[Interview] Skyzoo Talks A Dream Deferred, Meeting Chi Ali, And Dreams vs. Reality

The idea of “A Dream Deferred” was first explored in length by the legendary deceased writer Langston Hughes. His ode to the African-American experience in Harlem during the early half of the 20th century has been greatly praised in the years that followed it’s release. It contained themes that touched on the racial consciousness of African Americans that are as relevant now as they were then.

In the modern era as it relates to the Hip Hop culture, the concept of A Dream Deferred is open to interpretation. With that in mind, Brooklyn lyricist Skyzoo explored it to his understanding as it serves as the title to his recently released sophomore album. As he takes the time to speak with The Well Versed, he goes into the elements that contribute to the project as well as key inspirations that have made a mark on his career as an artist.

The Well Versed: When we spoke back in February that was the first time you had mentioned the Theo vs. JJ mixtape. Do you feel were able to achieve everything that you originally had planned creatively with that project?

Skyzoo: Definitely, with that project I wanted it to be short. I didn’t want it to be a whole 16 or 17 songs because I knew the album was coming right after. I wanted it to be short, sweet, and to the point. I wanted it to be split in half with Theo on one side, and JJ on the other. Some of the messages were subliminal, some much more literal. I think I pulled it off for what it was worth.

TWV: With Theo vs. JJ you set it up as Dreams vs. Reality. How does that concept tie directly into A Dream Deferred?

Skyzoo: When I was putting together Theo vs JJ the plan was always to make sure that it came out before the album. It had to come out after The Great Debater and I feel like it was the perfect segue way. The plan was for people to look at the name and be like “Okay, he’s running with the Cosby theme” here too. Everything was set up to flow into the next step. The concept was all about this dream of wanting to be whatever, and then once you got to the JJ part you were faced with reality. The Great Debater and the first half of Theo vs. JJ was the dream catching up to reality which leads into A Dream Deferred, so it all makes sense. The album is what happens when you realize that your reality and your dreams aren’t one in the same.