Sunday, August 7, 2011

Mixtape DJ Roundup - July 2011

Author: D.Bail

July's Mixtape DJ Roundup feature comes courtesy of none other than DJ Whiteowl. Whiteowl is known for being the most consistent when it comes to dropping exclusives. He will drop at least 3 to 4 mixtapes monthly and have a diverse mix of joints on each tape to make it a skip free playlist on his star studded tracklistings. State Property - The Return of State Property, is a mix of some of SP's front line soliders still putting in work musically. Although the members are all working on their solo projects with different labels, they still rep the Philly State Prop umbrella, where each member cultivated their skills over the years starting with their Roc-A Fella days until now. The supergroup consisted of founder Beanie Sigel, Young Gunz (Chris & Neef), Freeway, Oschino, Peedi Crakk and Omillio Sparks. Beanie Sigel, who most recently has dropped a new single 'B-Boy Stance' is still a top-tier lyricist who is currently a free agent. Young Chris is working on his Univeral Motown/Division 1 debut and has been active on the mixtape front. Freeway released a few projects within the past few years, most notably the Statik-Free EP with DJ Statik Selektah, which was recorded in 24 hours. Peedi, currently signed to Amalgam Digital, has been spotted with former Terror Squad members Cuban Linx and Tony Sunshine and the trio was said to be creating new music. Neef is back in the studio getting on his solo grind. The rest of the team occasionally pops up with a freestyle or two on a mixtape to let the fans know there is nothing lost and the skill is still intact.

Overall, State Property was and still is an ill collective of emcees that repped Philadelphia to the fullest. Whether or not the brothers decide to get back together for a full length album they are still making moves and when they do drop material it usually has listening audience. This collective of songs are cuts the SP members have been featured on, as well as exclusive radio freestyles with old and new street bangers. Jay-Z, Wale and Gillie also have some bars in the mix. State Property as a whole definitely has the potential to make another run and with this mix you will be reminded of the chemistry and talent they had when they entered the game. Strong joints include the posse cut 'The Best Flow', the Raekwon & Sigel collab 'Have Mercy' and the exclusive Jay-Z 'Philly Freestyle'. Shouts to Whiteowl for his relentless drive and this standout release. Philly stand up!

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

Mick Boogie & DJ Jazzy Jeff - Summertime 2

DJ Woogie - Club Nights 8

DJ Des & Shyhiem - Various Artists Buimme.com 15th Session

DJ Murdaman - Trickin & Trappin Vol. 1.5 (Trappin Side)

DJ C RICH - Smokefest Vol. 3

DJ Relix The Underdog - Shut The F*#@ Up And Enjoy The Tunes

DJ Spinz, DJ Teknikz & DJ Kash - Waka Flocka & Slim Dunkin Twin Towers 2: No Fly Zone

DJ Fletch & No Limit Records - Ghetto Dreams: The Anthology

DJ Superstar Jay - I am Mixtapes Pt. 91

Alternative Mixtape: Frank Ocean vs. Masspike Miles - Sneaker Warz

Friday, August 5, 2011

Mixtape Artist Roundup - July 2011

Author: D.Bail

This the last album/Time to wrap it up/I ain't a Deejay/But sh*t I had Enuff/90's was rough/Still the best era/I'm getting out before these rappers start wearing mascara/Too late the true greats stand the test of time/I never sacrificed my principles for a dime/ - E.D.I. Mean
'Back Again'

Those opening words to 'Back Again', a new track on The Outlawz Killumnati 2K11 Mixtape set the tone for this months Mixtape Artist Roundup feature. Truer words never seemed realer and this amongst other tracks featured on this mixtape are a standout on what was a great month in stellar Hip Hop releases. Killumanti 2K11 is hosted by two the top DJ's respectfully in their region. The Justos Mixtape Awards is no stranger to Harlem, NY native the legendary DJ Kay Slay, who has racked up 23 Justo awards to date. In addition to dropping the hottest exclusives on the streets for years, he is also CEO of Streetsweepers Entertainment as well as Straight Stuntin' Magazine. DJ Smallz whose acclaimed 'Southern Smoke' mixtapes have made their way across the map is also doing his thing with his own show on Sirius Satellite Radio. Smallz also has a production company, Fear Factor Music Group. With these two powerhouse Deejays linking up to promote this project, great expectations have and were fulfilled by The Outlawz.

