Skillz

It's pretty hard to hate on the title of this album, as you'd be hard-pressed to find a more likable MC than Skillz. The veteran MC has been around since the mid-'90s, but his witty sense of humour was firmly established via his humorous year-end wrap-up raps that send a few good-natured barbs the way of celebrities. On his latest album, the Virginia MC offers up a set of sharply focused narrative tracks that underline how far he's come from his initial rep as a fearless freestyler and ghostwriter. Humble and down to earth, Skillz positions himself as a "regular guy" who enjoys rhyming about love and life, casting a critical eye on hip-hop over predominantly laidback, soul-dipped beats. Highlights include "Adam," a tribute to late close friend DJ AM, and the inspirational "Going Up," but Skillz should have included the hilarious ?uestlove "diss" track, "The Last Laugh," from his excellent J. Period-helmed Infamous Quotes mixtape. The thematic focus of the tracks doesn't mean he isn't down to black out now and then, and the standout, sinister, synth buzzed title track reminds you of Skillz's peerless free-associative talents. The album could have done with a little more of this material, but if you are looking for a cohesive album from a mature, wizened MC, The World Needs More Skillz fits the bill.