I decided to post a little something on my favorite mixtapes I have downloaded in the past year or so. All the music here can be found on by simply typing a search into Google. Not everything will coincide with your taste, but that’s the brilliance about this blog… it’s all about me! All in all, I’m sure if you are a fan of the urban music scene, you’ll find something in this list for yourself. And NO… these aren’t from your artists you always see on television. This is all ‘underground’ and up and coming stuff. Read and review.
Album: A Matter of Time
Artist: Mike Posner and The Brain Trust
Worthy Single: Cooler Than Me
Why: Because this album is starring a kid from Duke university that just followed his ambition. It has great beats, soulful lyricism, and all in all, a good vibe. It leans more to the R&B side at times, but it’s well worth the download. Also, if you get the chance, search up Mike Posner on YouTube. It’s always cool to see how artists do their thing in the studio. Aside from all the weed.
Album: The Greenhouse Effect
Artist: Asher Roth
Worthy Single: Roth Boys
Why: Because who doesn’t want another Caucasian to succeed in the music industry? Alright, but in all honesty, Asher brings a very slick vibe to the hip hop scene. At times he can sound like Eminem, but the sheer amount of lyrical talent this guy has is SICK! The album is pretty much instrumentals from other well known songs, that he just sings over. Very varied and very voluptuous stuff! If you want more, you can always download his single ‘I Love College’ on iTunes.
Album: 808’s and Mixtapes
Artist: Novel
Worthy Single: Amazing
Why: Because it’s about time you think more about the world around when you listen to music. With some instrumentals coming from Kanye’s latest album, the songs of 808’s and Mixtapes are chock-full of powerful stuff. I mean, aren’t we all tired by now of all the artists talking about how shiny their wrists are? How curvy their women are? Or how amazing they sound with autotune? Seriously, Novel writes great stuff. His stuff can be entirely acapella and it STILL be one of my favorite mistapes. CHECK IT!
Album: So Far Gone
Artist: Drake
Worthy Single: Uptown Girl
Why: With the seal of approval by Lil Wayne, Drake is creeping up the music industry. Though the beats are a little slow in nature, they are a bit different. What really takes the cake is the slick witticism and finger flicking lyrics. Some great stuff to be heard here. It’s very different form what you may typically listen to. Oh, and he’s from Toronto as well!
Album: Fix Your Face
Artist: Travis Barker & DJ AM
Worthy Single: The whole thing!
Why: This is one of, if not thee best mash-up of 2008. DJ AM works the vinyl with a cornucopia of classic hip hop beats, while infamous drummer of Blink 182, Travis Barker, beats his drum like a monkey on Prozak. And that’s a compliment. YOU MUST DOWNLOAD THIS! Don’t even question yourself.
Album: This Charming Mixtape
Artist: Theophilus London
Worthy Single: Crazy Cousins
Why: This is very ‘out-there’ kind of hip hop. Not your typical mixy mixy, scratchy scratchy, deep bass rap music. Download it and find out for yourself. If your into the club/house scene, you’ll love this mixtape. If your just generally interested in a new kind of hip hop, check this out.
Album: Before There Was Love
Artist: U-N-I
Worthy Single: Night Nurse
Why: This album is simply AMAZING. Great variety and a daring re-envisioning of west coast hip hop. There are a ton of tracks on this album. And the kicker? They all have a different flair to them all. If you find this mixtape, you will definitely thank me later.
Album: Well Isn’t This Awkward
Artist: Charles Hamilton
Worthy Single: Re-Anna
Why: I have to admit, this isn’t the best mixtape by Charles Hamilton. In fact, it’s only his latest. To be honest, just look for his other songs and ‘best of’ mixtapes. He is a up and coming artist with some serious talent. Quick wits, and just downright funny lyrics make this dude a general favorite on your playlists.
Album: Smash The System
Artist: The Kickdrums
Worthy Single: Sky High
Why: The Kickdrums bring together a plethora of midwest music from the likings of Kanye West, Kid Cudi, Charles Hamilton, and many others. It’s a mash-up of sorts, but a really well done one. It has a great vibe, and a good ol’ urban theme. I don’t have much to say other than get it!
Album: A KiD Named CuDi
Artist: KiD CuDi
Worthy Single: Down and Out
Why: Cliche, but I saved the best for last. I discovered Kid Cudi last year around July and he has been on owning my iTunes hip hop playlist since. He has a very down to earth attitude as a person, and delivers super surreal lyrics. You may not be a fan of ALL of his songs (I am…), but you’ll definitely find something of his that you can’t stop playing. Check this out. If there was one mixtape I could advice anyone to download, it would be this one here!
