Been mired in mixtapes recently? It’s not difficult; the amount of music coming out can get cumbersome. Every artist from your favorite Hip-Hop superstar to your local MC has music on deck for the masses. That’s why Tale of the Tape is around to give you the knowledge you need to keep your ears to the streets.
Each mixtape is given a rating. Heavy Rotation is a rating that signals a mixtape champion. At the other end of the spectrum lies D.O.A (Drop on Arrival) signaling that any attempt of listening should cease and desist and the listener may need some cue tips to get the wack juice from their eardrums. Without further delay, welcome to Tale of the Tape.
Cassidy
Return Of The Hustler
Peep It
Cassidy has been through it. After the jail bid and a car accident which almost took his life, he learned that he would no longer be signed to J Records. But like a true hustler, Philly’s punchline professor hopped back on his feet and signed up with baller Carmelo Anthony. As one of his more cohesive mixtapes, this effort is a return to his signature battle delivery. Take a listen for classic Cassidy on his now famed “A Millie” freestyle, some humor on “Look Like” and street braggadocio on “Come On Baby”. Hopefully Melo can set up Cass for the decisive win.
Illmind
Blaps Rhymes & Life
Heavy Rotation
New Jersey beatsmith Illmind is quickly making a name for himself around the East Coast production circle. If you needed any proof of his musical dexterity, Blaps, Rhymes, And Life features a myriad of MCs dropping verses. Don’t believe? Just a partial guest list includes 50 Cent (“Queens”), Rapper Big Pooh, Wale (“Lyrically Inclined”), and Skyzoo. On “The Come Up” and “Thankful” you catch a glimpse of just how good Illmind is as his mastery of reworking samples is brilliantly showcased. If this is just a mixtape, there is no telling just what he could do with an official studio album.
Royce Da 5’9
Bar Exam 2
Heavy Rotation
“I will do to your mama what the KKK wants to do to Obama.” Does Nickel-Nine have your attention now? This is only a taste from the introductory song, and the tape features high impact rhymes, disses, and production. Royce goes in lyrically, and produces several bangers in the process. Tracks such as the retooled versions of “Royal Flush” and “Let the Beat Build” give this endeavor instant credibility. The standout here is the “Ignorant Sh*t” freestyle that smacks of lyrics as cold as the D in the winter time. Don’t miss this one.
The Game & DJ Haze
Black Wall Street Radio 5
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Right off the heels of L.A.X., The Game and his Black Wall Street roster attempt to keep a momentum going with Black Wall Street Radio 5. While Chuck Taylor provides some rewind worthy moments with “Baggage Claim”, “Classic” and “Compton Story”, there is enough room for the rest of the camp to shine. Juice gets busy on the introspective “Reflection In The Mirror” while Clyde Carson flaunts his competitive spirit on “Tell Em”. Minus unnecessary tracks like the Nu Jerzey Devil solo “Swagger Like Jerz”, Game and company prove to be one of the Rap’s underrated collectives.
Tony Yayo
S.O.D
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Right behind Lloyd Banks’ Return Of The PLK is Tony Yayo’s S.O.D. Wrapped around the dark scenes masterly crafted by The Joker in The Dark Knight, the tape follows the theme of the ruthless criminal well. Outside some light assistance from Maino (“Southside To Bedstuy”), Max B. (“Do It Right”, “Gang Life”), and a couple others, this tape is mainly anchored by Yayo himself. Tony’s contract killer wit is ever so present on “Catch A Body” with death threats a plenty shot towards Jimmy Henchman and Terror Squad. While his remake of Special Ed’s “I Got It Made” is messy, the tape’s grimy direction will keep G-Unit’s faithful content.