SkyBlew

Artist Information

Biography

Mario Farrow grew up in Auburn, Alabama - a city polluted with drugs, gangs, and violence. Surrounded by negativity and transitioning into various foster homes, he could have easily chosen the wrong path. Rather than succumbing to his environment and dire circumstances, Mario chose to rise above them and use music to soothe his soul and escape. He would freestyle and rhyme to himself, eventually penning his lyrics under the name, "Young Millionaire," in 2004.

In 2008 Mario relocated and acclimated to Chapel Hill, NC. During this transitional period, he delved deeply into his craft, linking up with local emcees and producers like ACee, Shoton, and KdotMills. Taking his lyricism to the next level, Mario decided to change his handle to "SkyBlew." His music is proving to be unique with an uplifting, powerful, and positive message in Hip-Hop. In addition to his solo career, SkyBlew is also half of the dynamic duo known as Blaze the Sky, with fellow emcee, Azon Blaze.

SkyBlew is also a NerdCore artist. He creatively incorporates video game and anime references/themes into his repertoire in a very unique way. His distinctive sound is attributed to the diversity of his idols. His musical influences include: Common Market, Blu & Exile, Scapegoat Wax, Common, Lupe Fiasco, Blue Scholars, Little Brother, Amy Winehouse and a host of other artists from all genres. His studies have taken him full circle in the history of Hip-Hop.

SkyBlew is featured on some of the most notable blogs in cyberspace such as DJBooth, 2DopeBoyz, MTV, KevinNottingham, and more. He has shared the stage with some of the finest artists in the business, including: Kendrick Lamar, Slick Rick, Lupe Fiasco, Slum Village, The Cool Kids, Jedi Mind Tricks, Chris Webby, Kirko Bangz, Grieves, Jean Grae, J-Live, Aer, Yonas, Rapper Big Pooh, Camp Lo, David Dallas, 9th Wonder, Kooley High and more. Hes also worked with clothing companies through sponsorship such as: Tilteed (www.tilteed.com), Acropolis (www.acropolisapparel.com) and Team Thesis (www.theteamthesis.com). He is currently working with Dreamoutloudtees (http://www.facebook.com/dreamoutloudtees) & Bitmap'd Video Game Tees (http://bitmapd.com/).

SkyBlew is destined for great things. His exposure is growing exponentially on the regional, national, and international levels. With over 1M (million) views on MySpace and over 5000 friends on Facebook, he is painting the sky an elevated shade of blue. He has over 600,000 downloads of his free LP's & Mixtapes. Recently, SkyBlew was nominated for The NCUMAS(North Carolina Underground Music Awards) 2012 Lyricist Award! Presently, he is working on his DEBUT ALBUM (Window Seat On That Midnight Train) which he promises to be his best work up to date. Legendary performances are in the making...Appointed times appear, and with the state of Hip-Hop today, we need more from SkyBlew. It's like SkyBlew says, "I DON'T Rap, I Paint The Sky,Blew!!!".

Instrumentation

Discography

Earth is Just My Airport (2010)

Write Blew on the Clouds 2: Colorful Dreams (2010)

Blaze The Sky-The Right Brothers (2010)

The Blew Cure For Sleep Disorder (2011)

Clouds Are My Everlasting Memories (2011)

Above the Stars is My Landing (2011)

The Extended Walk Home (LP) (2011)

Your Dreams Is BLEW Reality (Mixtape) (2012)

Official Website

http://www.SkyBlew1.bandcamp.com

Links

• Twitter
• Facebook
• MySpace
• Reverbnation
• SoundCloud
• Youtube
• CD Baby

Audio

• ExcuseMyLateness(Prod.Asonhi)
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• Blizzard In NC Ft.Chelsea V.&Lazurus(Prod.Asonhi)
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• For A Minute (Prod.The Cratez)
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• FlyToYourLove Ft.Michael Alvarado & Azon Blaze(Prod.KClassika)
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• RPG (RealityG) Ft. WhizKid (Prod.Simtraks)
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• TheDreamSequence Ft J.Capri (Prod.JordanFCNY)
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• Flowers (Prod. Nujabes) (R.I.P)
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• Last Forever,I Would(Prod.9.A.)
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• NeverChange Ft.Drique London(Prod.Millie)
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• TakeYouOnMyCloud Ft.Faith Langley(Prod.Boonie Mayfield)
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Video

