By Legend & William E. Ketchum, III
Rhymefest - The Manual (Scram Jones) [click to listen]
Although the artist himself admitted he thought 2008's Man In The Mirror mixtape was better, Rhymefest damn sure delivered another doozie with The Manual. Billed as a collaboration with longtime New York independent rapper go-to Scram Jones, the '90s-minded effort is a major wake-up call that both men are long overdue for their props in carrying on Hip Hop's proudest points. With CL Smooth, Sadat X and Queen Latifah on board to bring new jewels, The Manual is a Reader's Digest contemporary look at the gems, the style and the culture that helped make 'Fest one of the realest rappers in the game today. "Deal's A Deal" comments on the convictions it takes to make it in Hip Hop, while Che drops in to let Charles Hamilton have it one final time on the controversial "Supersonic." Right up there with Q-Tip and J. Period's nostalgic releases earlier this year, the best tapes in the '09 seem to be the new school, old school links.
Big Sean - UKNOWBIGSEAN (Mick Boogie) [click to listen]
Kid Cudi has been burning up the airwaves and blog sites with runaway single “Day N Nite,” but with this Mick Boogie-helmed mixtape, Detroit youngster Big Sean proves that Cudi isn’t the only G.O.O.D. Music signee worth paying attention to. Kanye West may have seen a bit of himself in Sean, because the latter definitely shares his label boss’ confidence and affinity for popping tags. But Sean’s quirky delivery—a combo of a whimsical deadpan and seesawing voice dips and rises—keeps things interesting, and lines like “You do not got it, you cannot afford it/you cannot stop it, might as well support it” (from the DJ Khaled-sampling “Billionaire”) are sure to get chuckles along the way. To his credit, the non-materialistic tracks are just as potent: “Desire, Want & Need” and the Mike Posner-assisted “Who Knows” see him yearning for success instead of basking in what he’s already earned, and “Love Story” and “Cum Over” see him putting on his best for the ladies. What also shouldn’t go unnoticed is the lack of big name producers, here: despite having Kanye as a label-head and Pharrell as a cosigner (as seen by his drop on the tape), he relies heavily on in-house producers WrighTrax and other unknowns to supply his original backdrops, and they do their jobs well. With a lighthearted flow and versatile range, Sean shouldn’t have any trouble making himself stand out—whether it’s from his label mates or from other leaders of the new school.
Skyzoo - The Power Of Words (Statik Selektah / DJ Drama) [click to listen]
Skyzoo’s [click to read] track record, and “Best Lyricist” recognition at the 2008 Underground Music Awards, and recognition as one of the "Top 10 MC's Alive" on HOT 97 speak for themselves. With the Brooklyn emcee rhyme spitter, you know what you’re getting: bars. And despite having new collaborator like heralded hosts/deejays Statik Selektah [click to read] and DJ Drama [click to read], there’s not many changes in that department. Armed with production from the likes of Khrysis, Jake One, J Dilla, frequent collaborator 9th Wonder and others, Skyzoo spews bars that are technical and clever enough to turn heads, but digestible enough to not turn anyone away. “The Don Cheadle Effect” sees him paralleling his career and work ethic to the criminally underrated actor, but aside from that, there aren’t many elaborate concepts here: just dope beats and dope rhymes, from Skyzoo himself and from an impressive guest list that includes Wale, Young Chris, Talib Kweli and others. Other highlights include “Back On The Map” (featuring a surprisingly potent Maino), the Dilla-laced “Alphabet Soup,” and “Stay What You Say,” which co-stars Rapper Big Pooh and Naledge.
Styles P - Phantom Empire (Big Mike) [click to listen]
Jadakiss [click to read] may be the more visible member of The L.O.X. (and the one with high-selling first week numbers with his latest album), but in this writer’s opinion, groupmate Styles P [click to read] has always had the stronger catalog. Styles P’s mixtape discography with Big Mike is as potent as any emcee’s extra-curricular archives, and with Phantom Empire, the pair add another medal to their reputable Hip Hop jackets. Styles P is on his hood shit per usual, dropping menacing bars one moment and introspective songs the next. Everything from Kid Cudi’s “Day N Nite” to Jay-Z and Eminem’s classic “Renegade” get torn to shreds, and The Ghost keeps it in house by limiting guest verses to those from his L.O.X./D-Block fam ‘Kiss and Sheek [click to read], both of whom are in top form throughout. There may not be many surprises though, but that’s the allure here: Styles P and Big Mike don’t try to fix what isn’t broken, and that results in more piff for their constituents.
