Mixtape DJ Roundup - June 2011

Author: D.Bail

Busta Rhymes has had a legendary career in the entertainment field thus far. From films, to live shows and a catalog of music that spans over 20 years, he is still holding his ground in Hip Hop today. In a world of declining music sales, fickle fans, the old industry models completely changing and the slew of new artists and trends, that is an incredible feat. He has hardly slowed down since he started, and has always been in demand musically with his unduplicated signature style. As of late he has a hit record 'Look At Me Now' with Chris Brown, has announced a musical partnership with fellow New York emcee N.O.R.E. , in addition to creating his own record label, Conglomerate Records. With a work ethnic second to none, Buss is known for popping up on any given posse cut or remix and without question, kills any beat with spectacular service. DJ Hood puts together a great mix of Busta's newest hits, with songs that shows Busta's continued versatility and ever changing rhyme schemes. Bussa Buss has an outstanding track record that expands past the (212) area code and he spits at ease with other emcees from different regions. He represents one of the strongest links of unity within Hip Hop and strong collaborations like 'Bang Your City (RMX)' , '5 Deadly Assassins' & 'Rock N Roll (RMX)' are great examples. Everyone from LL Cool J, Gucci Mane, Raekwon, Rick Ross, Crooked I, Twista, M.O.P. and much more create an audio melting pot of Hip Hop, most listeners can appreciate. Buss has worked diligently to bridge the gap between two eras of Hip Hop. He has aligned himself with both audiences and artists, keeping their respect and support through 2 decades. Not many can say that. Respect The Conglomerate is this months DJ Roundup Mixtape Feature, courtesy of DJ Hood.

June 2011 notable releases include the following: (in no particular order)

DJ Fonzy - Gucci Mane & Tity Boy (Gucci 2 Chainz)

DJ OP - L.O.X.

DJ 837 - Everyday Hustle 7 (Chopped & Screwed)

Mr. Peter Parker & Coast 2 Coast Mixtapes - Coast 2 Coast 161

DJ Gates - The Formula Vol 10 AKA Getcha Weight Up

DJ Money J - Street Bangerz 12

DJ Anguish, DJ Datdatdat, DJ Dee Ruggz - Sumthing For Ya Ipod 186

DJ Far - Western Conference All Stars Vol 8 Bay 2 La Edition

DJ White Owl - Drop That 169

Alternative Pick: The Kickdrums - The Ghost Mixtape

Mixtape Artist Roundup - June 2011

Author: D.Bail

From his earlier co-signs from Justo award winning DJ's such as Green Lantern, Big Mike & Clinton Sparks, Queens NY native Grafh has always been a familiar name synonymous with ill bars and lengthy freestyles crushing industry beats. Unfortunately, due to the industry shuffles and after distribution deals with Sony, Rocafella Records, and E1 Music (formerly Koch). Grafh was unable to release an official debut release. His street album 'Autografh' however, was met with excellent reviews and kept Grafh's presence in the game going for the past few years. In 2011 after a lengthy relationship with Blackhand Records, the two parted professional ways and as of now, Grafh is a free agent. He has been up to task musicially and with the release of this months feature Pain Killers, Grafh resets the bar for himself and has created a buzz that will allow him to chart his own path in terms of his career. Pain Killers is co-signed and hosted by another Queens native, Brick Squad DJ Love Dinero (also a 2 time Justos nominee). From the opening track 'Another One', Grafh puts it in perspective:

Google my name and a check came up/My mind free but my neck chained up - blinging/but I represent a sole purpose/I'ma boss but I represent the co-workers/Ain't no purpose in working for leftovers that are left over cold burgers/You get no service for ya stale *ss fries/With my chain full of frozen rain/And you ain't seen drops of hail that size/

Grafh's effortless flow on a diverse mix of tracks is one of the highlights of this release. He has always had his own unique delivery and the ability to drop verses that will have the listeners rewinding a track is still there. Industry beats like '6'7' and 'So Appalled' are jacked and redone with crazy punchlines and no hooks. Grafh also mixes it up with official club bangers like 'Line Em Up' featuring Waka Flocka and the cocky anthem 'I Don't Know How to Act'. The ability to go from tracks like those, to the introspective track 'Black Roses' is a testament to great song writing and the willingness to be a true well rounded artist. Fans are created from people being able to identify with the music, and Grafh hits home with lines like:

I was tired of being round rappers feeling uncomfy/They ball while I struggle with bills that come monthly/

There are many emcees who flourished on the mixtape circuit in the early to mid 2000's that are not on the scene anymore. Grafh has managed to reinvent himself each time out and with constant mixtape releases, a good presence online and a steady stream of shows, as he begins a new era with his profession. Having the ability to craft potential radio hits as well as deliver a lyrical performance for those underground fans is a strength shown greatly throughout this mixtape. Grafh's music output since he has started his own company Team Bang LLC is impressive as well. In the same month of June, Grafh also teamed up with Kingston, Jamaica native Shalone for the Saturday Night EP. He also drops exclusive frestyles on his regularly updated blog Grafhonline.com. As the Internet age has increased the volume of music in general that floods the web today, it is important that regardless of label situations or radio play, talented artists and DJ's get their recognition and respect. Both DJ Love Dinero & Grafh are perfect examples of those that have grinded out for years and are well deserving of acclaim. Grafh has an EP titled 'The Rule' dropping on July 25th.

