He Left Nothing for the Swim Back is a collaborative studio album by American rapper Skech185 and American record producer Jeff Markey. It was released on February 3, 2023, through Backwoodz Studioz.
Background Willie Lee McIntyre Jr., better known under the pseudonym Skech185, is an American rapper originally from Chicago. He grew up on the southeast side of Chicago before moving to New York. He is a member of the Chicago rap group Tomorrow Kings. He is also one half of the duo War Church, along with Texas producer Analog(ue) Tape Dispenser.
He Left Nothing for the Swim Back is Skech185's first collaborative album with Brooklyn producer Jeff Markey. The album includes guest appearances from three of Tomorrow Kings members: I.B. Fokuz, Collasoul Structure, and Lamon Manuel.
Release The album was released on February 3, 2023, through Backwoodz Studioz. Music videos were released for "He Left Nothing for the Swim Back", "Western Automatic Music Part 1", and "Badly Drawn Hero".
Critical reception
J. Edward Keyes of Bandcamp Daily wrote, "Sobering without ever being depressing or emotionally manipulative, Swim Back is a showcase for masterfully precise writing and moody beats to match." Steve Erickson of The Arts Fuse commented that Skech185's "intense flow leaves little space, allowing him to run through pages' worth of lyrics in minutes." He added that Jeff Markey's beats "embrace disorientation rather than easy pleasure." Tom Morgan of PopMatters called the album "an essential listen for open-minded rap fans."
Accolades + Accolades for He Left Nothing for the Swim Back Publication List Rank Bandcamp Daily The Best Hip-Hop Albums of 2023 Flood Magazine 20 Albums from 2023 You Should Know PopMatters The 21 Best Hip-Hop Albums of 2023
Track listing
Personnel Credits adapted from liner notes.Skech185 and Jeff Markey (2023). He Left Nothing for the Swim Back (vinyl liner notes). Backwoodz Studioz.
Jeff Markey – production Steel Tipped Dove – mixing Willie Green – mastering Vito Oliva – photography Ashes57 – design
References
External links