Fabolous - The Fabolous Life (New Music Cartel) [click to listen]
It looks like the folks at New Music Cartel read this reviewer’s mind: despite my acknowledgment that Fabolous [click to read] is one of the most talented emcees in Hip Hop right now (especially in the spectrum of major label/mainstream artists), his albums just don’t do the trick. His cameos on R&B artists’ cuts are consistently show-stealing though, and NMC assumed the duties of compiling nearly all of these guest verses onto a double-disc mixtape. Equal parts good memories (Lil Mo’s “Superwoman,” Ne-Yo’s “Make Me Better”) and slept-on treasures (Brandy’s “Fall Back”, Britney Spears’ “Break The Ice”), The Fabolous Life impeccably—if frustratingly—conveys how consistent Fabolous can be, with the Brooklyn emcee’s ability to cram witty punchlines and skillful rhyme schemes inside the most digestible and accessible of hits. While mixing and scratching would have made this a bit more interesting, The Fabolous Life is still a splendid collection of one of the few top tier emcees who’s justifiably slept on.
L.A.U.S.D. Presents - Curly Tops and Nautica Jackets [click to download]
Los Angeles Hip Hop/R&B scene, there’s good news: the success of The Game, Murs and Dr. Dre’s comeback aren’t the only thing you guys have to look forward to. Production duo L.A.U.S.D. (Polyester and Lazy Lou) put together Curly Tops and Nautica Jackets to show what their city had to offer, and their future is bright. Critically acclaimed up-and-comers from the area like Blu, J*Davey, Pacific Division and others all justify their buzz (check “iFeel” and “Round-N-Round,” respectively) but lesser known acts take advantage of the opportunity as well: rhyme trio Overdoz wistfully reminisce on chasing honeys on “Hide-N-Go-Get-It,” and “405” sees Polyester, Diz Gibran [click to read], Dnez, El Prez and L.I.V. contributing standout bars over an experimental smorgasbord of piano keys and what sounds like a soundclip of a train running down tracks. And producer Jansport J is the only producer outside of L.A.U.S.D. to offer backdrops to the project, but his two contributions are standouts: the down the line joint (Polyester, Miss Jack Davey [click to read], Diz Gibran, Dom Kennedy, Blu [click to read] and Shawn Chrystopher) “We Made It ‘09” skillfully samples SWV’s “The Rain,” and “Starter Jacket” impeccably captures old school vibes for several emcees to playfully rhyme over. The title of Curly Tops and Nautica Jackets is a reference to a past fashion trend, but this mixtape is a sign that the future has even more in store.
Outasight - From There To Hear (Mick Boogie) [click to download]
Mick Boogie has a real knack for working with nice up and comers. He tends to bring out the best out of them. Outasight would be another artist to add to the long list. To label From There To Here as a mixtape is almost an understatement. For Hip Hop fans craving that old school sound, OU might be that dude. The way he transitions from the melodies and rapping seamlessly is definitely refreshing to hear, especially in 2009. For being the album prequel, this is better than the albums other artists are releasing on their label. Just peep the album snippet on here. The "Radio" joint was the re-incarnation of LL Cool J's 1986 classic for the new age kids and it features someone you should put yourself up on: Ced Hughes. The Dante Lewis-assisted jawn with The Kid Daytona and Donny Goines is truly a good thing to hear nowadays, especially with the state of the game. All and all, this is the kind of mixtape that you enjoy on a Sunday. The kind you can play back to back without skipping a track because it all flows well. That type of music you grew up with.
Rich Boy - Pacc Man [click to listen]
If its one thing you can't deny about Rich Boy [click to read], is the fact that his beats always go hard, as well as his lyrical conviction. His keen ear for production is as good as anyone in the south. He's got those type of beats that blow out your speakers, and Pacc Man is no different. If you think Rich Boy is just about beats and no rhymes, the instrospective "Thank The Lord" should put a rest to those thoughts. Although the Auto-Tune is heard at times throughout the mixtape, it doesn't deter from the attention away too much from the actual songs. The fact that 99% of this mixtape will have your eardrums ringing with the bass up should give you enough reason to download. He's come a long way from the "Throw Dem D's" days but if you slept on that first album, you might need to go listen and put yourself on.