SkyBlew - Excuse My Lateness (Music Video)

Photo Gallery

Press

• SkyBlew (By Indy Weekly Newspaper) [+ Show ]
  

  Alabama native Mario Farrow, aka SkyBlew, is determined to become the next face of Chapel Hill hip-h...Alabama native Mario Farrow, aka SkyBlew, is determined to become the next face of Chapel Hill hip-hop, following in the footsteps of fellow veteran Tar Heel spitter KAZE. So far, the road has been tough, and he's had his share of detractors; but after a recent life-threatening illness landed him in the hospital for a brief stay, SkyBlew figures he can defeat all odds. His new project, The Extended Walk Home, is set to drop this month and promises to be another exclusive piece in the ever-growing Triangle rap scene, where even rappers who still wear backpacks and Dwayne Wayne glasses have a shot at making a name for themselves.

• CMJ Artist Spotlight on SkyBlew [+ Show ]
  

  Mario Farrow, better known as SkyBlew, is not your typical rapper: His music doesn’t contain any cur...Mario Farrow, better known as SkyBlew, is not your typical rapper: His music doesn’t contain any curses. “I promised my grandmother before her passing that I wouldn’t curse in my music. I’ve stayed true to that, making music that is fun and entertaining but also positive and inspiring,” says the 20-year-old rapper.
  
  Born and raised in Auburn, AL, Farrow turned to music at a young age when his life in foster homes got rough. “I went through a lot in my life so my only way of expressing myself was through music,” he explained, hinting at the autobiographical nature of his music. He cites Lupe Fiasco, Blu, Common, Blue Scholars and the late Amy Winehouse as influences, but he’s hesitant to draw too close a comparison to anyone. “People try to categorize my style as a young Kanye West/Lupe Fiasco but with my own flavor, but I try hard to differentiate myself from other artists. I always say that I don’t rap, I paint the sky… blew!”
  
  That positive message alluded to in his pseudonym is ingrained in every aspect of his music, from his clean lyrics to the name of his latest album, Above The Stars Is My Landing. The album, which is the follow-up to 2010’s Earth Is Just My Airport, is simpler than its predecessor because Farrow wanted to make sure that his essence clearly came through on the tracks. “I want people who may be going through something at the time to listen to one of my songs and have it inspire them or make them smile. I almost wanna be a hero in a sense. Music has helped me through a lot so I’d love to be able to positively impact others with the music I make.”
  
  At the heart of it, Farrow is just trying to make music that will do for others what music did for him. “Music was often literally all I had and I want to let people know that, no matter what you are going through, just hold on to your dreams and stay true to yourself and there’s nothing you can’t accomplish. Maybe my story can help someone else.”
  
  For a better look at the man behind the music, watch the short documentary Painting The Sky: The Story Of SkyBlew:
  

• SkyBlew: Clouds Are My Everlasting Memories (CD REVIEW) [+ Show ]
  

  SkyBlew's edgy album cover made it a must listen to. From his firsti single "Excuse My Lateness" ove...SkyBlew's edgy album cover made it a must listen to. From his firsti single "Excuse My Lateness" over Arnita Baker's hit classic "Been So Long"; I knew this artist was versatile. By the time track four "Th World Go By" featuring Tab-One completed: SkyBlew undoubtedly restored feelings of the good ol' days of hip hop. Song's like: "We Ain't Seeing It" and "Son-Day Like Tuesday" is what I considered-funky (in a good way). The album's producers were all dynamic pairing over SkyBlew's flow. He definitely has all the elements of what hip hop needs today! Go buy or download this CD!

• New Music: SkyBlew [+ Show ]
  

  This week we have one of the south’s hottest and most talented new emcees, Mario Farrow, a.k.a SkyBl...This week we have one of the south’s hottest and most talented new emcees, Mario Farrow, a.k.a SkyBlew. SkyBlew represents an excitingly elevated lyricism and varied production style that will hit you hard with lyrical power and emotion but keep your head nodding to the beat.
  Mario Farrow grew up in Auburn, Alabama – a city polluted with drugs, gangs, and violence. Surrounded by negativity and transitioning into various foster homes, he could have easily chosen the wrong path. Rather than succumbing to his environment and dire circumstances, Mario chose to rise above them and use music to soothe his soul and escape.
  With a fan base that transcends age, race, class, and gender, it is easy to see how SkyBlew has been blowing up the last few years. With over 1 million Myspace views and over 600,000 downloads of his free material online, this growth shows no signs of stopping. Following in the foot steps of soulfully sampled, socially conscious artists like Common and Lupe Fiasco, SkyBlew succeeds in making music that is as positive and optimistic as it is dope.

