These are the albums/mixtapes in my heavy rotation:
Joell Ortiz “Farewell Summer EP“:
“For a minute I was getting a little tired of the remakes of popular tracks. I was a fan growing impatient for a full length album from Joell Ortiz. Dear Summer has restored my faith. This feels more like a prelude to an album as oppose to another mixtape. It’s only 6 songs deep, but rewind will be automatic once you hear it. Joell does his thing…once again…now bring on Free Agent.”
Rah Digga “Classic“:
“Can you believe this would be her sophomore album?! Rah Digga’s last album Dirty Harriet was released in April of the year 2000. Well if you’ve been waiting this long, forgot, or just are sick of Nicki Minaj….this is GODSEND. Though the concepts are basically absent, it doesn’t even matter. This 10 track album of straight spittin’ is what real female emcees (and male emcees) are all about. With all of the production being handled by Nottz, the beats are PERFECT. Though this album wouldn’t be considered a classic by my standards (you need concepts and more than 30 minutes of music), this is a VERY refreshing homecoming for one of hip-hop’s illest female emcees. Support it…”
Dj Drama & Cookin’ Soul “History In The Making” (Gangsta Grillz)
“DJs like DJ Drama do their fair share of keeping hip-hop alive. This dude does a mixtape with everybody and it’s always a well crafted project. Cookin’ Soul is a production team and this mixtape with DJ Drama is a nice snapshot into their flow. The mixtape contains a nice mix of mainstream/underground artist and old/new lyrics paired with well-tailored beats. Some things are hit and miss, but there is more to like than there is to hate. Where else can you find a mix that features Styles P, Jean Grae, Jay-Z, and Soulja Boy?! 25 tracks long….there’s enough hip-hop here for everybody.”
The Roots “How I Got Over“:
“Still going strong in my rotation. This is just quality music period. A little heavy on the guest appearances, but none of it detracts from the albums flow. If you haven’t already, go out and get this album….NOW!”
Rick Ross “Teflon Don“:
“How the hell is this still in here?! Lol! I can’t stop bumping it. Sorry, it just fills a space (maybe a tiny space) in my hip-hop world. I still don’t know if Rick Ross has shit to say beyond money, cars, and b@tches. Who knows….the shit just sounds good.”
Peace…