The New Jersey natives were discovered and put together by the legendary Tupac Shakur. Over the years they have constantly kept the legacy of 2Pac alive. This mixtape is a prelude to The Outlawz final album, 'Perfect Timing' slated to drop on the 15th anniversary of 2Pacs death, Sept 13th 2011. The Outlawz have seen their shares of ups and down more than most groups in Hip Hop. It's their resilience and work ethnic that has allowed them to continue making music as a unit and tour across the world. The group now consists of E.D.I. Mean, Young Noble and Fatal Hussien. The one thing The Outlawz learned from 2Pac was the art of song making. Joints that have feeling and soul are key to making the connections to the listeners. On 'Blow My Mind' , featuring Young Buck & Trae Tha Truth the topic of loyalty and the how the stigma of getting money could change people around you is addressed well. The Outlawz keep the guest appearances to a minimal and really do an excellent job crafting each track with their own stamp. They are making music that is relevant for our current time frame, reflecting the struggles that people are going through everyday right now. While other music in Rap creates an escape from reality, The Outlawz music is more of a view of real life and their own personal stories which reflect society on the other side. Everybody is not balling and throwing money in the air. It's not a criticism as much, but more of an observation of what's really going on. 2Pac made songs like this countless times in his career, and his proteges have done an excellent job retaining the messages to those that need hope and inspiration.

One of the songs that illustrates this well is 'Keep On'.
Nobody ever planned to fail/But we barely make plans so we land in jail/Gotta explore other options/Gotta get our minds out these boxes/Patience is all apart of the process/Hoping these lyrics stick to ya conscience/Reach them young n*ggas from the 'burbs to the projects/ Young Noble - 'Keep On'

Growth and development is an important part of any artist career and The Outlawz have shown that musically as well as professionally. They recently did a song with Notorious B.I.G. protege Lil' Cease titled 'Bury The Hatchet'. On the track, the artists explore what happened in the past and what should happen moving forward. Cease dedicates the song to the slain rappers' mothers, Afeni Shakur and Voletta Wallace. It is fitting that they are in form to cease on the old beefs and misunderstandings and continue teaching a generation of youth that violence is only setting our communities back. These kids that look up to and idolize the entertainers they see and hear need to see two sides of all situations. The balance that once was established in Hip Hop music has changed drastically. Back in the day, for every party song or shoot em up track, there were tracks about politics, non violence, self respect, history and unity. This mixtape mixes all of those forgotten elements well. The jewels in songs like 'From The Bottom to The Top' , and 'Da Corna' are heartfelt as the lyrics are raw and undiluted. As the popular song by Rick Ross and Meek Millz '2Pac Back' adds to the hundreds of artists that have paid tribute to the fallen star, The Outlawz prove that Pac's message will always push on through them and they do an outstanding job of being that lost voice in Hip Hop that we all still need to hear.

Other notable releases include: (No Particular Order)

Lil WayneSorry 4 The Wait
Young Money CEO Weezy drops something for the fans patiently waiting for his highly anticipated album C4. He blacks out on a variety of popular beats that range from Pop, Adele's 'Rolling In The Deep' , R&B, Beyonce's 'Run The World' to harder tracks like the Lex Luger produced 'Grove St. Party'. He shows no rust at all and rumors are he finished this mixtape in about a days time. Wayne sounds like he has having fun in the booth and really lets loose with his signature style jacking for beats like only he could. Wayne is arguably the hottest artist out right now on the mainstream front, but real listeners know his incredible run was orchestrated through the mixtape circuit. Until the album this is great appetizer.
Reppin': New Orleans, LA Standout Song: Tunechi's Back

Cau2gs - Live From Farrockaway
Cau2gs brings the listeners directly to the streets of Far Rockaway with this stellar release. Holding down Tha Riot Squad to the fullest, a rejuvenated Cau2gs goes hard track after track and the results are what you expect from one of the best out of Queens. He's been on the grind for a while now, but this release is one of his best thus far. Hosted by DJ Get it Rite, there is a nice mix of freestyles as well as original tracks. Joints like 'King Of The Rock 2011' and 'Gz Matic' show Gs' versatility. Also check for the throwback Riot Squad joint 'Loyalty' featuring the late great Stack Bundles.
Reppin': Queens, NY Standout Song: 9 Eleven(Da Drop)
HOSTED BY DJ GET IT RITE

Alley Boy - Definition of F*ck Sh*t 2
Alley Boy and his Duct Tape crew are creating a lot of controversy in the A right now. At the end of the day though Hip Hop is about the music and Alley doesn't disappoint with this new release. By building his following in the streets with limited radio play, the Duct Tape movement is going strong right now in the South. Hard hitting beats and rhymes with a heavy dose of trap reality is reminiscent to what Young Jeezy did earlier in his career with mixtape classics like 'Streets is Watching'. Street cred is important still in Hip Hop and Alley Boy seems to be the new wave of that in Atlanta. This mixtape will definitely shake the block for the remainder of the summer. With his signing to Atlantic Records/Asylum, Alley Boy should be readying his major label debut soon.
Reppin': Atlanta, GA Standout Song: For Certain
HOSTED BY EVIL EMPIRE

