Pusha T - Wrath of Caine Review

Intro – The track sets the stage for the entire album.  The Jamaican woman in the beginning is basically saying ‘no one in the rap game can mess with Pusha T.’ Some shots at Wayne are thrown in the beginning as well, (Ima lean till they crown me king of New Orleans) but the energy is the most important aspect.  The tone is set, lets go.

Millions (Feat. Rick Ross) – I like this track because basically both of these guys are really good at being arrogant on the mic.    Yeah I know they did the I’m Good Remix.  Yeah I know they collab’d on I Still Wanna (btw Ab-Liva out rapped both them dudes on that track).  But this seems right up their alley.  The loud horns, booming bass and catchy hook only add value to this already demanding track by giving it the ability to bump in the trunk and be appreciated by all.

Doesn’t Matter (Feat. French Montana) – I’m sorry but the autotune falsetto craze that Future started needs to go away…yesterday.  Anyway back to the track.  He starts off the track with brash comparisons to some of history’s most dominant beings just to put you in your place; ‘Peasants aint sitting with the Kings, Goliath and worried bout your sling, and Cassius aint bothered by your swings.’  The entire track is basically a display of confidence and hierarchy.  Listen to the amount of grammar used, alliteration, assonance, slant rhyme, similes and metaphors.  For all those saying that all this dude talks about is drugs, actually listen to the words and see how skilled of a lyricist he really is.

Blocka – Back to the Jamaican theme with this one, with Young Chop on the beat (Chief Keef’s go to producer). The beat is simple but effective, allowing Pusha to show his rhyming prowess without being overshadowed.  You can tell in his voice that Push is hungry on this track, keeping it short and sticking to his coke rap roots: ‘no soundscan for a brick layer, square nigga you a brick hater.’

Road Runner (Feat Troy Ave) –Harry Fraud comes through with some smooth NYC lax music.  To be honest, it would have made more sense to have French Montana on this track. Push comes through with a lazy coke flow with imagery that would make BIG smile down.

Revolution – Everytime the Clipse and The Neptunes get together, classics are made.  The signature horns and synths allow for Young Thornton to come an map out his career with a syllable heavy flow.  Gives me hope that there will be more collaboration in the future.

Only You Can Tell It (Feat Wale) – This track has some 2004 Dipset roots with the chipmunk voice and heavy drums.  To be honest, I wouldn’t have even thought this collaboration possible before Wale joined MMG, it just wasn’t his lane.  But It seems every day he seems to adapt more and more into this new persona and it shows his versatility.  It’s a good look to have two major artist from the DMV connect on a track together.  The track follows in suit to the two previous tracks, giving us more mellow sounding tracks and some deeper flows.

Trust You (Feat. Kevin Gates) – As stated before, this autotune falsetto stuff is wack… But this guy actually has some decent bars.  This is the track for the ladies.  Nuff said.

Take My Life (Feat Andrea Martin) – We had back to Kingston with this one and bring the guitar and the keys (pun intended) with us.  This track reminds me of Nightmares from When the Casket Drops with an eerie feeling of death around the corner.  Push seems more cautious than paranoid on this track though.

Liva – RE-UP GANG MOTIVATION – R.E.U.P.G.A.N.G. LIVA DON comes through and blesses the tape with a much appreciate feature.  To be honest his flow has always been the one that impressed me out of the 4.  The way he can effortlessly ride a beat and carry the same rhyme over 8-12 bars is nothing short of impressive and the visuals that his paints and the metaphors that he uses makes him one of the most slept on rappers in the game. Go get his I-Can tapes.  If they would’ve gone back and forth on this joint… that would’ve taken me back to 2006.

I am Forgiven – The final track brings a sense of self-realization;  a sense of actual closure.  ‘I ask forgiveness Lord, in hopes of getting more, then beg forgiveness for the same thing he forgave me for’; if that line doesn’t describe life itself.  We know we do wrong but sometimes we can’t help ourselves to be trapped in the same sin again.  He gives us a glimpse of how he perceives his own reality and states that you can’t go through all that he has, and not be forgiven.  I couldn’t think of a better way to end The Wrath of Caine.

