Reviews: May 2007 Archives

How many of ya'll remember early to mid 90's Hip Hop Soul? Not that late overly used Rodney Jerkins bullshit 90s sound either. I'm talking bout Total, SWV, Keith Sweat, Jodey Watley, Case, Mary J, Jodeci, Toni Braxton in that white one piece leather jump suit...good god! I think I would have ate the pussy through the jump suit...no lie. There's too many acts to name from that time period and I don't really want it to go back to that time period but it would be nice to have the same diversity that that particular time period game us. Rhude is back on some R&B/Hip Hop/Soul shit and given his track record with the Hip Hop joints it should be real interesting how he presents this project and what songs he's fucking with.

I don't know how many people are fucking with Amerie's new shit but the cats I know are def open off her new album. "Gotta Work" sounds like a hit, I guess her label is taking the typical R&B promotional route with her project and will work this over the whole year. Natasha hitting the high notes in "So Sick" was a rough listen. Is that Jerkins behind this song too? Having chic's singing about being 17 up in the club with fake ids and shit...reminds me of the broad Akon humped on stage. The Clipse was dope on this track tho. The catchiest and probably the funkiest (yea I said funkiest) track on here is Sterling Simms with "Nasty Girl". This is that feel good/roller skate music with a lil soul vibe thrown in for good measure. As far as radio joints go, "Get It Shawty" is the wheel. I look like a complete ass in my ride when this comes on. Budden laced the remix too, he's got the ability to hop on some commercial shit and maintain that credibility...I give him credit. Nore on the other hand..."crunk up the jam / crunk it up"??? Come on Nore! And Joc want's a bitch with jaws like a great white? Hell no. I'm on that old school suck a golf ball through a rubber hose type of bitch. Rhude on the transition into "Addicted" was smooth too. You gotta dig when cats actually get their mix on and know what their doing. If there's a hell it probably plays "Like This" 24 hours a day. I don't know what it is but I can't stand that song. Maybe its the pots and pans used to make the beat...listen close and see what I mean. Speaking of that classic 90s R&B sound..."Don't Be a Fool" is it. Remo slides through for quick feature on here as well. Back on that smooth shit is Bobby Valentio with "That Thing"; def formulaic but still very smooth. My favorite joint hands down was Megan Rochelle with "Heartbreak". This track has some soul to it people don't sleep. Amerie got soul on "Needed To See" as well. These are def the sleeper tracks of the CD.

Rhude is just doing it up real smooth on this on. No crazy loud shout outs or drops, beat matched transitions and when he didn't beat match he was working the fader bringing in the next joint while keeping the timing/tempo up to par with the previous track. Music wise shit was cool as a fan, a nice mix of mainstream remix joints along with a couple new jewels. R&B mixtapes don't really get too much burn in my ride, two or three days max usually so if you make it three days you know the shit was done properly and this CD def went the distance.

The weather is getting warmer and I think we can all use a little reggaeton in our lives. NEL E NEL "I Hear They Want Reggaeton" is packed with refreshing mixes of your favorite reggaeton hits. Giving a fresh take on these already established hits makes it easy to hit repeat. Feat: Don Omar, Wisin Y Yandel, Akon, Aventura, Yong Jeezy, Hector El Bambino, Chris Brown, and more.

Straight out of Brooklyn, DJ Rondevu has made a name for himself in the mixtape scene dating back to the 1980's, traveling around the world, appearing on MTV and BET, a fixed feature on Sirius Satellite Radio Station Wax 42. Not to mention being the first DJ to drop a DVD and an independent album and is not done there. Rondevu comes back to life to revamp the mixtape game after a short live hiatus alongside the great DJ Premier to give you The Realness. A mixtape featuring the like of; Jay-Z, Nas, DMX, Fat Joe, Young Buck, Jimi Hendrix, Saigon, M.O.P, more, for twenty-six tracks of hotness. This drop is blended to perfection featuring all of Premier's new and classic beats, with him on the mic doing hosting duties.

