Mixtape Roundup: Gibbs, Wale, Game, STS, Jigga, Drake

August 5th, 2010

Freddie Gibbs recently dropped his new project, Str8 Killa EP, and the young rapper has been heralded as the future of gangsta rap by several tastemakers. All hyperboles aside, after listening to the EP, I have to agree that Gibbs is going to make a lot of noise in 2010. The collection features 21 tracks of dope music (pardon the pun), including a cocaine-themed reworking of an old Whispers song called ‘Slanging Rocks’. Hosted by producer Statik Selektah, the project boasts guest appearances from Jay Rock, Bun B, Pill and more. To download the EP, click HERE or cop it via iTunes.

Check out Gibbs’ “National Anthem” video:

Compton rapper Game drops another mixtape before his anticipated LP R.E.D. (due Aug. 24). Game wanted to give folks a little taste of the album before it hit the streets: “Brake Lights is like an appetizer to the R.E.D. Album,” Game spits. “I know a lot of people been waiting on R.E.D., so I wanted to put out something to hold them over while I finish up my album.”

Game – Brake Lights [DOWNLOAD] (via XXLMag.com)

Washington, D.C. transplant (by way of Africa) Wale is back with another Seinfeld-themed mixtape More About Nothing, the sequel to 2008′s About Nothing. Some of the guests on the project include Wiz Khalifa, Avery Storm and Daniel Merriweather.

Wale – More About Nothing [DOWNLOAD] (via HipHop N More)

You might remember the nasal-voiced rapper STS (aka Sugar Tongue Slim) on “Hustla” or “Right On” (featuring Joanna Newsom) from The Roots’ classic LP How I Got Over. The Philly-native, Atlanta-bred MC just dropped a free mixtape called The Sole Music EP, which showcases his nimble rhyme skills.

Co-signed by Black Thought, STS is tapped as the next rapper you should look out for. If you don’t believe me, peep this track: Is You With Me?

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The Beat Goes On: Jay Elect, Mystikal, Em, Canuck Rappers, Mixtapes, Ice Cube

May 3rd, 2010

The “Beat Goes On” is a column where we feature the hottest rap tracks from around the world. So without further ado . . .

New Orleans rapper Jay Electronica goes bi-coastal and teams up with Diddy for his street-certified banger “The Ghost of Christopher Wallace.” Jay Elect says the track is a tribute to his idol, the late rapper Notorious B.I.G. and for his contributions to hip-hop. While the “Exhibit C” rapper’s verses are clearly braggadocios, Diddy is on some outlandish bully talk at the end of the song. Jay says the track (produced by newcomer Quincey Tones) is still unfinished with more to come. Oh boy!

Jay Electronica – The Ghost of Christopher Wallace

After spending seven years in prison on sexual battery charges, former No Limit soldier Mystikal is back and is still lyrically sharp as ever. The New Orleans native has the Internet going nuts over his boastful single, “I’ont Like You.” Mystikal’s rapid-fire delivery and southern growl are still intact. The song is a little profane, but it’s not far from his “unpredictable” songs with No Limit Records from back in the days. Whatever serving time in prison did to Mystikal, it certainly didn’t affect his lyrical bravado — not one bit.

Mystikal – I’ont Like You (featuring Fiend)

Next, we head to Detroit and find that Eminem is a new man. The inspirational song “Not Afraid” is from his forthcoming LP Recovery (due June 22). Eminem doesn’t sound like a pill-popping maniac on this track. Instead we get the introspective Marshall Mathers (his real name) who is ready to step out of the darkness and embrace a promising life for him and his daughter, Hailey. Time will only tell if fans are ready to embrace a sober and mature Eminem. Peep the track:

Eminem – Not Afraid

Over in Jamaica, we see that reggae crooner Gyptian is making power moves on the Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop singles chart with his piano-driven ballad, “Hold Yuh.” The romantic track jumped 9 spots from 51-42 last week. And I can attest that this song will probably be one of the hottest jams of the summer. I was at a barbecue recently and when this song came on the radio, all the fly girls were winding and grinding to it. Check out this remix featuring rap-chick Nicki Minaj.

Gyptian – Hold Yuh (featuring Nicki Minaj)

Another track that will definitely appeal to the ladies is the new one by Toronto rapper-singer Drake. The Kanye West-produced track is the second single from his debut LP Thank Me Later, which hits stores June 15.

Drake – Find Your Love

Hold up! Drake is not the only Canuck rapper making noise up north.

Check out Toronto emcee Keysha’s track “Hollywood Floss” with the cool sample of Doug E. Fresh & Slick Rick’s “La-Di-Da-Di.” It’s fresh like a million bucks.

Fellow T.O. rapper Eternia is back with the “It’s Funny” (Remix), featuring California lyricist Rass Kass.

Finally, check out the “Revenge” video by rap duo Scorsese & Ceaza Leon, two Canadians emcees who call themselves “The Write Brothers” because they pen their own rhymes and spit “fly”-ass lyrics. Get It?

(props to Ian from a Different Kitchen for the Canadian hook-ups)

Now let’s see what’s popping with the mixtapes. . .

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