Pusha T- Wrath of Caine

Download the Mixtape Below!

http://www.livemixtapes.com/mixtapes/20556/pushat-wrath-of-caine.html

Wales' Grammy Nod

This topic ran through my mind all day today as I was trying to process the last time or if there was a hip hop artist from the DC Area ever nominated for a Grammy, no matter the category.  Of course you can say well you have Timbaland and Pharrell influencing many different genres with their production talents, but has there ever been a lyricist from the DMV nominated for his words?  Then that got me thinking about the timing.  We’re coming up on the 2 year anniversary to his Super Bowl day signing to Maybach Music.  Has Rick Ross’ influence helped Wale to the point where he is an internationally accredited artist or has the award show lost its humble groundings?  To be honest, you can argue for both sides.  

I think Wale is an exceptional artist and even though I didn’t agree with the move the Maybach Music at first, you can see his growth as an artist.  To leave Jay-Z and hop over to then, Warner Bros. Records must have taken a lot of negotiation and persuasion but in the end, Wale is getting the respect he deserves.  Wale has changed a lot since his February 2011 singing mostly in the realm of his production and his connection to go-go.  Since Ambition dropped, and the Eleven-one-eleven theory before that, you have seen a darker more ‘street’ side of Wale.  I think Rick Ross saw his ability to create and be versatile over different records and decided to take the wheels of his career and change his lane.  I’ll admit, when I first heard him on the Self Made vol 1, I wondered who I was listening at first.  This wasn’t the same guy harmonizing about Ice Cream Girls and making songs with Mark Ronson.  This was a transformed Wale, with a good kid gone bad persona.  Maybe its been inside him all along (pause) but, I’ve never heard that type of tenacity in his voice.  And guess what people, soft rappers don’t sell.  Wannabe murderers and misogynists do.

Then you have the Grammy’s. Since the 2012 awards there has been a change in the number of categories and it has been increasingly hard to try and get the hardware.  Especially in the hip hop genre.  If you’re not on the same label as Jay-Z, Dr. Dre, or Lil Wayne, good luck.  It aint gonna happen.  In my opinion, its run by the labels and if your label doesn’t have some money to blow then it ain’t happening.  Ever. I guess this is why people sell out, the industry basically makes you if you ever want to sit at the table with the big boys. I will watch the show, for the performances only.

To be completely honest I’m happy for the guy.  I’ve been wanting this since I heard DC Gorillaz.  I’m just seconding guessing the timing.  Lotus Flower Bomb is a good song, baby making music at its finest.  Is it Wales’ greatest work? Hardly.  Will winning a grammy for Lotus Flower Bomb rather than for Shades or the Artistic Integrity stop his drive and his and my own appreciation for his music.  Not one bit.

To be honest, it is now or never for him, and as a fellow DMV’ian I hope he wins.  Congrats Ralph.

Long.Live.A$AP Review

What’s up everyone its Big Rizzle and I’m going to be doing a track by track review of A$AP Rocky’s debut album Long.Live.A$AP.  If you don't know who Rocky is, he is a young cat our of Harlem NY who uses many different styles and influences in his rhymes.  One verse his inner Krazie Bone might come out and on the next line he might sound like Pimp C.  Very versatile and has a very good flow.  Not the greatest lyricist but he knows how to keep you listening.  My opinions are mine and mine alone and if you want to make noise, send me a facebook message or leave a comment below.

1. Long Live A$AP (Produced by Jim Jonsin)

With this joint, Rocky runs head first out the gate. The beat casts a dark cloud over the  rhymes and sets a tone for the test of the album.  Over the mellow cadence, Rocky reflects on life as shown in the last line in verse one: “I wonder if they miss me, as long as I make history/
Now my soul is feeling empty, tell the reaper come and get me.”  This self reflection  on his past and future life tells me Rocky is grounded but at the same time self conscious of the people affected by his music.  He wants to be in it for the long run, and with an opening track that seems to do nothing but look back into the past of a young rock and show us who he’s become, he should have no problem.