Chester French - Jacques Jams Vol. 1: Endurance (Clinton Sparks) [click to listen]
DXnext alumni Chester French [click to read] has been steady waiting to drop on Star Trak for a couple years and the time has finally come with their Love The Future album [click to read]. Although Jacques Jams Vol. 1: Endurance with Clinton Sparks [click to read] has that album-esque tone to it, its only the prequel to the album. The inundating amount of features should make this project worth a check and with "Mr. Get Familiar" and the New Music Cartel riding shotgun, Star Trak might have a winner with Chester French. This mixtape explores everything outside the box. Some of the songs even have that The Beatles new age sound which oppositely contrast tracks like the Pusha T-assisted "Campus Kingpin." Hearing Bun B on the futuristic sounding "I'm So Tall" alongside Mickey Factz and Talib Kweli is a good sign of how the veterans are embracing the new blood. The peak of their sound and potential is definitely seen on the Diddy and Jadakiss track "Ciroc Star." The crossover appeal that track carries is enough to land it in a commercial soon. The product placement possibilities are endless. Jacques Jams Vol. 1 is that kind of mixtape that pushes the boundaries while still remaining fresh. Get Familiar with Chester French.
Stat Quo - The Invisible Man Mixtape [click to listen]
The world is still waiting for Statlanta. Ever since his departure from Shady/Aftermath, there's no denying Stat Quo's [click to read] determination to get back to where he used to be. The Invisible Man is an ode to everyone who has stayed sleeping on him throughout the years. If its one thing about Stat, he has knack for picking dope beats. 95% of the tracks on here have above par production. The way Stat navigates through them make it that much better. The only filler might be "The Price Is Right," but with tracks like "Heaven" you can hear Stat Quo is in the zone as of late. He keeps it short and sweet on the mixtape too. Theres only 16 tracks and six interludes, including the intro/outro. Thats a skill most artists aren't familiar with nowadays. More material doesn't always equal better quality. The album Smoke And Mirrors is in stores now.
Rhymefest - The Manual (Scram Jones) [click to listen]
Although the artist himself admitted he thought 2008's Man In The Mirror mixtape was better, Rhymefest damn sure delivered another doozie with The Manual. Billed as a collaboration with longtime New York independent rapper go-to Scram Jones, the '90s-minded effort is a major wake-up call that both men are long overdue for their props in carrying on Hip Hop's proudest points. With CL Smooth, Sadat X and Queen Latifah on board to bring new jewels, The Manual is a Reader's Digest contemporary look at the gems, the style and the culture that helped make 'Fest one of the realest rappers in the game today. "Deal's A Deal" comments on the convictions it takes to make it in Hip Hop, while Che drops in to let Charles Hamilton have it one final time on the controversial "Supersonic." Right up there with Q-Tip and J. Period's nostalgic releases earlier this year, the best tapes in the '09 seem to be the new school, old school links.
Big Sean - UKNOWBIGSEAN (Mick Boogie) [click to listen]
Kid Cudi has been burning up the airwaves and blog sites with runaway single “Day N Nite,” but with this Mick Boogie-helmed mixtape, Detroit youngster Big Sean proves that Cudi isn’t the only G.O.O.D. Music signee worth paying attention to. Kanye West may have seen a bit of himself in Sean, because the latter definitely shares his label boss’ confidence and affinity for popping tags. But Sean’s quirky delivery—a combo of a whimsical deadpan and seesawing voice dips and rises—keeps things interesting, and lines like “You do not got it, you cannot afford it/you cannot stop it, might as well support it” (from the DJ Khaled-sampling “Billionaire”) are sure to get chuckles along the way. To his credit, the non-materialistic tracks are just as potent: “Desire, Want & Need” and the Mike Posner-assisted “Who Knows” see him yearning for success instead of basking in what he’s already earned, and “Love Story” and “Cum Over” see him putting on his best for the ladies. What also shouldn’t go unnoticed is the lack of big name producers, here: despite having Kanye as a label-head and Pharrell as a cosigner (as seen by his drop on the tape), he relies heavily on in-house producers WrighTrax and other unknowns to supply his original backdrops, and they do their jobs well. With a lighthearted flow and versatile range, Sean shouldn’t have any trouble making himself stand out—whether it’s from his label mates or from other leaders of the new school.
