New York emcee Lørd Skø is back, following up his previous project PiFF with his fourth studio album, Elevator Music. Since his debut EP 13th Angel six years ago, Skø has steadily built a reputation for sharp penmanship and authentic storytelling. After working with industry veteran Dante Ross and releasing his debut Museum, Skø continued to refine his sound with his sophomore effort United Palace. Now, he has taken a bold step by enlisting the legendary Statik Selektah to handle the production for the entirety of this new LP.
The album opens with the title track, which masterfully blends boom-bap instrumentation with modern synthesizers, setting a nostalgic yet fresh tone. Tracks like “How It Is” showcase Skø’s direct lyrical approach, while “Better Days,” featuring Dave East, provides a soulful look at the struggle for personal growth. The project also features notable collaborations, including “Northern Lights” with B-Real and Smoke DZA, which leans into a laid-back, stoner-rap aesthetic.
The first half of the album concludes with the funky, rhythmic “Drunk Dial” featuring Ab-Soul. As the project transitions into its second half, Skø tackles more vulnerable subject matter. “Hangman” utilizes a haunting, slowed-down vocal sample to explore mental health struggles, while “Donnie Brasco” offers a reflective look at his career path and identity. The album’s diversity is further highlighted by the jazz-infused “Wonder” and the high-energy posse cut “nWo,” which features a wide array of talent including LIFEOFTHOM.
The project concludes with “Wish Upon a Star,” a soulful, introspective track that highlights Skø’s exhaustion and his deep connection to his family. Having collaborated with Statik Selektah several times in the past, the decision to have the Showoff Records founder produce the entire project was a calculated risk that paid off immensely. Elevator Music stands as the finest work of Lørd Skø’s career, effectively bridging the gap between generations of New York hip-hop while pushing the culture forward.
Score: 8/10