If you live in the DMV, there is a good chance you already know of Young Barnes. A fixture in the Baltimore hip-hop scene for the past decade, his latest project, the “Crack Baby Fixtape II” has set the streets on fire receiving over 25,000 downloads in the first month since its release on July 4, 2015. Baltimore DJ’s Jabril and Squirrel Wyde host the fixtape which is certain to become another street classic for Barnes. More than the typical gangsta rap tracks, this project explores a more complicated relationship with urban life. On “Cop Funeral”, Barnes channels the universal frustration with recent nationwide police violence and specifically the murder of Baltimore’s Freddie Gray and the lack of accountability within the United States justice system. Juxtapose that with the with the strip club anthem “Play Money” and you get a small taste of his versatility.
Overall, the ablum has a golden era of hip-hop feel with Nas and Lost Boyz samples on “30 for 30” and “Freaky Tah”. The production is also consistently solid throughout with punchlines and slick talk that rival Fabolous. There are some bangers on here! Barnes has lyrical dexterity that keep you engaged from beginning to end. This might be the hottest mixtape of the summer… signed or unsigned. Barnes is hard, direct, and genuine. Look out for this dude.
Download the mixtape HERE