Lil Skies - 'Life Of A Dark Rose'

Lil Skies is the latest incarnation of emo/punk surging throughout Hip-Hop. He’s but another artist who favors the “rockstar” archetype more so than being labeled a “rapper.”

And as is the narrative with rap stardom today, Lil Skies blew up off of Soundcloud. At just 19 years old, Skies dropped out of college and left Waynesboro, Pennsylvania to pursue music.

He has been tossing music into cyberspace for a while now, but many people are becoming familiar with him because of his latest project, 'Life Of A Dark Rose.' It’s 14 tracks long and displays the development of a budding rap star.

It’s not groundbreaking - Skies definitely needs room to grow. Yet if this project’s gems are any indication, his trajectory should be up.

At his best, Skies hugs the line between rapping and singing. I love what auto tune has done for the rap game, but it’s refreshing to hear vocals that aren’t overindulging in it. Skies resists this temptation for much of this album, but can’t help but use it on tracks like “Big Money." In these moments, he cops out for a generic sound.

His rapping for the most part is very direct. Filled with bravado and edginess, he wants you to know that he doesn’t give a _____(insert favorite curse word). When he isn't putting up a tough exterior, he is wearing his heart on his sleeve and singing about relationships.

Skies is in his bag when keeping it short and simple over intoxicating production. Tracks like “Lust” and “Nobody” are dark and emo. “Signs of Jealousy” takes a typical rap topic - “haters”- and molds it into a catchy anthem.

Which is why he should’ve scrapped “Tell My Haters.” By the time this track rolls around, you can’t help but feel like he’s repeating himself, or struggling to find something to say.

Elsewhere, the dark piano chord progressions on “Lettuce Sandwich” set a gothic tone. The hook is a headbanger over pounding 808 drums. Not to mention, the opening verse is Travis Scott-esque. Something about the way he stretches his “i’s” reminds me of Scott’s crooning.

Pull up in traffic playing “Boss Up." You’ll break your neck bumping to the deep pulse of the 808 drum on this one. It’s a good two and a half minute jam that’s sure to slap in your car.

Still, this project isn’t personal enough. It’s 14 tracks long and I still know next to nothing about Lil Skies. All I know about him from listening to this album is that he used to sell drugs to pay for studio time, he loves backwood blunts, his haters should let him ball out, and he likes women.

On the surface, he’s more generic than his music lets on. If he can cultivate this project’s unique elements for future projects, his career should be golden.

Essential Tracks:

• “Nowadays” ft. Landon Cube
• “Lust”
• “Signs Of Jealousy”
• “Boss Up”
• “Lettuce Sandwich”

The Verdict

Lil Skies has nowhere to go but towards the clouds. He’s another rapper that is defying typical rap conventions and traditions. He’s not a stellar lyricist, nor a remarkable singer. Yet, the seamless marriage of these two vocal elements over some good production should continue to carry him. He’s not generic, but he is slightly basic at times. As he continues to find his voice, he should have more to tell us. Stay tuned…

'Life Of A Dark Rose' is a B-.