DJ Clue, a pioneer in the mixtape industry, delivered this mixtape a while back. Amazingly enough, the topic of choice in many of the tracks are still relevant. Includes "One Never Knows" by Lake featuring Nas, in which Nas cleverly addresses many of the questions still being asked. DJ Clue, undoubtedly the most familiar voice in the mixtape circuit has trademarked his echoing voice on all of his mixtapes.

This mixtape continues to fly off the shelves even though it's been on the circuit for quite awhile. Cam'ron and the Dipset crew have always had a bunch of hype and drama surrounding them and even more so after the 50 Cent "Curtis" battle. So it's no wonder their mixtapes are in demand. Kay Slay and Diplomats seem to have the magic touch on this compilation with a little help from some of music's finest. The mixtape features 22 tracks over beats from the late, great, Marvin Gaye, Billy Joel, Jay Z, and also features exclusive freestyles from JR Writer, Jim Jones, J. Mills, Cam and Juelz Santana. Diplomats Volume 4 showcases the gang's contribution to the game with anthems like "Gangsta Music" and the smoker's theme song, "Purple Haze." Whether they are newly released mixtapes or a few of their older joints, people wanna hear what the Diplomats are all about and what's next.

Whoo Kid, hailing from Queens, New York has made a name for himself in the industry by hosting various shows over the air including New York's Hot 97 and a show on satellite radio Shade 45. Whoo Kid is the receiver of the famed Justo award in 2002 for Best Mixtape Duo and best Mixtape DJ in 2004. Whoo Kid and "Money in the Bank" can be blamed for putting Lloyd Banks on the map. This mixtape, which released brand new freestyles and songs, is a classic example of the importance of launching an artist's career. Includes the street hits like "Porno Star" and the ever-so buzz worthy "Victory Freestyle" featuring Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson.

Take two DJ's from opposite coast, Vlad hailing from Oakland, California and Dirty Harry reppin' Queens, New York; mix them together and you get one of the finest mixtapes ever created. The Notorious B.I.G.: Rap Phenomenon was released on the anniversary of Biggie's death in 2003. Since then all other attempts to recreate this type of mixtape has fallen short. Why? This was the first of its kind where both DJ's already known their specific niches in their specific areas - Vlad for his "Hot in Here" series and Dirty Harry with his slew of mixtapes named mostly after Clint Eastwood movies that have become classics in there own right. Vlad and Harry fused their talents and crafted a tribute for arguably the greatest MC to ever grace our presence. Mixed together are Biggies lyrics with classic west coast beats as well as the hottest beats from 2003 alongside many of his unreleased tracks, freestyles and interviews blended so well you think the mixes were exclusively crafted for Biggie originally. 50 tracks of greatness don't even cover The Notorious one, but it's a classic start.

By Ronelle Levy
Staff Writer, Mixtapekings.com

Aside from selling really well on Mixtapekings.com, the mixtape is considered a hood classic due to its standout freestyles like the freestyle by Tony Yayo straight from the cell block! The mixtape has some of illest diss records ever made, like the gritty "Hail Mary" dissing Ja-Rule and the Murder Inc. But the mixtape isn't just bad blood and threats; it's a showcase of the competitive climate in hip hop in 2003.

By Ronelle Levy
Staff Writer, Mixtapekings.com

There are still those out there who question his skills but Lil Wayne is laughing all the way to the bank. Years may have passed but he is still holding his ground in the Hip Hop World. He has been in the game since the early 90's and hasn't stopped since. Just in his Twenties, with more than 5 solo albums , a few albums with his original group , one with his mentor , several mixtapes and appearing on other artists singles, LiL Wayne is proving that he is talented in more ways than one and proving that the underdog can come out on the top.

When LiL Wayne isn't performing he is keeping busy as active President of his own record label, Young Money Records. Wayne is back again with DJ LRM to bring you the latest mixtape " I am hip hop". The latest joint features hot remixes of Swiss Beatz "it's me bitches", "Throw Some D's", "I am" with Diddy , some hot freestyles tracks and more. If you are a LiL Wayne/ DJ LRM fan definitely cop this.

