Duck Down US Vinyl & CDs

Review: Nearly three decades of intertwined history have led Brooklyn rappers Rock and Ruste Juxx to their first full-length collaboration. Crownsville is a raw amd reflective rap with hints of record born of loss and legacy. With roots in the Boot Camp Clik and close ties to the late Sean Price, the pair channel their Brownsville and Crown Heights origins into a gritty, 33-minute showcase. Opener 'Crownsville' begins things on an icy, creeping and stark note, as we cruise the backstreets of the frosty city so named. 'Black Out', meanwhile, leans into soul-tinged pride. Vinny Idol's production on 'Vehicular Manslaughter' and the grimy 'Crash Ya Whip' raises the stakes early, shortly before a spectral boom-bap tribute, 'Sean Lives On', follows a touching skit from Bernadette Price.

Review: Skyzoo's debut album, The Salvation, released back in September 2009 marked a major moment in his career and was packed with production from top hip-hop talents like Just Blaze, 9th Wonder, Nottz, Illmind, Black Milk, and Needlz. Known for his heartfelt, true-to-life lyrics, Skyzoo quickly earned respect as one of his generation's standout emcees with collaborations across the hip-hop spectrum, from Rakim to Black Thought. He has released numerous albums, including projects with Pete Rock and Apollo Brown, and to celebrate this one's 15th anniversary, Duck Down Records serves it up on navy blue and white marbled vinyl.