Tag: mixtape review

WRLD Tour Mafia – “Tourmania” review

These guys are a group from Detroit, Michigan consisting of DaeMoney, Rafa, WTM Miles, WTM Re & WTM Solid. They originally formed in 2019 & dropped their debut mixtape World Tour Mafia or Die last summer to positive reception. But with the Mafia’s popularity continuing to grow as well as Scoob departing the group not too long ago & even the 1-year anniversary of their collective debut passing by a few weeks back, they’re continuing to move forward by putting out a sophomore tape.

“Gang Gang Gang” is a suspenseful opener talking about taking over your city & “running through them thangs like Reggie Bush” whereas “This It Right Here” detailing the lifestyles that they live on top of some gnarly piano chords, snares & a hi-hat. “Final 4” works in some strings & bells talking about making money instead of chasing it prior to the formidable “Backdoor Open” produced by LulRose warning to extort anyone who even thinks about fucking with them.

Continuing from there with “Stamped on Me”, we have the Mafia over a horn-laced instrumental talking about how turnt they are leading into “Halloween” samples the main title theme of the iconic 1978 horror masterpiece of the same name spitting some vivid gangsta raps. GT comes into the picture for “Demon” blending some keys & hi-hats together to deliver braggodio for a couple minutes just before the thunderous “Or Die” talks about representing ‘til the casket drops.

“Good Game” has a more angelic tone to the beat explaining that not being afraid of taking risks is the reason why they’re loaded on paper while “Re Birthday” with Lucki weaves some synthesizers to declare themselves as the chosen ones. “Oink Girl (Tour Girl)” is basically a hoe anthem with a blaring instrumental, but then Veeze tags along for “Construction” returning to daunting territory talking about dropping $700 on a hoodie with paint on it.

Meanwhile on “Erotic City”, the Mafia & Babyface Ray manages to sample one of my all-time favorite Prince songs boasting that they “really doing it” with the ambitious “For the Kids” strives to be rich for their families over some pianos & the hi-hats here are just rattling off like machine guns. The hypnotizing vibes of “Money Power Respect” are a nice touch expressing the amount of all 3 of the titular things to be increased while “No Timeouts” brings a more fraughting tone talking about how everyone wants the style now.

“Welcome to the Vault” has a bit of a rickety quality to the drums fused with some piano chords promising to change bitches’ lives while the song “Get Influenced” confesses over a wavy Carlo Anthony beat that they don’t even sweat about those taking inspiration from them. The rubbery penultimate track “Lethal Weapon” finds the crew cautioning to lay out anyone who dares to step up to them & “Backend” is a gripping closer talking about being the fuckin’ mob.

Now if Tourmania proves anything to me, it’s that the WRLD Tour Mafia is amongst one of the best groups in the city right now. Their chemistry as a unit remains as strong as it’s ever been even with Scoob’s departure, the production compared to the last tape being more distinct & the performances from the very few features that they bring with them for the ride are more consistent.

Score: 4/5

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Yeat – “Lyfë” review

Yeat is a 22 year old rapper from Portland, Oregon who out in 2018 off his debut EP Deep Blue $trips. This was followed up with 2 mixtapes & 3 more EPs, but he began dominating the mainstream in 2021 whether it be him dropping a total of 4 projects (2 mixtapes, an EP & a full-length debut) or cosigns from the likes of Drake & Earl Sweatshirt. He just dropped his sophomore effort albeit major label debut 2 Alivë under Geffen Records during the first quarter of 2022 & is commemorating the 1-year anniversary of Up 2 Më this weekend by dropping his 3rd mixtape following the huge success of “Rich Minion” earlier this summer.

“Flawlëss” is an otherworldly trap opener produced by BNYX of Working on Dying with Yeat on the hook & a sole Lil Uzi Vert verse boasting their lifestyles whereas “Up off X” dives into rage territory talking about being wide awake at night due to taking ecstasy. “Out thë Way” has a more calmer vibe to it declaring himself to be the baddest, but then “Wat it feel lykë” works in some wailing synths & hi-hats to diss rats.