By Isabel Arreaga
Staff Writer, Mixtapekings.com

Dirty Harry introduced the concept of blending and mash-ups in mixtapes. The production featured on the mixtape has a complexity that many albums don't even have. His blends are luxurious and intelligent: he goes beyond changing up the chorus. It's beyond producing a beat dope. The innovator paved the way for other DJ's to have the freedom to take music and add their own twist to it. How many other DJ's can get away with including Pink Floyd on a Hip Hop mixtape?

By Glenny Cruz
Staff Writer, Mixtapekings.com

Regardless of the lagging sales, this mixtape is a time capsule which captures all the beef caused by 50 Cent in hip hop history. The mixtape features the troublemaker's diss tracks from past and present. Includes the buzz worthy, Cam'ron diss track, "Funeral." Remember the beef between Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson and Jay-Z? No? It's because you don't have this mixtape in your collection. In "I'm Not Rich Still Lying," 50 cent disguises his voice to emulate The Game and spits clever verses, embarrassing The Game. Hate it him or love him, but the guy knows how to strike back at the enemies in the most charismatic ways.

By Ronelle Levy
Staff Writer, Mixtapekings.com

Where you at Scoob Doo? Did you make to the list of One Mix Wonders? Scoob Doo is here yes and with yet again another hot release (took you long enough!)," Live From the Bricks" with Redman. This is a hot addition to Scoob Doo's current and up-coming projects. Apparently, there is no need to worry because Scoob Doo is on the grind and on his game .With countless mixtapes and his Street Talk DVD series, be on the lookout for more from Scoob including a few motion picture projects in the works. Stay tuned via his Street Talk DVD series to get the latest info. The mixtape is a prelude to Redmans new album, Red Gone Wild due out at the end of this month. Reggie Noble is back and proving that he can still hold his own. With his signature witty style yet powerful lyrics, this mixtape is packed with all we know and love from Red and more. The mixtape Features 26 new tracks, including beats from Justin's "My Love" and Jay Z's "My First Song", and guest spots by Saukrates and a production by Erik Sermon. He may have been away for a bit but the Rockwilder is back and hasn't lost his touch.

By Glenny Cruz
Staff Writer, Mixtapekings.com

The late J Dilla may have passed but his music still resonates. His music was ahead of his time; making J Dilla and DJ Soul perfect candidates for the revolution of the mixtape. DJ Soul chose the perfect beats, produced by J Dilla and the perfect verses from hip hop's finest, and flawlessly renewed classic material. The mixtape captures the old story-telling method of hip hop music, transporting you to a time when music made you feel a certain way.

J Dilla's material, with the help of DJ Soul is magically able to fuse the new with the old. The rhymes are classic, the beats tell a story on their own and have a certain drama, reminiscent of a soundtrack for a suspense thriller. All the songs on this mixtape are blurred in regards to the time of the moment. You can't tell if whether or not the sound is classic hip hop, or modern day. Regardless, J Dilla and DJ Soul have completely revolutionized and set new standards for the mixtape game.

Standout tracks include: "Hope" by Nas, "Whip Me with a Strap" by Ghostface

By The Mixtape Queens
Mixtapekings.com

DJ LRM - R&B Fever 19
11.Justin Timberlake - What Goes Around

This song is self explanatory, especially for those of us who've been burned by their mate (which could be every one of us). In the end, it's a great "you suck" song that we can all appreciate.

- Isabel Arreaga

Stackhouse Recordings presents Rhythm & Gangstas Hosted by Trey Songz
Make Me Better

Its a positive message for both males and females to find someone who is complimentary and not supplementary ...plus Timbaland's beat, Ne-Yo's voice, Fab's lyrics...synthesized into one track = fire!!!

-Jessica Perez

DJ On Point Is This What U Want Vol. 4
Like a Boy - Ciara

It touches on a topic all women have questioned. What if I were a boy? Hmm, what would you do if you were ladies? I would run for President!