Skyzoo - The Power Of Words (Statik Selektah / DJ Drama) [click to listen]
Skyzoo’s [click to read] track record, and “Best Lyricist” recognition at the 2008 Underground Music Awards, and recognition as one of the "Top 10 MC's Alive" on HOT 97 speak for themselves. With the Brooklyn emcee rhyme spitter, you know what you’re getting: bars. And despite having new collaborator like heralded hosts/deejays Statik Selektah [click to read] and DJ Drama [click to read], there’s not many changes in that department. Armed with production from the likes of Khrysis, Jake One, J Dilla, frequent collaborator 9th Wonder and others, Skyzoo spews bars that are technical and clever enough to turn heads, but digestible enough to not turn anyone away. “The Don Cheadle Effect” sees him paralleling his career and work ethic to the criminally underrated actor, but aside from that, there aren’t many elaborate concepts here: just dope beats and dope rhymes, from Skyzoo himself and from an impressive guest list that includes Wale, Young Chris, Talib Kweli and others. Other highlights include “Back On The Map” (featuring a surprisingly potent Maino), the Dilla-laced “Alphabet Soup,” and “Stay What You Say,” which co-stars Rapper Big Pooh and Naledge.
Styles P - Phantom Empire (Big Mike) [click to listen]
Jadakiss [click to read] may be the more visible member of The L.O.X. (and the one with high-selling first week numbers with his latest album), but in this writer’s opinion, groupmate Styles P [click to read] has always had the stronger catalog. Styles P’s mixtape discography with Big Mike is as potent as any emcee’s extra-curricular archives, and with Phantom Empire, the pair add another medal to their reputable Hip Hop jackets. Styles P is on his hood shit per usual, dropping menacing bars one moment and introspective songs the next. Everything from Kid Cudi’s “Day N Nite” to Jay-Z and Eminem’s classic “Renegade” get torn to shreds, and The Ghost keeps it in house by limiting guest verses to those from his L.O.X./D-Block fam ‘Kiss and Sheek [click to read], both of whom are in top form throughout. There may not be many surprises though, but that’s the allure here: Styles P and Big Mike don’t try to fix what isn’t broken, and that results in more piff for their constituents.
Fabolous - The Fabolous Life (New Music Cartel) [click to listen]
It looks like the folks at New Music Cartel read this reviewer’s mind: despite my acknowledgment that Fabolous [click to read] is one of the most talented emcees in Hip Hop right now (especially in the spectrum of major label/mainstream artists), his albums just don’t do the trick. His cameos on R&B artists’ cuts are consistently show-stealing though, and NMC assumed the duties of compiling nearly all of these guest verses onto a double-disc mixtape. Equal parts good memories (Lil Mo’s “Superwoman,” Ne-Yo’s “Make Me Better”) and slept-on treasures (Brandy’s “Fall Back”, Britney Spears’ “Break The Ice”), The Fabolous Life impeccably—if frustratingly—conveys how consistent Fabolous can be, with the Brooklyn emcee’s ability to cram witty punchlines and skillful rhyme schemes inside the most digestible and accessible of hits. While mixing and scratching would have made this a bit more interesting, The Fabolous Life is still a splendid collection of one of the few top tier emcees who’s justifiably slept on.
L.A.U.S.D. Presents - Curly Tops and Nautica Jackets [click to download]
Los Angeles Hip Hop/R&B scene, there’s good news: the success of The Game, Murs and Dr. Dre’s comeback aren’t the only thing you guys have to look forward to. Production duo L.A.U.S.D. (Polyester and Lazy Lou) put together Curly Tops and Nautica Jackets to show what their city had to offer, and their future is bright. Critically acclaimed up-and-comers from the area like Blu, J*Davey, Pacific Division and others all justify their buzz (check “iFeel” and “Round-N-Round,” respectively) but lesser known acts take advantage of the opportunity as well: rhyme trio Overdoz wistfully reminisce on chasing honeys on “Hide-N-Go-Get-It,” and “405” sees Polyester, Diz Gibran [click to read], Dnez, El Prez and L.I.V. contributing standout bars over an experimental smorgasbord of piano keys and what sounds like a soundclip of a train running down tracks. And producer Jansport J is the only producer outside of L.A.U.S.D. to offer backdrops to the project, but his two contributions are standouts: the down the line joint (Polyester, Miss Jack Davey [click to read], Diz Gibran, Dom Kennedy, Blu [click to read] and Shawn Chrystopher) “We Made It ‘09” skillfully samples SWV’s “The Rain,” and “Starter Jacket” impeccably captures old school vibes for several emcees to playfully rhyme over. The title of Curly Tops and Nautica Jackets is a reference to a past fashion trend, but this mixtape is a sign that the future has even more in store.
