My homies been tellin' me to add some reviews to the site, so I'll be adding reviews from my old site to the archive, just to let ya'll catch up on some good hip-hop ya'll missed. I know some dope mixtapes dropped earlier this month, so I'll just you give a wrap-up of the past couple of months. I don't do much hatin' cuz I'm actually fair with my ratings. The first rapper & DJ need no introduction....
Click on the picture for a d/l link. If there iz no link, then the tape is in stores now, and isn't for promo use.
Ludacris & DJ Drama - The Preview
7.5/10
"The Preview," Hosted O'Drama, iz one of the most of the most theatrical piece work this year. "Mr. October"
iz still droppin' hot quotables of the year on songs like "Sho'Nuff Revisited," "2 Kings," and "DTP Magic." For those that live under a rock, the controversial "Politics As Usual," a support song for Barack, iz on this mixtape.More songs, including "Big A** House," shows how creative Ludacris can be, no matter how mainstream his music is. But the real gem of this mixtape iz "Stay Together," a Theatre Of The Mind throw-away, showing rappers and the world that we need to wake up and realize that togetherness = success. The most memorable verse iz from "DTP Magic."
"Don't play lacrosse, but b**** I'm stickin it / Buy a bottle of goose, and start sippin it / Not David Beckham, but b**** I'm kickin it / With my left foot / and my right foot / I'm money like Mayweather / now watch the right hook / Let's play truth or dare / who's the millionaire? / cut your f***in head off and use it as a souvenir"
"Like a phillips or flathead / and I pack bread / but'll still f*** yo b**** in a cadillac ext flatbed"
If you just plan on skimming this tape, check out "Been Puttin' On / Secret Weapon," the song that defines this tape. If this tape iz a sneak-peek of the upcoming album, then the Theatre Of The Mind album may destined for classic ratings. And you know he sells...
A.Z. & DJ Absolut - N.4.L
8/10
Now don't act like you never heard of A.Z. He was former partners in rhyme to Nas, so it came as a surprise when he decided to recreate the Untitled album. A.Z.'s N.4.L. mixtape iz a loose-concept album about racism towards blacks in America, and of course, the N word.
Considering that A.Z. only touches on racism during half of the mixtape, he iz more free to add emphasis to his wordplay. Songs with dope production and mixing, like "Knowledge Freedom" and "12 Jewelz" have been rippin' up the blog sites, and even persuaded Papoose and Cassidy to their verses to "Knowledge Freedom." One standout track (to me) iz "Murder," which adds suspense to the lyrics by DJ Abslout's constant mixing. The beat iz reminiscent of the production of "Efil 4 Zaggin" by N.W.A. The mixing and DJ yelling iz the only drawback on the tape, which disquises the music to seem as if it's twice the lenght it really iz. More dope production and wordplay comes on "Conspiracy" and "Runaway Slave," a description of a slaves escape route from the plantation."22 a clip, hollow-heads loaded / the legislators ain't doin s***, college heads know it / rap and it's influences turnin' kids out / we're strapped but still intuitive, and learn to switch routes / and drought / My reality's placed on principality / so, any casualty gracefully done casually / the real attract to me / re-exchange a bill mathematically / calculate and maintain to chill/
A.Z.'s lyricism and wordplay lead me to initially claim that this mixtape was 5-Star classic. But after more listens over the summer, the flaws are present, but are mostly hidden by A.Z.'s mic presence. If this mixtape was released as an album with no DJ mixing, N.4.L. would be a contender for classic status.
Chamillionaire - Mixtape Messiah 4
7.5/10
After his dissapointing album sales (we all know it should've sold more), Chamillionaire comes backs as hard possible. For an artist to have a platinum debut, it's very bold to re-attempt success after a sophomore slump.
Due to Chamillionaire's work ethic, it's no surprise that his mixtapes sound like an album. The tracks "Hero" and "My Life" sound as if Chamillionaire was the original artist for the instrumental. The mixtape also comes with a bonus disc, packed with freestyles, skits, and many highlights. "I'd Rather Get Bread," has Chamillionaire showing that he deserves a guest verse for Three 6 Mafia's "I'd Rather" remix.The standout track iz "Roll Call Reloaded," which comes with a high-energy beat that fits Chamillionaire perfectly. He gives dead-on imitations of rap's elite of today, including Young Jeezy, Lil' Wayne, and Bun B. Another standout track iz "Internet Nerd's Revenge," which shows how dumb his internet haters really sound. This tape easily increases the anticipation for Cham's next studio album, and proves why he is "The Mixtape Messiah."
Torae - Allow Me To Re-Introduce Myself
7/10
Many young lyricist are beginning to come out the New York scene, including Skyzoo and Torae. After Torae's well-recieved debut, "Daily Conversation", Torae's skillz became a hot topic for loyal hip-hop fans. He hopes to stay relevant with his latest mixtape, "Allow Me To Re-Introduce Myself."
One minor drawback of the tape iz that, like many, this tape contains a few songs that we're already released. "3 Kings," featuring Skyzoo and Chaundon, was already released on Chaundon's album last year. "Merchant of Dreams," a collabo with Skyzoo, was also released on 9th Wonder's "Dream Merchant 2." Another minor drawback of this tape iz that most of the tracks are under two minutes, which have some questioning his ability to write full songs. But If you're a fan of Torae, you won't hesitate to look past these flaws, and the tape doesn't dissapoint.Despite the cluttered tracklist, the mixtape's production helps it to hold a cohesive sound. The soulful production from Khrysis, 9th Wonder, and Vega & Duece fit Torae's flow, and never dominate his consistent verses. As long as his consistency lasts, he will always be given the respect he deserves from his fans.