• SKYBLEW X BACKDRAFT FEATURING SARAH KABOOM “DATA (DANCEALLTROUBLESAWAY) [+ Show ]
  

  Give it a casual listen and you’ll no doubt find yourself enraptured by the sonic bliss birthed from...Give it a casual listen and you’ll no doubt find yourself enraptured by the sonic bliss birthed from the casual, youthful vibe of Sky’s feel-good flow and chilled, ride-friendly warmth of Backdraft’s sample-based beat work; sink your ears a bit deeper though and allow your mind to be fed with Sky’s old-soul lyrical prowess, which juggle mature-beyond-his-twenty-two-years-of-age glances at this thing called life with a colorful appreciation for the endless source of poetic release to be mined in the English word.

• Nerdcore Artist SkyBlew Blends Sonic, SNES, and His Grandmother [+ Show ]
  

  There’s a certain charm to Nerdcore newcomer SkyBlew, a 22 year-old hip-hop artist from Chapel Hill,...There’s a certain charm to Nerdcore newcomer SkyBlew, a 22 year-old hip-hop artist from Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Sure, there’s the usual anime and gaming influences, but Sky also credits his grandmother with being a huge inspiration to his art and his music.
  
  “What influenced me was not only her beautiful spirit but everything she stood for…She was always helping people in need.”
  
  Of course that’s not all “Count Super Nintendo as one of the biggest (influences),” says SkyBlew, “because it has my 2 of my FAVORITE games of all time — Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Turtles In Time & Super Mario World.”
  
  It’s this personal touch SkyBlew adds to his nerdcore-flavored hip-hop that makes it stand out: already his music has attracted the attention of media outlets like MTV and 2DopeBoyz. He’s concluded a rather prolific year with his music — judging by the songs on his bandcamp page paying tribute to the likes of Sonic the Hedgehog, Mario, Pokemon, and old school Nintendo.

• The Top Carolina Releases Of 2011 [+ Show ]
  

  SkyBlew is an Alabama native who’s resided in North Carolina for the past couple of years. In March ...SkyBlew is an Alabama native who’s resided in North Carolina for the past couple of years. In March of this year he released Clouds Are My Everlasting Memories. I’d been listening to SkyBlew’s music for the past year and with this project, I could hear his growth as an emcee.
  
  SkyBlew’s music coverages a range of topics, from extremely personal stories about his childhood to struggles trying break through in the industry. One of SkyBlew’s greatest assests on Clouds Are My Everlasting Memories includes his choice of producers and beat selection. Asonhi, Commissioner Gordon, and U’Nique Music all provide top notch sounds which complements SkyBlew’s lyrical ability very well.
  
  As far as live performances, I’ve seen SkyBlew several times. He has great stage presence and crowd control. Within the RDU hip hop scene, he is well known and respected. For 2012, I’d like to see SkyBlew perform more outside of NC, plus build up a web presence via his own branded website.

• SkyBlew-Blizzard In NC [+ Show ]
  

  As much as we’d all like to believe that life is fair, success often comes the hardest to those who ...As much as we’d all like to believe that life is fair, success often comes the hardest to those who deserve it most; on his Booth debut and current single, Blizzard in NC, Chapel Hill resident SkyBlew reflects upon the difficulties of his grind, asking the man upstairs “Why it gotta be so cold?” Over the soulful production of Asonhi, the headliner is joined by Raleigh emcee Lazarus, as well as hookwoman Chelsea V.

• SkyBlew Rockin' Acropolis [+ Show ]
  

  Our man SkyBlew, 1/2 of Blaze the Sky along with Azon Blaze, has been reppin’ us hard in North Carol...Our man SkyBlew, 1/2 of Blaze the Sky along with Azon Blaze, has been reppin’ us hard in North Carolina.
  
  Here are some images taken at a recent show as well as some pics taken of SkyBlew reppin the Rosetta Stone and Strike shirts. Much respect Fam.

