The Best of Dom Kennedy [mixtape]
With the recent release of the Yellow Album, Dom Kennedy has secured his position as one of the best “new” artists. New is an unfair title considering he’s been putting in work since 08. I put together some of his best tracks along with features to get you up to speed. Download below.
The Midpoint: Hip Hop Sense’s Best Projects of the Year (So Far)
As we approach the closing of the sixth month of the year, I would like to recap. Here’s albums (and mixtapes) that deserve a listen. Some you know, and others you probably never heard of. Nonetheless, the all have my stamp of approval.
(Retail albums won’t have download links, sorry)
Albums
Ab-Soul-Control System
Dungeon Kingz-Comatose Love Reality: Dead Rhythm [album]
Special thanks to @BaronAmatoChrls for letting me preview this album early. Over time, I’ve become a fan of the District Phive collective’s organic style and this album only continues that. If you like pure hip-hop, I HIGHLY recommend this one (and check out previous projects while you’re at it).
Joey Bada$$-1999 [mixtape]
17 year old New Yorker Joey Bada$$ brings classic NY hip hop back with his long awaited mixtape 1999. Download below.
Curren$y-Stoned Immaculate [album review]
Since departing from Young Money, Curren$y has made a name for himself with his Do-It-Yourself approach to making music. For the first time ever, he has a big budget at his disposal. Although the features are more well known and the producers are bigger, Spitta still manages to keep that underground feel.
Like any other Curren$y album or mixtape, there’s two parts to Stoned Immaculate‘s success: 1. Using insanely good beats for the album 2. using those insanely good beats correctly. Anyone could take good instrumentals and use them but Curren$y has a knack for making an album sonically cohesive.
Curren$y instantly sets the mood for the album with the smooth “What It Look Like” produced by Bink! (And a great first verse from Wale). The mood is continued with tracks such as “Privacy Glass” and “Showroom”, both of which should be enjoyed at maximum volume during a long drive.
Curren$y does venture outside of his normal comfort zone and experiments with instrumentals that the average fan wouldn’t be accustomed to hearing him on. “Chasin’ Papers”, “That’s the Thing” and ” Chandelier” close the album on a good note by introducing these new sounds.
As Curren$y stated, Stoned Immaculate is his first “real” album. It has the essence of past Curren$y albums of mixtapes but the sound is bigger and better. He strays from his whimsical delivery and actually brings some content to the table with this album. Although you won’t be blown away by the end result, you can be assured that anything with Curren$y’s name on it is quality.
Final Grade: 3.5-5
Big K.R.I.T.-Live from the Undergound [Album Stream]
The long awaited album is here-well almost. Stream from NPR.
Juicy J-Blue Dream & Lean [bonus tracks]
If you already have the mixtape, here’s some bonus tracks to add to it.
The White House Band-The Renaissance (Hosted by Mick Boogie) [mixtape]
The White House Band is a project lead by Dave E. Beats, a talented musician who raps and plays guitar simultaneously. That alone should get your attention. This eclectic mixture of music bounces from genres such as rap, rock, and more. Check it out for yourself.
Chance the Rapper-Hey Ma [video]
I’ve been impressed with this kid since the release of his mixtape 10 Day.
Previous: Resurrection: The New Chicago
Killer Mike/El-P-R.A.P. Music [album stream]
I know a lot of people aren’t familiar with producer/MC El-P but just know to expect the unexpected when he teams up with Killer Mike. Stream the album below.
(Personal favorite: Willie Burke Sherwood, R.A.P. Music)
Konscience Vega-PreGraffiti
Something to hold you over until Amerikkkan Graffiti gets here. Download below
Asaad-White [mixtape]
Asaad is becoming one of my new favorite MCs. Download the new double disk tape below.
Kevin Cossom-Hooks vs Bridge II [mixtape]
The original one was nice…no verdict on this one yet though. Download below.
Casey Veggies-Customized Greatly 3 [mixtape]
Casey is one of my favorite up and comers due to his progression over the years. Download below.
