Ludacris - The Preview (DJ Drama) [click to listen]

In his first release since 2006’s coming of age disc Release Therapy [click to read], Luda’s [click to read] prepping listeners in style by teaming up with DJ Drama [click to read] for The Preview. In a surprisingly well-rounded effort, the mixtape sees ‘Cris showcasing the maturity that he did on his last effort, and the charismatic, carefree nature of his early to mid-career work. While listeners may be let down that “Politics As Usual” doesn’t use the seminal Jay-Z instrumental, he still uses the beat to Young Buck’s “Buck In Here” to give an enthusiastic cosign to Barack Obama and an equally engaging diss to right-wingers. On “Stay Together,” he disappointingly reminisces about the entertainment industry’s failed relationships. Meanwhile, Ludacris kills “2 Kings” with so many punchlines and beat-riding skills that you’d wish that he were on the original “3 Kings” with Slim Thug, T.I. and Bun B. “Sho’ Nuff Revisted” sees him using the beat from the southern classic Tela and 8Ball track to floss and pay ode to his predecessors. Aside from Lil Fate, all of his DTP cohorts also have incredible verses: Shawnna’s verse on “Smokin Big Kill” oozes swagger, and “Pinky Shinin” sees Small World easily outshining his label head with impeccably-delivered internal rhyme schemes. Keeping up with the tradition of Luda’s previous albums (aside from Release Therapy), there are even great skits here: “Ordinary Negroes” turns John Legend’s hit song into an acapella literal take of “Love In This Club.” If Luda’s upcoming album has him in a zone like he is here, Hip Hop heads are in for a pleasant surprise.

Lil Wayne & Kanye West - From Another Planet (The Empire) [click to listen]

You really thought The Empire would quit after Weezy F. aired them out? Wrong. Instead, the great agitators of the mixtape community deliver a suggestion that celebrates the creativity of two of rap's biggest voices on the same tape. From Another Planet, packaged with The Empire's top-notch cover art, features first a Wayne side then a 'Ye side, then back to Carter. If cassettes were around, this would be cool. Since they're not, it's a bit disappointing that there's no interspersing here. However, joints like Kanye's "A Million And One" freestyle or Lil Wayne's brutal delivery on "Throw It Up" make this a sure pleaser to both the older and younger listening communities. The Carter III [click to read] inclusions may come as an open-palmed slap in the face of the superstar for calling 'em out, but The Empire has far from fallen.

Cassidy - It’s Your B-Day Mixtape (DJ Green Lantern) [click to listen]

With last year’s B.A.R.S. [click to read], Cassidy [click to read] made a point to make more reflective music after going through jail time and a nearly-fatal car crash. But his new mixtape with Green Lantern sees him and the deejay both celebrating their birthdays (July 7), so it’s only fitting that Cass celebrates another year by returning to the cocky, punchline-heavy bars that earned him his reputation. While the mixtape’s eight tracks (minus the intro) amount to a lean half hour of listening, it’s a reasonably solid listen throughout. “Amnesia” and “Money Come Fast” see him spewing the hardnosed rhymes he’s known for, while Cassidy uses “Was Up Wit U” to chastise disloyal hustlers, quipping, “If I gave you a penny for everybody that’s friendly, and I gave you a nickel for everybody that missed you, and I gave you a quarter for all your supporters, and gave you a dollar for every one of your riders, you’d probably be lucky to live with five dollars.” “In One Year And Out The Other” uses a trio of oversaid street soliloquies to display his chronic disobedience, and “Enemies Closer” see him going toe-to-toe with his foes on the streets. Naysayers of B.A.R.S. should be careful what they wish for, as Cassidy’s hood sense is back in full effect—many of his narratives and talking points are befuddled with unnecessary gangsterisms. But fortunately, this mixtape is short, and the Philly native’s abrasive, scowling vocals and sharp delivery keep things interesting for as long as they need to be.

Snoop Dogg - The City Is In Good Hands (DJ Drama) [click to listen] Continued on page 2 »