Beats - 9  Rhymes - 7   Life - 9

2.  Goldie (Produced by Hit Boy)

Hit Boy is a fool for this one.  This is hands down the best song on the album and it was released months ago.  The way Rocky effortlessly levitates over the beat flaunting names of designers you’ve never heard of (let alone afford), and reminding you why he’s Pretty Flacko and everyone else is just...yeah.  Every rapper has that track that boasts his wealth and its usually a track that stand out in their catalog; i.e. Jay-Z Big Pimpin, B.G. Bling Bling, Notorious BIG Hypnotize.. the list can go on.  And while some of his raps are sub-par in this one, especially the 2 Chainz worthy second verse opener: “Yes I’m the shit, tell me do it stink/it feels good waking up to money in the bank”, he finds a way to bring it back together with his flow and delivery.  The different pitches in his voice make it fun to listen to and the bass makes your speakers crave it.

Beats - 10  Rhymes - 6.5  Life - 10

3. PMW (Produced by T-Minus) Feat. Schoolboy Q

If Kendrick Lamar and J. Cole can do a project, these two can put something together.  Everytime they get together its nothing but energy.  Even though this joint isn’t the livest joint on the album the chemistry is still there.  It’s like Mac and Devin go to college.  If you haven’t found out what PMW stands for, its Pussy Money Weed.  And to be honest its these three topics which encompass 75% of Rocky’s subject matter (the other 25 being fashion and violence).  This song is basically a bachelors anthem, rhymes about one night stands and blowing loud is all the song is really about, nothing special, except the incredible chemistry between these two artists.

Beats - 7  Rhymes - 7.5   Life - 7.5

4. LVL (Produced by Clams Casino)

If you haven’t heard of Clams Casino, please for the love of God go get his beat tape.  He’s like a mellow Flying Lotus.  Anyway the chemistry between Clams  Casino and Rocky was evident on the tracks he produced on Live Love A$AP.  They team up again here to make a track that feels like its on lean (promethazine (prescription cough syrup) and sprite), which is right up Rocky’s alley.  Given his deep influences with the Houston TX rap scene its easy for him to feel comfortable rhyming in a screwed state.  As stated before he doesn’t necessarily have the metaphors and similes to keep most hip hoppers hitting rewind but the kid makes good music and thats what to be appreciated.

Beats - 10  Rhymes - 7  Life - 8

5. Hell (Produced by Clams Casino) Feat. Santigold

A back to back collab between Clams and Rocky would sound like a good idea but the whole song just doesn’t mesh right.  The beat is straight and Rocky’s delivery and style is present but the Santigold feature just doesn’t mesh.  She almost outdoes Rocky on his own track.  Her voice is beautiful and Rocky’s lines seem a bit lazy.  It’s a good song don’t get me wrong but it just doesn’t fit.

Beats - 9  Rhymes - 6.5  Life - 7.5

6.  Pain (Produced by Soufien3000) Feat Overdoz

Back to back songs that just don’t serve a purpose.  The sequence was Hell  and Painful to listen to.  This might be the worst song on the album.  I’m not going to sit here and bash Rocky because the album has promise.  This joint sounds better suited on a Tyler the Creater album.  See if he can use this on Wolf. Just press skip.

Beats - 6  Rhymes - 5  Life - 3

7.  Fucking Problems (Produced by 40 and Drake) Feat. Drake, 2 Chainz, and Kendrick Lamar

I mean, this is the club banger on the CD.  With the lineup you really can’t lose...can you?  To be honest this is right up Rocky, Drake, and 2 Chainz alley....Kendrick though... not his best effort.  Good thing 1 Train is on the album so he can redeem himself (we’ll get to that later).  The song is basically about liking women and it being a problem and liking to fuck and its a ‘fucking’ problem.  The joint went Gold, so I’m not gonna hate, I’ll just grab a shorty at the club the next time the joint comes on.  Probably the only place I’ll listen to it.

