By Juliana Coe-McNamara
Staff Writer
Lil Skies, an up-and-coming rap sensation, kicks off the new year by releasing his much anticipated album “Life of a Dark Rose” on Jan.10.
The album is a refreshing, unexpected sound coming from a Soundcloud rapper, which features a drastic range of sound from grave love songs to upbeat party songs. Lil Skies is turning heads with “Life of a Dark Rose” due to his relevant lyrics, catchy harmonization and diversity in his music.
Lil Skies, otherwise known as Kimetrius Foose, is a 19-year-old self-made rapper from Pennsylvania. Skies recorded his first song when he was 4-years-old, claiming he knew he wanted to be a rapper since he was 3. Lil Skies stuck with furthering his education until he dropped out of Shippensburg University upon gaining popularity from posting his music on SoundCloud.
After signing with Atlantic Records in 2017, the promising SoundCloud rapper has racked up over 23 million YouTube views on his most recent single, “Red Roses.” “Nowadays,” along with “Red Roses,” are two singles from the “Life of a Dark Rose” album that Lil Skies decided to release early, which happen to be the two most popular songs from the album.
Lil Skies is completely unlike any of his fellow SoundCloud rappers, seeing as Skies attempts to steer clear from having his music focus on drug use, violence and sex. Lil Skies is also one of the few rappers who have talked negatively about using drugs. “Life of a Dark Rose” is far from mumble-rap, a controversial trend stemming from SoundCloud rappers in hip-hop.
One of the main highlights of “Life of a Dark Rose” is Lil Skies signature flow. Skies is uniquely capable of creating an even sound with his impeccable pacing. Lil Skies expertly harmonizes each song making the album very easy on the ears. Not to mention, Lil Skies has a flawless, promising voice that maintains throughout the album.
Another factor that sets Lil Skies apart from his competition is his relevant, sincere lyrics. Each song in “Life of a Dark Rose” has a purpose with a specific message, a practice foreign to many rappers in the industry today. Lil Skies menacing rhymes emphasize his struggle was getting to where he is, and how lonely the journey has been so far.
“Life of a Dark Rose” is a primarily dark and emotional album, with a few cheerful jams spread throughout. Many of the downbeat songs are also hidden love songs, putting Lil Skies uphill battle with love as the focal point. Although a few of the songs, such as “Cloudy Skies,” are quite dismal, they implement a channel for fans of Lil Skies to relate to the up-and-coming rapper.
Scattered throughout “Life of a Dark Rose” are a few melodious, lively songs. Lil Skies still managed to adhere to his trademark melody with these few uplifting songs, still accenting his signature sound and somber vibe. Lil Skies wide variety of feeling in “Life of a Dark Rose” make the album that much more enjoyable, knowing the album features a song fit for almost any mood.
With Lil Skies making moves in the hip-hop industry, he is simultaneously creating a new genre of hip-hop. Lil Skies distinct tone is what put “Life of a Dark Rose” #2 on the top charts from iTunes. Lil Skies emotion and sense of flow breeds a pop-rap mix, a new concept in the hip-hop industry.
All in all Lil Skies hard work and perseverance shines bright in “Life of a Dark Rose,” making it one of the most enjoyable albums in a long time. Lil Skies puts his previous musical knowledge to the test for “Life of a Dark Rose,” cultivating an engaging, pleasant album. Listeners can expect a catchy, melodious tune accompanied by Lil Skies dropping meaningful bars from listening to “Life of a Dark Rose.”
“Life of a Dark Rose” can be bought on iTunes for $7.99, with each song being $1.29.
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