8ky looks to make his own mark solo
Formerly part of the electro-pop dance group LMFAO, rapper 8ky, born Skylar Gordy, is looking to make his own mark with his new album, “Fxck Yeah: Chaos To Consciousness.”
Disbanding in 2012, LMFAO served as a mainstay for party anthems and international dance records.
“Music has always had a serious place in my heart,” 8ky said. “I’ve always felt it on spiritual level.”
Thirty songs long, the album is a complete departure from the sound that made his former group so successful. Sonically, the album is full on hip-hop and chronicles his recent personal experiences.
Working to debunk LMFAO’s party spirit, Fxck Yeah discusses more serious themes and topics. As a result, he said he believes the album has been therapy for him and helped alleviate his toughest challenges.
“This album is really about where I was, where I am and where I’m going,” 8ky said.
During the album’s recording process, 8ky wrote two to three songs a day all while dealing with the challenges that come with being a recording artist.
“It’s been really hard,” 8ky said. “Labels take your money and creativity away to box you in.”
The rapper also dealt with recurring back issues as a result of LMFAO’s grueling tour schedule. Despite the hurdles, the rapper kept going and decided to put most of the recorded songs on the album.
“To me, that’s what the project is,” 8ky said. “I just turned 30 in August. For me, it’s a time capsule. I wanted to do something out of the ordinary. It isn’t just a mixtape, there’s a story from front to back.”
According to 8ky, the album has a change of perspective as it goes on and tackles many of the issues that affect young minorities in the world today. He said he hopes that album provides a level of hope and happiness for both his fans and new listeners.
“There’s so many things that we’re dealing with but I really think it’s about good and bad, hate and love,” 8ky said.
8ky plans to release music videos monthly and give the album a proper rollout as the year ends. He’s also in the works of preparing a nationwide tour to help promote the album.
“I want people to identify with this album with where they’re at in their lives,” 8ky said. “It should represent something they’re going through. Listen and growth with project.”
The album is currently available on iTunes.
STAFF WRITER
Muktaru Jalloh
Muktaru is a graduate student working on a Master’s of Teaching after earning an undergraduate degree in English and Political Science. In addition to writing for the CT, he also co-founds his own music and arts site, STROKES N RHYMES. Topic areas Muktaru enjoys covering include music, sports and pop culture.