Mysonne - I Can Lead The Way
BX vet Mysonne comes thru with a strong mixtape drop, I Can Lead The Way , hosted by Queens very own Superstar Jay. Mysonne has been working on a variety of projects in the years since he finished his bid, and this is his strongest one yet. Always known for speaking his mind and representing for the underdog, the variety of production on this mixtape suits his flow well and keeping it honest is one of Mysonne's strengths. One of the most respected emcees in New York, Mysonne The "NY General" definitely has a voice and a story to tell and delivers on this one.
Reppin:' Bronx, NY Standout Song: Burn
HOSTED BY DJ SUPERSTAR JAY

Yo Gotti - CM6 Gangsta of the Year
He's one of the best out right now doing it for the hood and Yo Gotti has been an underground favorite for a few seasons now. This installment of Cocaine Musik is number six, and Gotti shows no signs of slowing down. His independent movement has been in effect for years and without an album in the streets he has flooded the market with quality trap music. Live in The Kitchen, Gotti's newest album is on the way but this mixtape series alone has been worth the wait. One of the hardest working in the game, DJ Drama is back once again giving Gotti the assist and this is what gangsta music sounds like.
Reppin:' Memphis, TN Standout Song: Spazz Out
HOSTED BY DJ DRAMA

Cory Gunz - Son of A Gun
With a Nick Cannon produced reality show on MTV, a record deal with one of the best labels out right now in Young Money Ent. and a feature on one of the worlds most anticipated albums Lil Wayne's C4, Cory Gunz is certainly doing his thing. It's definitely his talent and perseverance that has kept his career going strong, and Son of A Gun is an example of what hard work gets you. With a diverse mix of features from Juicy J, Uncle Murda, Meek Millz and more, Gunz drops over 20 tracks of material that are experimental with both flows and production. A true student to the game, Gunz has paid his dues for a minute now, and is poised to reap the benefits of his music soon.
Reppin': Bronx, NY Standout Song: Bedtime
HOSTED BY DJ ILL WILL & DJ ROCKSTAR

Bynoe - Purple Heart
Currently locked down, Riot Squad representative Bynoe still feeds the streets with his new release Purple Heart. Hosted by DJ Superstar Jay and Snatchatape, Purple Heart contains cuts Bynoe recorded before he went in as well as some unreleased gems. Bynoe has a hard flow and keeps it extra gutter on the mic. Looking forward to release perhaps later this year, Bynoe keeps it trill with verses about what is going on his life, like the cut 'Take a Look', which describes the process of going from the rap game to upstate prison.
Reppin': Queens, NY Standout Song: Edgemere
HOSTED BY DJ SUPERSTAR J AND SNATCHATAPE

Pill - Diagnosis
Fresh of one of the hottest albums of the year with Self Made Vol. 1 The Maybach Music artist Pill is following up with Diagnosis keeping the momentum going. Whether it's a club joint or a street anthem Pill spits with aggression and really is putting together a solid mixtpe catalog. With his earlier releases like - 4180: The Prescription , 4075: The Refill , and 1140: The Overdose giving him a certified buzz, he was able to get his deal with Rick Ross. Mixtapes are still a relevant force to gather the attention that an artist needs to take their skillset to a new level. Pill, who is also a member of the 2010 XXL Freshmen list is a great example of that. He is scheduled to drop a debut album soon, and from the sounds of this offering he seems ready to make some noise.
Reppin': Atlanta, GA Standout Song: New Clothes and Shoes
HOSTED BY DJ SCREAM

Tyga - Well Done 2
With his prior mixtape release Black Thoughts 2 getting acclaim across the board, the Cali representative of Young Money drops another solid mixtape with Well Done 2. Tyga has an assortment of flows and he's one of the most consistent out of the younger rappers. Tyga has a solid fanbase and is currently headlining the 106 and Park "Closer to my dreams" tour with label mate Lil' Twist. His rapid fire delivery and witty punchlines are all on display here and features with Chris Brown, Nipsey Hussle and Gudda Gudda definitely represent. As he continues his run of mixtape bangers, he is building more anticipation for what would be his sophomore album, No Introduction.
Reppin': Compton, CA Standout Song: LovaGain

Gucci Mane - Writing's On The Wall 2
Gucci is fresh home and the Brick Squad leader didn't wait long to drop Writings On the Wall second installment. Gucci Mane has always been active on the mixtape circuit and keeps it strong with usual suspects Lex Luger, Drumma Boy & Zaytoven on the beats. Gucci has been a trend setter with everything from tattoos to ad-libs and someone you can never count out the game. He has his own style and his originality is a hit with fans. Even with his absences here and there throughout the years, he maintains his buzz across the country and his mixtape offerings are a big reason why. As he is set to drop Ferrari Boyz his collab album with label mate Waka Flocka Flame, Gucci keeps busy and has another dope mixtape to add to his extensive catalog.
Reppin': Atlanta, GA Standout Song: Lil' Friends
HOSTED BY DJ HOLIDAY