Meanwhile on “Got it all”, we have Yeat over a bass-line & snares to flex his wealth leading into “Can’t stop it” brings some rock undertones to the beat surprisingly refusing to quit going hard. “Krank” almost has a cinematic quality to the instrumental talking about geekin’ just before “Talk” returns to the hypertrap sound to deliver some braggadocious lyrics.

“Comë on” shoots for a more electronic aesthetic to it thanks to BenjiCold going for the necks of his competition while the song “Systëm” has a more darker tone sonically talking about the drugs hitting right. The penultimate track “Holy 1” is a cloudier cut detailing his mob ties & “Killin’ ‘ëm” sends off the album on a wavy yet deadpan note talking about coming from that dirty.

Considering that Geëk Pack was just a decent collection of microwaved 2 Alivë leftovers, I had no doubt that Lyfë was gonna expand on what made the predecessor the fun major label debut it is. Lo & behold, that’s what happened here. It’s refreshing to hear Yeat dabbling with some new sounds than last time & his knack for catchy songwriting remains unmatched.

Score: 3.5/5

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Destroy Lonely – “No Stylist” review

This is the 3rd mixtape from Atlanta, Georgia recording artist Destroy Lonely. The son of former Disturbing tha Peace Records signee I-20, he’s released a total of 11 EPs since originally breaking out through SoundCloud a couple years back & has even signed to Playboi Carti’s very own Interscope Records imprint Opium Records to surprise drop No Stylist in light of his ongoing tour with fellow label-mate Ken Carson.

“JETLGGD” is a futuristic trap opener that Zodiac of Vanguard Music Group cooked up talking about switching up his swag whereas “BERGDORF” takes a more triumphant route detailing the crazy life that he lives going off the top rope like former 3-time WWE world champion Rey Mysterio. “<3MYGNG” is a dance/trap hybrid expressing his love for his crew leading into the bassy “VTMNTSCOAT” showing off some new drip over an electronic-flavored instrumental.

The title track works in some retro video game like-synths bragging that he’s fresh as fuck, but then “FAKNGGAS” shoots for a more futuristic aesthetic talking about the wankstas. “SOARIN’” gives off a bassier tone admitting he doesn’t get fly no more just before “TURNINUP” is a colorful trap banger that Cxdy of Internet Money Records hooked up talking about getting lit.

“LNLY” dives into cloudy territory thanks to Clayco going into detail as to why they call him that prior to the rubbery yet atmospheric “PRSSURE” talking about how he knew he was special. “ONTHETABLE” is a bombastic ode to the bread while “SWGSKOOL” samples the Deftones joint “Beauty School” confessing that he done lost his motherfucking mind.

Following that, the vocal sample throughout “CRYSTLCSTLES” is hypnotic as fuck with Lonely comparing his girl to Alice Glass while “DANGEROUS” brings back the trap/rock combination to detail the side of Atlanta that he’s from. The guitars throughout “MKEITSTOP” are a bit more punk-inspired talking about making it all the way to the top while “ONTHEFLOOR” is cloudy trap rock crossover Y3rip fused together confessing the shit he’s seen at 20 years old.

The song “PASSAROUND” has a more quirkier feel to it talking about his preference to face his hoes while the penultimate track “OTW” rattles off some hi-hats with more mellow backdrop detailing the things that’ve been coming his way lately. “VETERAN” with Ken Carson is a rage-inducing closer as 2 Carti protégés put the lifestyles that they both live on wax while “BLITZ” starts the deluxe run psychedelically talking about being off the meds.

“HAVINMYWAY” discusses knowing what he wants from this life & already having all the secrets. “ALLURE” might be my favorite here from the cloudy beat to the bars of being in dreams like Freddy Krueger while “LOUVRE” turns the rage up again to talk about a Paris trip. The final bonus track “NEVEREVER” has to be right behind “ALLURE” for the best one serving as the theme if you ’bout that cash & them figures.

At the end of my review of Ken’s solid yet overhated sophomore album X, I said that I respectfully think Lonely is the best Opium signee yet & this new tape of his pretty much proves my point. He has more versatility than Ken as proven by the production, his vocal performances & songwriting. Very excited to see them both when they come to town.