Beats - 8  Rhymes - 7  Life - 7

8. Wild For The Night (Produced by Birdy Nam Nam and Skrillex)

This is my joint right here.  When you hear the guitar and the screwed up Rocky talking you think its gonna be like that the whole time... Nah nigga....this joint hits the 0:42 second mark and turns into Optimus Prime.  Rocky got on his Chase and Status/ MC Rage EuroTrip  shit and straight hit this beat over the wall and out the park on some Big Papi shit.  This track is hype, makes you wanna go to the gym and MAX out on everything.  Rocky’s delivery is definitely on point and this is hands down one of the best joints on the album.

Beats - 10 Rhymes 8  Life - 9

9. 1 Train (Produced by Hit Boy) Feat. Kendrick Lamar, Joey Bada$$, Yelawolf, Danny Brown, Action Bronson, Big K.R.I.T.

Probably the most hyped track on the album because of, well, the features.  Rocky tries his best to keep up but is left in the dust on this one (probably why he didn’t go last like most rappers do on their own posse cuts).  Everyone steps their rap game up to Super Sayajin levels on this one but there are a few little nuances.  First, Danny Brown just doesn’t fit on this joint and he’s probably my favorite rapper on the track.  And second, the beat, its just not something I want to hear for like 7 minutes.  I will admit, KRIT was on LEVEL 4 (you thinkin you can level more?) and deserved to cap the joint off.  

Beats - 8  Rhymes - 10  Life - 10

10.  Fashion Killa (Produced by Friendzone)

I guess this is the one for the ladies?  Either way the beat is pretty dope, I especially like the hi-hat in the background.  The track was really mixed well.  Basically he finds a way to fit 30 different designer brands into a song... Nothing really more than that.  I think he tries to sing too at the end...

Beats - 8  Rhymes - 5  Life - 6

11.  Phoenix (Produced by DangerMouse)

DangerMouse huh?  Where have you been?  Anyway this track is reminiscent to the first few songs on the album with the dark undertones and Rocky just getting raw.  He is really a deep person who can conceptualize and make you hear his feelings.  Does a very good job of using imagery and painting a vivid picture of what he perceives as reality.  One of the better cuts on the album because it actually makes you feel what hes saying.  The opener to the second verse: “Bloody ink on my pen spelled suicide/Kurt Cobain even died ‘cause you scrutinize/ its a thin line between truth and lies/ Jesus Christ never lied but was crucified” is a good way to portray the ambience the song brings.

Beats - 9  Rhymes - 9  Life - 9

12.  Suddenly  (Produced By A$AP Rocky, Ty Beats)

This is another joint that is just mad mellow and his flow and delivery just find a way to make it beautiful.  He goes back and forth between double timing the rap and keeping it trill and mellow, it takes skill to ride a beat like that.  I love the sample too.  Its a good way to end the album.

Beats - 7.5  Rhymes - 8  Life - 8

Bonus Cuts

Jodye (Produced by Joey Fatts)

Basically Rocky is throwing shots at SPVCXXGHXZTPVRRP andn RVIDXR KLVN.  Its probably the darkest beat on the album but the joint is a bounce track.  Shouts to C-Murder for helping him with the hook too haha.  Listen to how he goes from sounding like Scarface, to Krazie Bone, back to Rocky... Its amazing.

Beats - 8  Rhymes - 8.5  Life 8

Ghetto Symphony  (Produced by V Don)

How this didn’t make it on the actual album... whatever spilled milk.  This is one of my top 3 joints on the album.  Gunplay finds another way to hop on a track and commit murder in the first.  A$AP Ferg...eh.

Beats - 9.5  Rhymes - 9  Life - 9

Angels (Produced by Amsterdam)

The beat is kinda weird but it fits and he bodies it.  Another joint that probably could’ve replaced something on the actual album.

Beats - 8.5  Rhymes - 8.5  Life - 8

For a debut album, its pretty solid. It has a lot of variety and can appeal to a bunch of different types of hip hop heads, and just music fans alike. In my opinion Live.Love.A$AP was a better project but this has a lot better production, features, and symbolism.

