Thursday, October 6, 2011

Mixtape Artist Roundup - September 2011

Author: D.Bail


Young Jeezy has made a career in feeding the streets with mixtape classics with DJ Drama for a while now. Streetz is Watching, Trap or Die, Can't Ban The Snowman & I am the Street Dream fueled Jeezy's career and once again proved the power of mixtapes as the strongest promotional tool an artist or DJ has to make their way to the top. With this latest offering The Real Is Back 2, Jeezy picks up where he left on the first installment and puts together this months Mixtape Recap Feature. With hard hitting production from Lil Lody that fits Jeezy like a glove, the motivation to get money and more of it by any means necessary is more or less the theme here. Bass heavy trunk rattlers like 'Trump' featuring Cash Money C.E.O. Birdman, & 'Chickens No Flour' go hard in the paint as Snowman is back to reclaim his spot as The King of the Trap:
"I gotta Pocket Full Of Stones like I'm Bun B/I gotta pocket full of phones like I'm Pimp C/What you know Sno ghetto boy like Willie D/I parked that lamb in the ghetto boy silly me/I got my bags packed yeah I'm thinking road trip/Mr. Ice Cream Man that rocky road trip/I'm bout that Ghetty Green yeah I'm bumpin Project Pat/I make it back with these blocks I'll bring the projects back"/ - Young Jeezy 'Chickens No Flour'

Rhymes like these resonate with those in the street that are familiar with similar situations. Jeezy has been one that has been recognized as an authentic author of hustling and paints these pictures with an honesty that one would have had to actually experience to know the lifestyle. He has had a platinum plated career doing this and although rap in general has been catching alot of heat for their vivid portrayals in the music, "Trap Rap" remains one of the more popular subdivisions within the big melting pot of the culture. DJ Drama and Jeezy have a historic run on the mixtape circuit and don't disappoint on The Real Is Back 2. Shorter than the first offering, this mixtape also includes features from the newest CTE signee Freddie Gibbs. The two compliment each other well on tracks and the songs 'Rough' & 'Gotta See This' show a promising new energy and anticipation for more collaborations in the future. Other features include Slick Pulla, 211 and Yo Gotti. Jeezy has taken it back with signature ad-libs, cool as a fan flow and some speaker popping tracks.

As the world patiently awaits the release of Jeezy's 3rd album Thug Motivation 103 this is certainly a nice feast for fans to feed off until then.

Other notable releases include: (No Particular Order)

J-Hood - The 2nd Komin
J-Hood represents his ODG movement to the fullest, and is no stranger to the mixtape circuit. He has been relentless on his grind and this is one of his best drops in a long time. A nice mix of freestyles over current beats and a few original joints are all here. The hunger and talent still remain, and there is certainly a reason J-Hood was picked by mixtape legends to become the "fourth LOX member" As a pioneering artist formally from D-Block, Hood has shown much growth and proves he can hold his own.
Reppin': Yonkers, NY Standout Song: More Pain
HOSTED BY J-BOOGIE

Chevy Woods - The Cookout
He's officially the next to shine out the Taylor Gang and Chevy Woods doesn't disappoint with this smooth offering for the streets. An actual cookout theme is here which is cool. A nice diverse mix from laid back smoking anthems, feel good ride out joints and a overall theme of celebration. Wiz Khalifa appears on at least half the songs but it doesn't distract the listener from getting to know Chevy. Although the summer has ended, its always a good time to eat and The Cookout supplies all a listener may need. Bring the napkins and forks. Oh yeah and BYOB.
Reppin': Pittsburgh, PA Standout Song: Invitation
HOSTED BY THE TAYLOR GANG

Bow Wow - I'm Better Than You
Bow Wow is prepared to drop his Cash Money/Young Money debut by the years end, so in the meanwhile he hits the streets with his latest joint I'm Better Than You. There is some dope material on this mixtape and Bow Wow drops some bars with insight on tracks like 'Heaven' '& 'What My Future Holds'. Bow is displaying a little bit more of who is he is, which isn't a bad thing. He really spits aggressive on these tracks and has been perfecting his new sound on the mixtape circuit for the past year with his Greenlight series.
Reppin': Colombus, Ohio Standout Song: Heaven

