural has a squeaky voice and people fuck with him. Most of the Goats have unique distinct voice.

[@kennethbryant5819]

Like on "Forgot about Dre" and other songs off The Chronic 2000 Dr. Dre sounded like Eminem and Royce Da 5'9" with multi-syllables. Then on "Still D.R.E" he sounded like Hard Knock Life era Jay-Z with the cadence and everything so I definitely see what Skyzoo is talking about with some ghostwriters just using their own styles. Kanye be on some Kendrick bs sometimes.

[@uproxx]

Dre, like Puff, doesn't mind having people know he uses ghostwriters.

[@justjamesvideos]

Damn, I was hoping he was going to give advice on how to become a ghost writer for the introverts.

[@vehmic6278]

He did, don't talk to other ghost writers, get close to producers.

[@justjamesvideos]

@@vehmic6278 well then I guess I wish he would’ve expanded on how to get close to producers. It’s not easy but I feel like that’s because rappers are always trying to get producers to help them, instead of trying to see what they can do to help producers. Either way, it’s not easy.

[@vehmic6278]

Attend beat battles. Support local producers. Support local MCs. Come correct, be a consummate professional. Be a day one. Community support > Skills every time. You should have both but never underestimate how important your community having your back is.

[@justjamesvideos]

@@vehmic6278 nice advice about beat battles. Never even knew that was a big thing. Good looks!

[@lubsey]

Skyzoo on the n word RESPECT

[@ARushin80]

This guy is dope !!!!

[@JAYWHITEBOY]

The best MC out

[@Eunos_FD3S]

As CEO of ghostwriting, food is delicious

[@bitwbitb]

Wow an African American who is a rapper not using the nword. I have to check out your music. Cause that's facts it's so easy to lean on it's quite a crutch. People get away with lazy bars but because nword is used in it people act like what they spit was hotter than the sun. But not even from a rap standpoint not using that word I respect it.

[@Mister006]

Jasmin's Pregnancy Perks are definitely on display! Ya deserve it lil mama!

[@yaboysix]

Aye! Ghost writing is def something that I would love to do! How can I get a started?

[@borattopaz4592]

Build a track record of good songs, showcasing your ability. You have to have a career of your own as a solo artist so potential clients can see if they wanna work with you

[@yaboysix]

@@borattopaz4592 oh, ok. I appreciate it bro

[@skineyemin4276]

That T-shirt is really dope, if, you are black or Latino and were strugglin' a lot or a little.

[@lifedapoet6696]

As a poet I WOULD NEVER HAVE A GW IT USE TO BE FROWNED UPON-but today hip hop everything goes!and i would definitely write for someone-respect1

[@uproxx]

thoughts on it have definitely changed!

[@kenS87]

Currently the landscape of the mc has changed. Before you had to write your own rhymes and judged on your lyricism but now its like pop and R&B with writers for artists who are excellent entertainers.

[@DairangerSentai7]

@@uproxx thoughts among the greats have never changed. 98% of them had HELP. They had a TEAM.

[@jeyzur]

Need that tshirt please.

[@doggman9795]

That t shirt 🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@negrodamus67]

Been known about Skyzoo for a minute but never really listened to him. Gonna make sure that gap gets patched up asap.

[@MerlinsWand]

Oh man this dude is severely underrated! Still listen to joints that of his that are 10+ yrs & counting. A dream deferred, music for my friends, Theo vs J.J….all🔥Even his most recent is a banger. Definitely worth a listen*

[@negrodamus67]

@@MerlinsWand thanks for the references, will definitely check em out

[@mrimreal2]

Wheres this full episode ?

[@MALTHEMASTERBARBER]

Was the “nigga” used to dis the late great Nip? Because he for sure had a song called “rap niggas” and Talib with the “I’m sitting on my couch nigga” ? At 5:27 in the video!

[@metalfacedoom4820]

I really fuck with skyzoo

[@orphantopic6167]

😑the comment section shows how ppl can be so impressionable

[@trueOGseries]

It’s funny hearing Sky talk about how rappers use the N word as a crutch cause before watching this clip I was listening to an old Uncle Murda song called Crunk Music and that whole song Murda is using the N word the way Talib just described

[@ojerasa5293]

he a real one. them writers who get paid to be a GHOST writer but then wanna tell who they actually wrote for, for some attention are lame