A-Skillz was first thrust into the spotlight by his mentor, label mate and sometimes production partner Krafty Kuts through their 2003 album ‘Tricka Technology’. Given Krafty’s already massive profile at the time, it was a huge opportunity for the then fresh faced young A-Skillz for international exposure. To his credit, A-Skilz has taken the opportunity and run with it. Through regular solo touring A-Skillz has worked at establishing a reputation and fan base of his own. Finger Lickin’ Export 02 is a snapshot of the A-Skillz sound of now.

Over 19 tracks A-Skillz traverses a journey of hip hop, funk and seriously good fun. The strength of the mix being that A-Skillz seems to have found his sound and is intent to explore it. He is able to present a carefully crafted and well paced mix without ever feeling the need to drastically up the tempo or intensity into heavier or harder beats.

The album kicks off with the Ali B & Jungle Brothers collaboration from last year ‘Beats on a String’, which sets a cruisy tempo and funky vibe to follow. The Aussie influence is strong and it seems A-Skillz has made some friends on his ventures down under. He includes two contributions each from West Aussies Fdel and Flow Dynamics, as well as Melbourne breaks head Nick Thayer. A-Skillz himself has plenty of his own efforts amongst the mix. Even when dropping in an older classic such as The Plump DJs ‘Funk Hits The Fan’, he gives it his own refreshing re-rub.

‘Finger Lickin’ Export 02’ will appeal to anyone with a leaning to funky flavoured beats. A-Skillz keeps the mix fresh and adds in plenty of his own little tricks with scratching, acapella’s and the sorts. But most importantly A-Skillz makes a decisive break for himself out of the Krafty shadow and setting a sound of his own.