Other notable releases include: (No Particular Order)

Skyzoo – The Great Debater
Skyzoo continues on his extraordinary run dropping quality music with this new joint. He consistently holds his own with no frills or major co-signs on this offering. 'The Great Debator' definitely has an album feel to it, with a smooth cohesive energy to it. Skyzoo has been creating his own lane for some time now. His beat selection and intricate lyrics are on point and hopefully Sky will see some mainstream shine soon.
Reppin': Brooklyn, NY Standout Song: Designer Drugs

CyHi Da Prynce - Royal Flush 2
One of the newest artist signed to the Kayne West, G.O.O.D. Music label, CyHi Da Prynce gets it in on this mixtape. His versatile flows, raspy voice and grade A production from the likes of the J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League, No I.D., & Shawty Redd are things that makes 'Royal Flush 2' one of the months most potent releases. With G.O.O.D. Music getting a new distribution deal from Def Jam, CyHi will have the vehicle to make major moves in the near future.
Reppin': Atlanta, GA Standout Song: Whoop De Doo

Lady Luck - Are We There Yet?
The talented Lady Luck returns to the scene with a worthy project aptly titled 'Are We There Yet?' and the title track is an educational and insightful look down memory lane for Black America and the struggles that continue to this day. Lady Luck is most certainly one of the women in Hip Hop who deserves to hear her story told. From her journey as a Def Jam signee in the 90's, to her infamous battles and creative song ideas, this mixtape brings Luck back to the forefront as her lyrics and overall tracks sound fresh and inspired.
Reppin': Newark, NJ Standout Song: Wonder Woman

Shawty Lo - Bankhead Forever (B.H.F.)
Just recently signed to G-Unit Records and back at it representing Bankhead to the fullest, Shawty Lo holds it down on this joint. Hosted by previous Justo "DJ Pinkhouse" Award Winner Greg Street, this mixtape is a reintroduction to Lo and that raw sound he brings to the table whether its a song for the ladies like 'Pocantas' or a cut to the non-believers like 'Haters'. With appearances from Snoop Dogg, 50 Cent, Jim Jones & Twista, Shawty Lo has got bangers on here to appease all coasts checking in.
Reppin:' Atlanta, GA Standout Song: Cake
HOSTED BY GREG STREET

Young Chris - L.I.F.E. (Ladies In Free Everywhere)
Over a an ill assortment of R&B classics and new Soul smashes, Grammy nominated, Philly representative Young Chris delivers a well crafted mixtape just in time for the summer. Expect this to be a hit with the ladies as Chris does something creative musically that doesn't compromise his lyrical abilities. Chris is due to make his anticipated solo debut soon with producer/songwriter Rico Love's new label Division 1 distributed through Universal/Motown. Chris is expanding his fanbase heavy on this one, and it's well put together blend of songs that you can bump front to back.
Reppin:' Philadelphia, PA Standout Song: Novicane

I-20 - 20/20 Vision
I-20 has been holding down DTP for nearly a decade. "The Dealer" has a vision and is getting prepped for his sophomore album and this mixtape reminds us why he's still a force to be reckoned with. On tracks like 'King Hustler' and 'Don't Blame Me', I-20's assertiveness carries the track with booming beats. With Ludacris, Hell Rell and Freeway on deck with the features, I-20 brings a very solid release here. Previous Justo Award Nominee the "Master Jedi" DJ Kurupt does his thing as usual on the boards and with the hosting duties.
Reppin': Atlanta, GA Standout Song: Ridin' Round
HOSTED BY DJ KURUPT

D Pryde - MARS
At only 17 years old, D-Pryde representing out of Canada really impresses with this release. With honest subject matter, Pryde speaks on his experiences in the game with ease. With an inspirational theme throughout, this mixtape is a great introduction to those who haven't heard the young spitter get busy. His viral videos have caught the attention of thousands on Youtube daily. 'MARS' is also co-signed from previous Justo nominee DJ Suss One, With standout production, good content matter and a fire flow, look for Pryde to make some major moves soon.
Reppin': Toronto, Canada Standout Song: Did It On My Own
HOSTED BY DJ SUSS ONE

Jean Grae - Cookies or Comas
Hip Hop vet Jean Grae is back after a brief hiatus to bring us 'Cookies or Comas' hosted by DJ Drama. The talented emcee has always been able to hold her own among the games best. Her skillful writing skills and smooth flow are refreshing and she brings some heat on this joint. Jean really takes pride in her craft and it shows throughout this mixtape. With appearances from Styles P, Talib Kweli and Pharoahe Monch, 'Cookies or Comas' is most certainly worth checking out.
Reppin': NY, NY Standout Song: Blame Game
HOSTED BY DJ DRAMA

LA The Darkman - Living Notoriously 2
LAD has been putting in work since the late 90's and is one of the most underrated in the game right now. Known for his Wu-Tang affiliations as well as the infamous Gangsta Grillz series with DJ Drama as Co-CEO of The Aphilliates Music group, LAD puts together a project that continues to keep his name in the streets. Excellent mic presence and a few standout features from Lil' Wayne & Bun B makes this CD one of the hottest in June.
Reppin': Brooklyn, NY & Grand Rapids MI Standout Song: God Bless America