Overall Beats - 8 Rhymes - 7 Life 8.5

Schoolboy Q - Habits and Contradictions

Schoolboy Q’s latest effort definitely shows maturity and while still having an “I don’t give a F&*k” attitude.

Highs:

“Hands on the wheel” ft. A$AP Rocky – This duo needs to do a collaborative EP or something.  When they get together it’s something special (see  A$AP Rocky - Brand New Guys).  I wish this song was out when I was in college. This is twentysomething music, get with it.

“Raymond 1969” – Rocking over a Portishead sample (see Portishead – Cowboys) Q unleashes some sci-fi triphop.  I could easily see the Odd Future crew murdering this, but Q holds his own and makes me believe that his album dropping on the Friday the 13^th weekend is a little more than coincidence. 

“My Homie” – Q and The Alchemist team up for a banger.  Over a mellow beat, Schoolboy Q talks about growing up in his hood and his close friends he interacts with… seems like he needs some new friends. 

Lows:

“Oxy Music”  - Maybe I need to be on pills to enjoy this joint but I just ain’t for me.  It comes from so many different directions, so I’m guessing he must’ve been on something to make this.

“Grooveline”  ft. Dom Kennedy and Curren$y– I’m not knocking this jam at all, this just ain’t Q’s lane.  Dom Kennedy and Curren$y do their usual thing over a smooth bass line and lazy guitar. Feel’s like Q is trying to tame himself, I know you need something for the ladies but this joint just doesn’t fit.

Overall:  Beats: 9   Rhymes:  7  Life: 7

This is definitely better than Setbacks and worth a purchase or download.  With the right mix of heavy beats (which he absolute euthanizes), guest features from the TDE camp and others, Schoolboy Q is definitely starting the New Year off on the right foot.

Rick Ross - Rich Forever

Download:  Rick Ross - Rich Forever

Downloading it when I get home, have a review by Sunday.  But seriously folks, when hasn't the guy made good music?

Hip Hop End Of Year List

Two things:  like always its in no particular order, and I'm welcome to be put on to whatever else so make suggestions.  2011 was a great year for hip hop.

Danny Brown – XXX
What’s it with dudes from Detroit just being obnoxious and raw?  Not gonna lie, I slept on this dude because when I saw the post to download it back in the summer they put his picture next to it… wasn’t  down for some hippy backpack rap from a dude with bangs.  But when I popped in the tape I got something completely different, from this voice I can only describe as a Eminem/B.o.B. hybrid with an affinity of life that’s only comparable to a Shop Boyz single (the only one).  Rockstar rap to the fullest if you haven’t checked this joint out, I suggest you do.
Joints to check for:  Die Like a Rapstar, Pac Blood

Common – The Dreamer, The Believer
If I was Maya Angelou I’d be mad at this dude too, how is he gonna wait so long to drop something so dope.  The majority of the album sounds like he’s trying to win Serena Williams back but we’ve always known Common Sense to always drop lines to the fairer sex.  Also, the combo of him and No ID is awe inspiring.  This is some Gangstarr chemistry here (RIP Guru).  This man said: “Bout to get that invite to a night over Egypt/She said "You rap?" Yea mummy/I'm Tutankhamun kicking and spending this rap money. (Just listen to the first 16 on Raw (Actually just listen to the whole album))
Joints to check for: Lovin I lost, Cloth, Ghetto Dreams (Feat. Nas)

The Roots- Undun
If you haven’t heard the concept of the album or seen the mini movie associated with the film go check them both out before popping this in your ears.  Actually you know what, without the back story, this album still goes.  Black Thought (who will never ever be Renegaded no matter how many features The Roots will put on any album) along with others such as Big K.R.I.T., Greg Porn, and Phonte (who I think they should just make an album with) perfectly narrate this story of urban struggle to perfection.  This album is just example of how to execute a well orchestrated vision with no signs of missteps or potential for failure.
Joints to check for:  Lighthouse, One Time