-Dominique Andriese

The Best of Both Offices: Def Jam vs. Interscope
Common- Testify

It's just a great mix, I love Common's style and in parts it reminds me of 60's soul. The energy on this track is amazing; it's currently on repeat on my ipod.

- Monica Nova

DJ Suss One & DJ L - We Takin' Over Part 1
Umbrella - Rihanna

The song has an R&B flava with a funky dance beat. Makes u wanna sing and hit the club!

-Ronelle Levy

Because of You
Do You - Ne-Yo

Does your ex still love or think about you? It's a question we've all wanted answered before.

-Karen De La Cruz

StackHouse Recordings presents Rhythm & Gangsta
It's Songz & Weezy - Trey Songs and Lil Wayne

They took over the Swizz Beats track! Trey Songz, the up and coming King of R&B, has a verse that showcases the youngster's swag. The perfect track for summertime crusin'.

- Glenny Cruz

By Isabel Arreaga
Staff Writer, Mixtapekings.com

This Brooklyn rapper's rhymes are so tight this project should've been turned into an album. Maino really sparks it up with tracks like "Take it Like a Man" dissin' everybody who's somebody and there moms. The duration of the entire mixtape is filled with poppin tracks and doesnt fall short in any way. This guy is grubby and he's got the backing to prove it. Featuring the likes of: Lil Kim, Papoose, Uncle Murda, Tony Sunshine and more.

By Big Chew, Rapmullet.com

It's a dozen in the series now...when will it stop? I doubt it ever will if Teknikz is smart. I remember getting some good advice when we started Rapmullet.com...ride that shit till the wheels fall off and Teknikz should do the same. I know cats peeped this track list when it dropped and were like "where did he get that shit!" Like we at Rapmullet have said many many times; your exclusives will not be found on Boxden or places like that. DJs need to get they polly game on and build with MCs. Here's a little tip for ya'll reading this. The music game is going back to the independents, get in with these inde labels early and build...it will pay off in the end.

If you ask me I think they should have gotten R. Kelly to re-do the vocals for the ìGo Gettaî remix. I mean that beat was cool but with that same old hook was a little outta place. Jadakiss did his thing along with Bun B. If you were like me and you saw the T.I. with Wyclef Jean track on here you were like ìWTFîÖI gotta admit the shit was smooth, not really trap house worthy but def catchy. Why CTE would want to switch ìCorporate Thugginî in place of ìWhite Girlî is beyond me. One thing is true with that song thoÖitís def corporate. Not that the previous tracks were wack but with ìHow You Want Itî by Rick Ross the CD really started to pop off; thatís how you ride a beat. ìThrow This Moneyî is the CTE shit I wanna hear. Slick Pulla is a beast on the MIC when he wants to be. There are two potential hit records on this CD. The first is ìBottle Poppinî with Yung Joc and Gorilla Zoe. This track is the definition of infectious, I had it on rewind and I donít even fuck with club joints like that but the shit is def feel good music. The second track is ì9 mmî. Akon on the hook is that magic touch with David Bannerís intense flow. This track should be everywhere on mixtapes to set the summer off. If you donít already fuck with Roccet youíre missing out on one of the best new MCs from the West coast. ìAll 4 The Streetsî is for the ride while Roccet gives you a lesson in flow-ology. ìBone, bone, bone, bone, boneÖboneÖ.î LOL Man we used to clown Bone Thugs back in the day and honestly I still canít fuck with them, call me an asshole but ìRollinî sounds forced.

One thing Iím big on right now with mixtapes is the vibe of the whole project. Between tracks 5 and 19 (with the exception of ìWhat It Isî) you can tell Teknikz was having fun with it. The first couple joints were played out of necessity for the ìcopî appeal and the last couple joints were filler. Thatís how shit is tho, itís about balance between what you like playing and what you have to play to keep shit up to par for the masses. Throw the fact Teknikz is letting the skills breathe into the mix and then you know why heís one of the fastest rising mixtape DJs in the game today. Not just in the south eitherÖin the ìgameî. Itís not all about just playing new shitÖitís about how you are playing that new shit that seperates you from the rest of the pack.

