This album is the second part of a massive percussion project led by Art Blakey, recorded at Rudy Van Gelder's studio in Hackensack, New Jersey. The session included multiple percussionists, such as Sabu Martinez, Ray Barretto, and Carlos 'Patato' Valdés, creating a sound of drums and Afro-Cuban rhythms without traditional melodic instruments.
Originally released as a double LP, 'Holiday for Skins' was split into two volumes due to its extensive length. Vol. 2 contains pieces that explore complex polyrhythms and extended solos, reflecting Blakey's fascination with African and Caribbean percussion.
The album was produced by Bill Grauer, co-founder of Riverside Records, although it was released under the Blue Note label. Despite being an experimental work, it is considered an early example of Blakey's interest in integrating global rhythms into jazz, though it did not have the same commercial impact as his recordings with the Jazz Messengers.