Score: 4/5

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Young Nudy – “EA Monster” review

This is the 9th mixtape from Atlanta, Georgia rapper Young Nudy. Despite being cousins with 21 Savage, he eventually carved a lane of his own in the last 8 years with his last 8 mixtapes (the most notable one being the Pi’erre Bourne-produced Sli’merre) & 2 full-lengths. Rich Shooter just celebrated it’s 1-year anniversary a few days ago & Nudy’s re-emerging in the form of EA Monster.

“Nun to Do” is a bassy opener describing being spaced the fuck out whereas “KitKat” works in some quirky synths thanks to Pi’erre talking about having deadly assassins. “Impala” takes a ghoulish route for him & his homie to creep in his whip, but then “Fresh as Fuck” brings back the synths warning that you don’t want no smoke with him.

Meanwhile on “Lunch Meat”, we have Nudy over a cloudy instrumental talking about being a stepper leading into the solemn yet rubbery 4L anthem “My Gang”. The delicate synths throughout “No Chaser” are a nice touch talking about itching for a body just before “Ready” shoots for a moodier aesthetic to deliver an ode for all of those who like to get high.

The song “Sick of Slime” lividly calls out every single dick rider he knows while the penultimate track “Duntsane” wasn’t the best choice for a single in my personal opinion despite the gangsta rap themes & the beat that Coupe brings to the table. Primarily because I personally felt that Baby Drill’s performances compared to Nudy’s was underwhelming. “Project X” however sends the tape with a rowdy fight anthem not for the bitch made.

Nudy had always been consistent throughout the course of his career & EA Monster further cements his status as such in my eyes. He delivers some animated performances/sticky songwriting throughout, I like how he toned it down with the features compared to Rich Shooter & the production is a healthy mix of Coupe & Pi’erre’s respectively unique sounds much like his last tape was.

Score: 3.5/5

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Karlae – “Enter” review

Karlae is a 28 year old rapper from Atlanta, Georgia who happens to be the ex-fiancée of trap pioneer Young Thug. She eventually got into making music when YSL Records put out their very 1st showcase compilation Slime Language a day before their founder’s 27th birthday & considering that Strick just dropped his 6th mixtape The Machine 3 a little over a month ago, Karlae’s finally stepping up to the plate next with a debut tape of her very own.

“Chit Chat” is a cutthroat opener talking about not being with the bullshit whereas “Gotta Get Touched” with the late Lil Keed takes a cloudier route getting raunchy. Dess Dior tags along for the bell-infused “Cap Ain’t Nothing” to remind everyone that they know how they come, but then “Respect” with Gunna shoots for a cloudier aesthetic talking about coming out the mud.

Meanwhile on “My Type”, we have Karlae & Yung Mal on top of an acoustic trap instrumental describing their preferences in partners leading into the jangly “Someone Like Me” pondering what others think when they see her. “Ballet” has an industrial trap flare to it as she & Yak Gotti talk about dancing on bitches, but then “Wishful Thinking” comes through with a decent 2-minute R&B ballad.

“Last Goodbye” weaves some rock influences to confess that she feels lonely after being broken up while “Bad” mixes some horns & handclaps talking about going bad because she’s bad as fuck herself. “Boondocks” has to be my least favorite cut in the album from the uneventful production to the award chemistry between Karlae & Bhad Bhabie, but the Sonyae-assisted “Left” picks it up with it’s cloudy beat & the subject matter of everything being litty.

Following that, “I Like” with Coi Leray was a decent cut off YSL’s final showcase compilation to date Slime Language II that makes it’s way onto here while the song “Blind” with Lil Yachty embraces a more playful tone talking about being blinded by love. The penultimate track “Did That” samples Kool & the Gang showing off her wealth & “On You” ends the album on a cavernous note as she & Thugger profess their love for one another.

I’ve been wanting this chick to put out a project from the moment I first heard her spitting on “U Ain’t Slime Enough” off Slime Language & now that we finally got it, I’m a little torn on the finished product. She’s not a bad songwriter or performer by any means, but a couple of the features underperformed & a good portion of the production doesn’t really have that many interesting ideas to me.