Outasight - From There To Hear (Mick Boogie) [click to download]
Mick Boogie has a real knack for working with nice up and comers. He tends to bring out the best out of them. Outasight would be another artist to add to the long list. To label From There To Here as a mixtape is almost an understatement. For Hip Hop fans craving that old school sound, OU might be that dude. The way he transitions from the melodies and rapping seamlessly is definitely refreshing to hear, especially in 2009. For being the album prequel, this is better than the albums other artists are releasing on their label. Just peep the album snippet on here. The "Radio" joint was the re-incarnation of LL Cool J's 1986 classic for the new age kids and it features someone you should put yourself up on: Ced Hughes. The Dante Lewis-assisted jawn with The Kid Daytona and Donny Goines is truly a good thing to hear nowadays, especially with the state of the game. All and all, this is the kind of mixtape that you enjoy on a Sunday. The kind you can play back to back without skipping a track because it all flows well. That type of music you grew up with.
Rich Boy - Pacc Man [click to listen]
If its one thing you can't deny about Rich Boy [click to read], is the fact that his beats always go hard, as well as his lyrical conviction. His keen ear for production is as good as anyone in the south. He's got those type of beats that blow out your speakers, and Pacc Man is no different. If you think Rich Boy is just about beats and no rhymes, the instrospective "Thank The Lord" should put a rest to those thoughts. Although the Auto-Tune is heard at times throughout the mixtape, it doesn't deter from the attention away too much from the actual songs. The fact that 99% of this mixtape will have your eardrums ringing with the bass up should give you enough reason to download. He's come a long way from the "Throw Dem D's" days but if you slept on that first album, you might need to go listen and put yourself on.
Chester French - Jacques Jams Vol. 1: Endurance (Clinton Sparks) [click to listen]
DXnext alumni Chester French [click to read] has been steady waiting to drop on Star Trak for a couple years and the time has finally come with their Love The Future album [click to read]. Although Jacques Jams Vol. 1: Endurance with Clinton Sparks [click to read] has that album-esque tone to it, its only the prequel to the album. The inundating amount of features should make this project worth a check and with "Mr. Get Familiar" and the New Music Cartel riding shotgun, Star Trak might have a winner with Chester French. This mixtape explores everything outside the box. Some of the songs even have that The Beatles new age sound which oppositely contrast tracks like the Pusha T-assisted "Campus Kingpin." Hearing Bun B on the futuristic sounding "I'm So Tall" alongside Mickey Factz and Talib Kweli is a good sign of how the veterans are embracing the new blood. The peak of their sound and potential is definitely seen on the Diddy and Jadakiss track "Ciroc Star." The crossover appeal that track carries is enough to land it in a commercial soon. The product placement possibilities are endless. Jacques Jams Vol. 1 is that kind of mixtape that pushes the boundaries while still remaining fresh. Get Familiar with Chester French.
Stat Quo - The Invisible Man Mixtape [click to listen]
The world is still waiting for Statlanta. Ever since his departure from Shady/Aftermath, there's no denying Stat Quo's [click to read] determination to get back to where he used to be. The Invisible Man is an ode to everyone who has stayed sleeping on him throughout the years. If its one thing about Stat, he has knack for picking dope beats. 95% of the tracks on here have above par production. The way Stat navigates through them make it that much better. The only filler might be "The Price Is Right," but with tracks like "Heaven" you can hear Stat Quo is in the zone as of late. He keeps it short and sweet on the mixtape too. Theres only 16 tracks and six interludes, including the intro/outro. Thats a skill most artists aren't familiar with nowadays. More material doesn't always equal better quality. The album Smoke And Mirrors is in stores now.
