This is the full-length studio debut from New Orleans, Louisiana based emcee/producer La Reezy. Introducing himself in 2023 off the Reeborn mixtape, he would go on to follow it up with the debut EP We All Need Help as well as both Welcome to La Reezyana & Pardon Me, I’m Different preceding the self-produced Lareezyana Shakedown last September. The latter I would personally tell you is the greatest thing he’s made so far. Coming off Free99$ & the Leader of da Uth however, Skiddle Bandana’s finally arrived.
“Curly Headed Boy” begins with a 96 second self-produced intro talking about him going crazy whereas “Hot” takes a groovier vibe instrumentally flexing his increasing popularity within the past year. “Family Bizzy” was a profoundly touching choice of a single talking about his relatives leading into “Normal Struggles” embracing a summery atmosphere to the beat shrugging off problems that many of us are facing.
As for “Pretty Girl Bullshit”, we have La Reezy over a cloudier instrumental talking about all the issues that arise when it comes to gorgeous women just before “How Did You Love Me?” begins to question the sincerity of a female trying to hit on him. After the “Hold Yo Crown” interlude, “Melanate Me” continues the 2nd half taking pride in being African American while “God Forgive Me” recalls protecting a loved one who died from cancer during a robbery.
The title track winds down Skiddle Bandana’s last few moments admitting that he could go for a hug right about now while “Aight” soulfully yet moodily talks about doing simply fine these days. “Gold Chains” serves as a boisterous continuation of the black excellence themes that were explored a little bit ago & the outro “We Live” concludes the album pondering of every limitation reveals itself to be a blessing in disguise, encouraging all to open their eyes.
Out of everyone included in the 2026 XXL Freshman Class list a couple weeks ago, La Reezy undeniably stood out to me as the most talented artist of the bunch although Chris Patrick & slayr are both deserving of their spots too. Skiddle Bandana’s more conscious rather than trying to expand the pop rap sounds of Leader of da Uth, swapping out the chipmunk soul & bounce undertones in favor for elements of dirty south & neo-soul.
Score: 8/10