Tracklist
1. Dj Teknikz - if u buyin we sellin
2. Young Jeezy, Bun B & Jadakiss - Go getta Rmx (World Premier)
3. TI Ft Wyclef Jean - What it is (Teknikz X clusive)
4. Young Jeezy, Bloodraw & Slick Pulla - Corporate Thuggin (Teknikz X clusive)
5. Rick Ross - How you want it
6. Slick Pulla - Throw this money
7. Yung Joc & Gorilla Zoe - Bottle Poppin
8. Yung Joc - Dunk's (Teknikz X clusive)
9. Gucci Mane Ft Oj - Paris Hilton
10. Yola Ft Gucci Mane - Pass da kush
11 Rick ROss,Triple C's & Junior Reid - Business Man
12 UTP & Lil wayne - Do what u wanna do
13 Rick Ross - Career Criminal
14 David Banner, Akon, Lil wayne & Snoop Dogg - 9 MM
15 Roccet - All 4 the streets (C.T.E. West)
16 Reggie P - Heat (Blackwallstreet South)
17 David Banner Ft UGK - Suicide Doors
18 Yola Ft Bone Thugs & Harmony - Rollin
19 Young Dro - True Story (Teknikz X clusive)
20 Durty - Paper work (Block ENT)
21 If u buyin we sellin Outro
22 JC Feat Gorilla Zoe - Tic Toc
23 TI - Dont bother me
24 TI - No sweat

By Big Chew, Rapmullet.com

Just when you think the creativity in mixtapes is muerte, you get a couple releases that let you know The Realness still exists. Rondevu and Premier on some mixtape shit? Who would have thunk it? Without even listening to one sound off this mixtape I can give you two reasons to cop this project. One...it's a new Rondevu joint and two...its got Premier on it. What more do you need? You think this is some pause shit? Hahahaha hell no and for those that don't know or don't remember...DJ Rondevu "creates" his own exclusives. Yea I said it..."create". I know its a scary word for some of you. It'll be ok, just go check your inbox for that next mediocre "exclusive" while we get back on this real shit.

You know the intro was some crazy shit, Rondevu got skills for days...like it's nothing and there's really no need to explain that shit. "We Got News" is that shoot ya shoes off real hip hop music. There is something about Premo's drums with Game and Jadakiss over them...crack-ola. Not too many DJs remixing Saigon which in itself is a feat but "Speak Ya Clout" was a perfect fit. If you listened to the Rapmullet IPod you already heard "All 4 The Cash". I know, I know the shit is rediculous...cuts, beat selection...Rondevu captured the essence of G-Unit with this shit. Now you know Jay Z and Premo is a good look regardless so what do you think "I Get The Paper" sounds like? The only remix of Ronde's I really wasn't fucking with was the DMX joint "O.T. Flip". I mean are cats really still rocking DMX right now? The beat used for "The Boss" is classic. I mean this shit makes Joey Crack sound like a champion...it's the beat man! "Tonz O Gunz" is my shit too. Def gotta get your monotone flow on with Guru at some point. I'm trying not to give ya'll all the jewels but OC and Jay Z is an ill colaboration. I wish this shit would of actually happened back in like '96. I don't give a fuck what anyone says, Jeru The Damaja's first album was classic. I went through two tapes running that shit back to back. "Da Bitchez" still gets mad burn over here. The suprise or shall we say sleeper track was without a doubt Devin The Dude and Jimi Hendriz on "Doobie Ashtray"...smokers get yo shit ready to burn.

DJ Rondevu doesn't drop as often as he used to but he's a busy man who stays getting a check all around the world. What other DJ you know bout to go on tour overseas, just dropped a DVD and a new mixtape? That should be a good indication of what cats should be striving for in this mixtape game...and no you're cut and paste emailed exclusives will not get you to that level. Just when you think the game is all but over cats hit you upside the head and let you know the shit is still alive. Thanks Ronde...the game appreciates you.