Tony Yayo - Gun Powder Guru 4
In this 4th installment of GPG the Queens connect continue with DJ Superstar Jay and G-Unit's own Tony Yayo. Yayo has always kept a strong presence on the mixtape scene and Superstar Jay is one of the best doing it right now. With a album on the way in 2012, Yayo continues delivering those hood anthems he's know for. Gritty production and guest appearances from Prodigy and Byrdgang's own Mel Matrix, Yayo has put together a dope series with the Gun Powder Guru collection.
Reppin: Queens, NY Standout Song: Rollercoaster
HOSTED BY DJ SUPERSTAR JAY

Cyssero - C4 Project
Straight outta Philly PA, Cyssero links up with Cali's own DJ Far to bring a dope project to light and definitely gives Cyssero the shine he deserves. Formally affiliated with L.A. artist Game and his Blackwall Street label, Cys stands on his own two and has dope production and bars to go along with it, snapping on track after track. Punchlines and strong lyrics aside Philly has been a hotbed of spitters for a minute now and Cyssero does an impressive job of standing out amongst other talented Philadelphia emcees.
Reppin': Philadelphia, PA Standout Song: Come On
HOSTED BY DJ FAR

Benzino - Caezar
Boston's own Benzino is back with some heat. Known for his former co-ownership of The Source Magazine, and now most currently Hip Hop Weekly magazine, he his also a vet musically in the business. He has seen success with his groups Almighty RSO, Made Men and as a solo artist. This mixtape marks his return and doesn't hold any punches. Hard hitting production from the likes of Stevie J and some dope features from Waka Flocka, Ray J, B.G, and Lloyd. It seems as if Benzino is on the right path and hasn't lost a step with Caezar.
Reppin': Boston Massachusetts Standout Song: I'm Shining Now

Glasses Malone - The Dope Mixtape
West Coast Representative Glasses Malone has been on the grind for a minute now. With his new album Beach Cruiser hitting the streets after a long wait, he follows up with more on The Dope Mixtape hosted by DJ Whoo Kid. The mixtape opens up with a jacking for beats theme with '211' that is tough. Each track is named aptly after a drug and with titles like 'Cocaine' , 'PCP' and 'Miss Ritalin' he keeps the theme in order. Each track is short in length, but keeps up a great continuous non stop ride. G. Malone is one of the best out the West and with his Cash Money Records co-sign and independent hustle going strong, he continues to collect accolades with his mic prowess.
Reppin': L.A., California Standout Song: 211
HOSTED BY DJ WHOO KID

Piles - Arisotle
Plies is back with another banger in time for the Fall. Arisotle, hosted by Bigga Rankin adds another hit for to Plies mixtape catalog. Capturing the spirit of the hard times going on in our country today with joints like 'Pressure' is what the people appreciate about Plies. He definitely has some club heaters as well with songs like 'Lowa' but brings it right back to the hood with 'Dope Boys Dream'. Plies never lets his absence be felt for too long, and in this business keeping it consistent with music is one of the most important aspects of staying relevant.
Reppin': Fort Myers, FL Standout Song: Pressure
HOSTED BY BIGGA RANKIN

Charles Hamilton - C.A.T.S. Scan
With his comeback in full gear, Charles Hamilton is letting his listeners know, he's here for good with this new mixtape. The talented emcee and producer who has an all original, uncanny way of spitting doesn't go light on C.A.T.S. Scan. On the song 'Cats Said Scan I Can Diss You' he goes off on some of today's most popular emcees no holds barred. Other tracks show his diverse flow and ability to switch it up at a moments notice. He's a witty rapper for sure and is getting back to what made him see success in the first place - Mixtapes.
Reppin': Harlem, NY Standout Song: Jeff Distin Meetings

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