Pac Div – The Div
I seriously looked at my iphone when I turned this on… this album sounds like a Pharcyde joint.  If you’ve followed Pacific Division for the past couple of years, you kind of knew what to expect with this album, alas I was still blown back.  Swiff D is a very slept on producer who just kills sound boards and gives Mibbs, Like, and BeYoung a canvas for these Left Coast representers to get their Basquiat (everyone else is name dropping this dude I feel like I can too) on.  The album is very fluid and can easily be played from beginning to end with no skips in various environments. 
Joints to check for:  Chaos (The Recipe), Life is Good

Wale – Ambition
Congratulations Wale, you finally made some moves on billboard.  Alas... that grammy you were gonna hang around your neck with camo shorts and slouch socks will be j.coles… lest I digress.  This is a pretty solid album.  I think his move over to MMG was the right move for his future, and his pocket.  Dope production, dope features, and we all know ‘Le can rap his ass off.  I’m missing my lone go-go track tho, I thought you would hold the DMV down with one…  Still all good.
Joints to check for:   Ambition, Chain Music, Focused

Evidence – Cats and Dogs
I’ve waited so long for this album, and yes the Weatherman delivers like the pizza man (metaphors like that are why I don’t rap).  Mr. Slowflow does his thing on every single track.  Production is more than taken care of by the likes of Preemo, EV himself, The Alchemist and others.  Features include Slug, Lil Fame (of MOP), Roc Marciano and a slew of others. White men cant jump… but it sounds give them a little herbal enhancement and it seems they can rap their butt off (see Yelawolf, Action Bronson and Asher Roth).
Joints to check for: Fame, Crash

Pharoahe Monch – WAR (We Are Renegades)
This album was another I slept on but then gave it a spin because spotify blessed me.  Not disappointed, actually wasn’t even impressed this is the Pharoahe Monch I know from the Rawkus Records days.  PM has been doing his thing in the underground scene for a while now (while most of yall only know him from his track with Nate Dogg and Most Def “Oh No”).  This albums’ political commentary are what PM fans have come to expect and he delivers.  The guest list is enormous with the likes of Jean Grae, Royce the 5’9, Immortal Technique, and Citizen Cope.
Joints to check for:  Blackhand Side, Assassins

Tyler The Creator – Goblin
This album is on the list mostly because of the impact it made on society.  OFWGKTA is a problem, and I actually think they are good for the game, and this album, no matter how creepy and schizophrenic it is, is a good album.  This is the second coming of Marshall Mathers.  The kid is talented and is doing this his way, by himself.  I don’t see hip hop sites backing him up.  He’s on his grind and Goblin is his album the way he wants it, he produces his tracks and lays his own lyrics.  He doesn’t care if you like it, but I’m sure we’ve all had those “dark thoughts when alone” as he says.
Joints to check for:  Yonkers, Transylvania

J. Cole – Cole World: Side Line Story
Ahh Young Simba, finally his time has come… to sit behind Jay-Z and wait for him to retire and unretire…  Anyway this is a really good debut album.  I get the fact that he added some mixtape tracks for those just checking him for the first time on the album, still hate seeing recycled music (it’s the re-up gang album all over again).  Anyways I wished the album flowed better, its like riding in the car with the chick driver with a heavy foot, meaning bad singing, some stuff is too fast and then I get jerked back into neutral too fast.  The kid has flows though and we all know that.  Dual threat, producer and rapper should be in the game for awhile, and I cant wait for the sophomore album.
Joints to check for:  God’s Gift, Rise and Shine

Saigon – Greatest Story Never Told
Thank you for finally spilling the beans on this epic of tales!  But no, really.  Sai-giddy is a lyrical dude, we know that.  He does his best work with Just Blaze, everybody does that.  I guess with the years of hype surrounding the album it felt almost detox-like and I was kinda let down, but at the same time was uplifted by the fact that the brother is multi-dimensional.  The album touches on many different subjects, not just the hardcore rap.  A revolutionary in his own right, he delivers a great album, I just wished it would’ve come much, much sooner.
Joints to check for:  Clap, Come on Baby