• SkyBlew-The World Go By Ft.Tab-One(Of Kooley High) [+ Show ]
  

  Off the North Carolina spitter’s latest project, Clouds Are My Everlasting Memories, which dropped a...Off the North Carolina spitter’s latest project, Clouds Are My Everlasting Memories, which dropped a few months ago.

• SkyBlew Rockin' Tilteed [+ Show ]
  

  SkyBlew's representing Tilteed in a big way in their newest music video, "Excuse My Lateness." We...SkyBlew's representing Tilteed in a big way in their newest music video, "Excuse My Lateness."
  
  Wearing two limited tees: Lion About Your Age & And His Head Swelled With Pride
  
  Watch the video above to see the hot new video + make sure to give a shout out to SkyBlew on twitter @HeySkyBlew.

• Vents Interviews SkyBlew [+ Show ]
  

  What's the meaning behind the band's name? SkyBlew goes beyond the place we are now (the ground),he...What's the meaning behind the band's name?
  SkyBlew goes beyond the place we are now (the ground),he goes to the sky with his thoughts and lyrics,but the world is soo confused that they dont understand what music is and what going for your dreams mean,so its like the sky blows him back to earth(SkyBlew)so he can help the people by giving them something that they need to hear & something that they wanna hear but their just not used to hearing it,but when they hear it,they will love it and wanna keep hearing more and more and even when the sky looks grey,he will Paint The Sky,Blew with his music and with the words he say
  
  How did you get started with all this??
  Well I Guess I Just Decided That One Day,"Hey Im Tired of hearing whats on the radio so maybe I should rap and give the people what they want"& I been Painting The Sky,Blew everysince then...btw I dont rap,I paint The Sky,Blew!!!!
  
  What's the message to transmit with your music??
  Bascially,im not only trying to be a rolemodel in my music but Im trying to tell people to go for their dreams(may sound corny,but dreams do come true)..no matter what they may have holding them down or what people may have said to them,dont worry bout it,I gotcha,SkyBlew got ya back :)
  
  What's your method at the time of writing a song??
  Well it depends on how im feeling at that tome sometimes I just pull out the pen and paper and write a story or jot my thoughts down or I sit and listen to the beat and alot of words circulate in my head so I turn them into a song
  
  Who are your music influences??
  Jay-Z, Lupe Fiasco, Kanye West, Nappy Roots, Wale, J. Cole, Charles Hamilton, Blu
  
  What plans do you have for the future??
  Taking over the world.LoL.JP.....Sold Out Shows...Being a inspiration for the youth...& To Change people's outlook on music and Hip Hop..Bringing That Feel Good Music Back..My Mouth Is A Paintbrush&Ima Rearrange The Way That They Paint Us...Okaaaaay!
  
  What has been the funniest prank you guys have been or took part while on tour or after a show??
  After a talent show when I was younger,(like 15)I went back home to my grandmas house(this was a looong time ago)well my cousin Rino and I & always played pranks on each other&one of the pranks was I would slide a CD in the bathroom door So it would unlock the door and while he taking a shower(no homo)lol and turn the lights off so he would be all like stop man chill out chill out but that day after the show he was ready so he had taped a curling iron(or whatever the thing is females use to curl their hair)to the lightswitch,he had it plugged in and it was hot as heck(but I didnt know he did this)so I reached my hand in the door and put my hand on the lightswitch and felt it,I was like what the heck is this so I grabbed it and it burned my palm..lol..sucks right?
  
  If you guys were stranded in the middle of nowhere after a show or while on tour. The help is 65 miles away from where you guys are, ¿Who would you guys send to look for help? And if while the rest wait, there's no food and the only way to feed yourself is by eating each other, ¿Who would you eat first?
  WOW...LoL..well I would have to send my bro Nigel because he knows Ninjutsu (need I say more?) LoL.. So just in case something goes down he would take care for that issue..Far as the last question I would have to eat The Tour bus driver! Haha.. nah My crew we some survivors we will go out there and find some food even if we gotta eat a rat or something...WHATEVER IT TAKES!
  
  What country you guys would love to play?
  France!! :)
  
  With what bands you guys would love to share stage??
  Kanye West, Lupe Fiasco, N.E.R.D, J.Cole
  
  Are you OK, with the direction the band is going actually?
  Yea Im Actually doing pretty good so ima keep doing what im doing,got a good manager so ima keep making making that good music people wanna hear and step in the game little by little each year..Okaaaay! Paint The Sky, Blew!!!
  