Mickey Factz - The Leak Vol 2 : The Inspiration
7.5/10
If you've heard of Mickey Factz, but have continued to ignored him, I want you to call one of your friends to come over to your house. When he gets there, just let smack you around when you tell him, cuz he'll probably want to. This mixtape is a representation of Mickey Factz hustle, including his constant leaks, and many rappers are offering there own version of "Incredible."
Even though many of the songs are dope, the tape contains too many cameos and collaborations. The mixtape opens with "Lyrical Overdose," a collabo with Drake and Travis McCoy. The Cool Kids also appear on the "Rockin 'N' Rollin" remix. The tape also has great production, including the swag and synth-heavy "Incredible" and "Jumanji." The strength of Mickey Factz creativity clearly shows on his solo tracks. "Keep Moving" has to be one of the best beats I've ever heard, using a mafiosa-style intro, and a M.L.K. speech as the chorus. Mickey iz also capable of dropping hot verses. For example, this is a verse from "Incredible.""Weapons of mass destruction /were never packeged up or dumped/ in the areas the government / really had us corrupted / but really that isn't nothin /compared to half of the junk / that America has come up with/ F*** it / but that's another topic / but to what I was rockin / these rappers, they better stop it / I had to be the baddest / that's spitting acid on tracks/ that isn't mastered, but it's crafted like a masterpiece / You Digg Me?
New listeners of Mickey Factz will be quick to dismiss him as a backpacker or hipster, but his tracks include many topics, including life struggle to his swag. His hustle will also keep him relevant in the undergorund/digital hip-hop scene, but he will attract more fans and acclaim if he limits the guest appearance, and adds more emphasis on his skillz.
Juelz Santana & Skull Gang - The TakeOver
6.5/10
Juelz will probably shake most of the hate he had until now, since he has made it clear that he iz no longer affiliated with Cam'Ron. Juelz's attempt to re-create the succes of The Diplomats with his new crew iz a perfect representation of the New York hip-hop scene of today.The mixtape starts off strong, like most Dipset album-mixtapes, with "Intro / Takeover," remakes of Khaled's "Go Hard" and Yung Berg's "The Business." The next track "Aggy," a song with no topic, comes with hard verses and dope production. Half of this tape iz remakes of the songs on the radio, like "You Gotta Give Me Some" and "Touch Me, Tease Me." That's the formula for the rest of the mixtape, including "Drama Fold," a heavy-metal track that shows their dedication to their Skull Gang chains, and "Droppin Sum S***," a good example of how New York oriented this mixtape iz. This is also a reason why you can't match any of the name's to their voice, besides Juelz, of course. The only other memorable voice iz Neef, who spits one of the hardest verses on "100 Barz."
There's not much to say about this mixtape, If you're a fan of New York hip-hop, you'll probably keep this on your i-pod. If you're a Dipset or Juelz fan, you'll probably own a hard-copy of this. Those of us in the middle will be able to see the flaws, but also appreciate it for what it iz.
Charles Hamilton - And Then They Played Dilla . . .
7.5/10 only because of the short tracklisting
"Sonic the Hodgehog" iz back with his second mixtape from "The Hamiltanization Process." Despite the short tracklisting of only eight tracks, he proves that quality iz more important thant quantity. "Losing Control, Revisited" shows that his song-writting ability is present, no matter what production he has to flip."I used to do shrooms / I was on that Super-Mario stuff / Now Luigi make me and my sweety some fettucini / n***az will never see me"
Charles Hamilton's strength is that he can improve any beat. He uses this ability for the instrumentals from J-Dilla's "Donuts." Despite the short tracklisting, Charles makes sure not to dissapoint Dilla fans by putting full effort into his lyrics and delivery. Charles Hamilton's singing on the hook of "Losing Control, Revisited" and "Convincedindecision" disguises his style as soulful and introspective, but Charles can be as raunchy as Plies. An added bonus to the mixtape is all of the mixed instrumentals. As they say, "you can never go wrong with Dilla production."
Cassidy & DJ O.P.- Return Of The Hustler
7.5/10
For all my up-north fans (I'm laughed at in A.T.L. for it) the hustla is home! After dissapointing sales and many setbacks, Cassidy claims that he iz situated and prepared to flood the game. "The Return Of The Hustler" mixtape proves that Cassidy can handle his career, "and put pressure on you n***az."All Cassidy fans would be dissapoined if he didn't come with 100's of quotables on his mixtapes. But this mixtape has to contain at least 1,000's. Cassidy rips the instrumentals of "Jay-Z's "Marcy" and G-Unit's "Straight Outta Southside:
"You a pussycat / I'm a lion, whore/ But I don't roar like a lion / that's what the iron's for / I been a threat / but the world ain't convinced yet / I guess cuz I ain't make enough dollars and cents yet"
Cassidy keeps his guest appearances short, with the only collabo being his freestyle "Body Bags" with Corey Gunz. Cassidy keeps this tape limited to consistent verses and mixtape choruses, saving his hit-making talent for his next album. But what would hot verses be without dope production. Songs like "Def In It" and "Amnesia" contain Cass's solid flow over bass-heavy beats. Everyone expecting the same street-oriented Cassidy will be satisfied, cause he doesn't dissapointed. The throne for King Of Philly is still up for grabs . . .
"My hand on my damn cock / cause man I cock the hamers so big / they can pro'lly kill Hancock / I'm not a rat, me talkin' to the damn cops / Is like Louis Farakkhan eatin' ham hocks / I'm a gorrila, but I'm slicker then a damn fox / a goose since preschool, playin in the sandbox"
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