Trying to get this blog shit rolling but I’m having some indecision on where to begin in the vast mixtape world. I want this blog to cover a mix of new tape reviews as well as look back on some classics. So where do we start?
Sometimes it’s better to just take the first step and post something rather than beating the proverbial bush. So right quick with it, here’s the three biggest mixtapes (so far) of 2010:
WIZ KHALIFA - KUSH & ORANGE JUICE
The boy young Wiz Khalifa had a breakout 2010 and this tape was definitely his So Far Gone moment. The production on Kush & OJ is diverse- moving from synths to funk to reggae- yet the tape maintains a tropical haze vibe that compliments Wiz’s lyrical preoccupation with bad bitches and good weed. The result is a dope mixtape with a polished, album-esque feel. Evenutally Wiz may have to shake up his subject matter or become Snoop Dog 2.0, however young Khalifa will cross that bridge when he gets there.
WALE - MORE ABOUT NOTHING
D.C. rapper Wale returned to the well in 2010 for another Seinfeld themed mixtape. Wale has a knack for endearing himself to listeners in a genuine, everyman sort of sentiment and, likewise, More about Nothing is at its best when he takes an honest look at ongoing situations in his life. The production follows suit with the first Seinfeld tape in featuring live, or at least live sounding, instruments which nicely compliment his straightforward approach. The second half of the mixtape is less focused and contains the bulk of the tape’s guest features. I would guess that a handful of these tracks were studio leftovers from prior recording sessions.
BIG K.R.I.T. - K.R.I.T. WUZ HERE
Rapper and producer Big K.R.I.T. managed to parlay the success of 2010’s K.R.I.T. Wuz Here mixtape into a shiny new contract with Def Jam. The tape itself acts as an impressive lesson on how to successfully manufacture 90’s style southern hip-hop, a la UGK and Outkast. Over self-produced, and instrument rich, funky basslines K.R.I.T. reflects on his small-town Mississippian upbringing as well as his dreams of future successes. Although the tape is highly enjoyable and near impeccably assembled, seasoned hip-hop heads may ultimately long for a stronger serving of orginality.