  Check out more: www.sonicbids.com/SkyBlew

• SkyBlew "Excuse My Lateness" Premiere [+ Show ]
  

  North Carolina representer SkyBlew premieres his subtly creative, often hilarious and undeniably fre...North Carolina representer SkyBlew premieres his subtly creative, often hilarious and undeniably fresh new video Excuse My Lateness on DJBoothTV.
  
  Directed by Depth of Sound, Lateness can be found on his latest album Above The Stars Is My Landing, available now. Fans can stream and download the single here.

• Hustle Mill Interview With SkyBlew [+ Show ]
  

  What makes SkyBlew different from most rappers? I dont rap... I Paint The Sky! (laughs)...Nah se...What makes SkyBlew different from most rappers?
  
  I dont rap... I Paint The Sky! (laughs)...Nah seriously though, most rappers try too much to keep up with trends and be accepted by the media and critics. They are too materialistic...I just do what I feel. Music Is My passion. I wanna actually make a difference, like help people. Just to have people say I was having a bad day then I heard your song and It made me smile that right there makes me different than other rappers. They say I'm backwards like inside out, 'cause you trying to fit in, but ima stand out.
  
  How would you describe your sound?
  
  My sound is "Unique"..people try to pinpoint my style saying I remind them of Kanye West/Lupe Fiasco. That's a compliment, but I have my own style.
  
  What type of beats bring out the best in what you do?
  
  SOULFUL!!!! That Just sends chills down my spine hearing a dope soulful beat.
  
  Speaking of beats, what producers have you worked with so far?
  
  I've worked with Zagga, L.O. Key Kidz, Backdraft, Merlin, Asonhi, Kdotmills, Just Wright, KClassika, W2
  
  Who would you like to work with in the future?
  9th Wonder, Kanye West, Jake One, Charles Hamilton, J.U.S.T.I.C.E, L.E.A.G.U.E
  
  Speaking of the future, where do you see yourself in 5 years?
  
  On a world tour, with Common my man! (laughs) seriously I wanna be just going around rocking sold out shows with my crew (2StepsAboveTheStars) doing what I love to do, putting on for NC!!!
  
  Where do you see hip hop in 5 years?
  
  Back to the way it supposed to be (Real Lyricism, Dope Beats, no gimmicks) Back to the ART form of hip hop.
  
  While on the topic of the future, what plans do you have as an artist for the remainder of 2010?
  
  Just to be heard more, and if people see SkyBlew name on a flyer they won't have second thoughts about coming to that show
  
  What does SkyBlew get into outside of music?
  
  Well besides college, you'll catch me in front of a TV screen playing a video game, with the wifey, or with my friends having a good time..living life to the fullest.
  
  Getting back on the music, what has been your greatest achievement as artist so far?
  
  Going from 10 people at my show to 200 and still rising, and having people message me saying my music helped them get through certain situations that's a great feeling.
  
  What has been one of your worst experiences as an artist so far and how did you learn from it?
  
  Letting what people say get to me...Its been times that I'll go into a depression over that but now I've learned how to deal with it. Oh yeah showing up for my own show mad late, just to see that everyone left because they was tired of waiting..(laughs).
  
  What advice would you give others trying to do what you do?
  
  Don't let nothing negative no one say whether its haters, critics, or even friends hold you back from what your dream is you gotta keep on going no matter what.
  
  Is there anything you would like to plug? Any shout outs?
  
  Paint The Sky,Blew!!!! Okaaaaaay!! Shoutouts:Grandma R.I.P (I Love You & I Do This For You!) My Mom, Eargasm (A-Robb), AandE Promotions, Tilteed, Black Label, AYP Mag, Ty Bru, FSM, Goomah Music (Mic Savvy) Get Down Son..My Crew 2StepsAboveTheStars! The Other Half Of Blaze The Sky (Azon Blaze) Ging Ging :) Frances, Young Stacks, Kourvioisier, Lazurus, K-Hill, A-Town and All my fans and people that's had my back since day one its Waay Too Many To Type but If I left you out dont be offended,I got you!! Shout Out To Alabama & North Carolina!!! We Here!! And BTW...FREE ACee!!!!

Setlist

Varies

Basic Requirements

Calendar