Maybach Music Group – Self Made Volume 1
This CD got me thru summer.  The team Rozay has assembled (recently minus Pill) will be turning heads and making bangers for seasons to come.  Meek Mill has so much ambition and fight in his voice (even though he screams on every track and still sounds 7) its hard to deny him anything.  Pill brings that lacks all things that resemble southern hospitality with the grittiness of a Freddie Gibbs.  Wale brings his own quasi-conscious perspective while crooning the ladies as usual.  And Rick Ross is the glue, say what you want about the fat boy, he makes good music.
Joints to check for:  I’m a Boss, By Any Means

Kendrick Lamar – Section .80
No explanation needed.
Joints to check for: Rigamortus, The Spiteful Chant

Jay-Z and Kanye West – Watch The Throne
This is the album we all wanted, and we got what we asked for.  A bunch of rich niggas talking about the shit they have and we don’t.  Must be nice… But in all seriousness, this album was put together with the craftsmanship we can only expect from two titans in the game.  I could do without a few of the joints on here (swap out Lift Off for Primetime) but overall this is an excellent album that basically warns people with their title. 
Joints to check for:  Murder to Excellence, Made in America

Frank Ocean - nostalgia/ULTRA
This might be my favorite CD of the year.  Frank Ocean is an unbelievable talent with a vision and style that allows him to create his own lane.  The whole mixtape touches on so many different topics and experiences that it’s hard to believe a man so young can do what he does.  I can’t wait to see what the future has in store for Mr. Ocean
Joints to check for:  American Wedding (especially him harmonizing at the end), We all try

The Weeknd – House of Balloons, Thursday, Echoes of Silence
This is the dude right here.  This is the guy you have to check for.  This is the new face of R&B.  This is the future.  I couldn’t choose which mixtape to put up there so I put all three, it’s amazing what this one man band can do.
Joints to check for:  D.D. Wicked Games

Big K.R.I.T. – Return of 4Eva
IT’S THE RETURN OF FOREVA HOE!  Haha sike but this mixtape shows the versatility and talent of KRIT.  The album exemplifies the south and I haven’t heard someone rep it this hard since UGK.  The kid has talent both on the boards and in the booth and is definitely one that is on the come up.
Joints to check for:  Sookie Now, Made Alot

Tech N9ne – All 6’s and 7’s
The Midwest has a problem.  This guy is a monster.  He’s been in a game for some time now and his unorthodox flow might throw some OG hip hop heads off; but say what you may, this album is solid.   I haven’t seen this many features since the last DJ Clue tape.  If you’ve heard any of his works previous to this, then the production and the style are right on point and cater to his flow and bravado.  Techa Nina does his thing and creates a great album in 2011
Joints to check for: Worldwide Choppers, I love music

Random Axe – Random Axe
SEAN P!  This trio works… oh so very well.   With Black Milk on the boards (and sometimes on the mic) and Guilty and Sean Mandela on the mic, you cant got wrong.  The whole album shows the versatility and different style dimensions of each artist as they try and body slam every beat Black throws at them.  This album is a beat heavy, hardcore rap juggernaut. Bitch.
Joints to check for:  Black Ops, Chewbacca

Killer Mike – Pl3dge
Mike Bigga definitely made something for Big Rizzle to ride to.  Not overly political and in your face as Killer Mike can be, it seems as if he tamed the beast and let people actually enjoy the ride.
Joints to check for:  Animal, Ready Set Go

A$AP Rocky – LiveLoveA$AP
Swag. This guy has it.  He knows he has it, you know he has it, your girl knows he has it…  I mean he may not be the lyrical juggernaut that most of the other rappers on this list are but the guy can sure make a dope album.  Using his guest features more in the production arena, he makes one of the mixtapes of the year.  With the laid back Houston style to hard hitting, trunk rattling, bangers, this kid has a future and if you didn’t know his before now, you’re welcome.
Joints to check for:  Bass, Houston old head

Honorable Mentions

Phonte – Charity Starts at Home
DJ Quik – Book of David
Elzhi - Elmatic
Drake – Take Care
Big Sean – Finally Famous
Action Bronson - Well Done, Dr. Lecter