Score: 2.5/5

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Rico Nasty – “Las Ruinas” review

Rico Nasty is a 25 year old rapper & singer/songwriter from Palmer Park, Maryland who caught my attention in 2018 off her 6th mixtape Nasty. Even though I found it to be decent, I was still very much impressed by her unique personality & her eclecticism. However the next spring, she got Kenny Beats to produce her debut EP Anger Management in it’s entirety & that ended up being my favorite body of work of hers even to this day. Nightmare Vacation was a bit of a step down from Anger Management even though it has a good share of bangers like ”iPhone” & “10Fo”, but was still excited for her 7th mixtape.

“Intrusive” is an industrial-laced opener with Rico talking about going at her competition whereas “Vaderz” takes a more hardcore/trap route as Bktherula tags along to go back & forth with one another comparing themselves to Invader Zim. “Black Punk” fuses trap metal with witch house to declare herself as such, but then Bk returns for the drum & bass-infused “Messy” asking how one can be organized yet disorderly.

Meanwhile on “Phuckin’ Lady”, we have Rico on top of a trippy instrumental expressing no remorse whatsoever just before “1 on 5” goes full-blown hip house warning that you’ll get jumped twice if her bitch jump first. “Gotsta Get Paid” works in a funky bass-line co-produced by 100 gecs to express her to desire to make paper leading into the Marshmello-backed “Watch Your Man” embracing neurofunk to rightfully boast her status in the game.

“Blow Me” comes through with a trappy pop rap ballad talking slick shit while the remix of “Jungle” by Elley Duhé is one of the more redundant cuts on the tape with all respect to both Fred again.. & Elley. “Dance Scream” on the other end takes a turn into electropop territory to plead for someone’s love while “Skullflower” dives into hyperpop talking about LSD.

Following that, “Focus on Me” embraces a more synthpop sound telling her lover she wants to be with them for the rest of her life while “Always” is less of a skit & more of a repetitive interlude. The song “Easy” is an acoustic ballad admitting that she letting someone make her feel her ashamed while the penultimate track “Into the Dark” brings back the drum & bass thanks to Charlie Heat promising to do better. As for “Chicken Nugget”, it’s a moody closer to the tape thanking her mother for making her strong.

If anyone reading this was a little disappointed as I was with Nightmare Vacation, then you’re gonna enjoy Las Ruinas much more because I think it continues to reveal herself to be the best female hip hop artist that the mainstream has to offer right behind the Hot Girl Queen herself: Megan Thee Stallion. I admire that the production is a lot more experimental in comparison to her full-length debut sticking to Rico’s trap/pop rap guns with the lyrics being more vulnerable this time around.

Score: 3.5/5

Westside Gunn – “Peace FLYGOD” review

Westside Gunn is a 39 year old emcee, songwriter & entrepreneur from Buffalo, New York who’s already proven his legend status at this point whether it running one of the hottest hip hop labels in recent memory to his first 2 full-lengths FLYGOD & Supreme Blientele. Last we heard from him was almost a year ago by now with the double disc conclusion to the Hitler Wears Hermes mixtape series with Side B being superior to Side A but with his 40th birthday coming up at the end of the month, he’s celebrating a little early by dropping his 10th mixtape.

After the titular intro, “Jesus Crack” with Estee Nack & Stove God Cook$ sets off the album with drumless yet soulful & jazzy instrumental talking about making cake by the thousands whereas the Estee-assisted “Ritz Barlton” takes a lo-fi boom bap route comparing the halfway house to that of the titular hotel. “Big Ass Bracelet” with Stovey works in a bare soul sample to get on their fly shit, but then “Bobby Rhude” is basically an Estee solo cut talking about glory over more beautiful vocal chops taking it’s name after WWE producer, former NXT Champion, WWE United States Champion, 3-time WWE Tag Team Champion, 2-time TNA World Champion, 6-time TNA World Tag Team Champion & 2-time NWA World Tag Team Champion Bobby Roode.

Meanwhile on “Derrick Boleman”, we have Gunnlib & Stove God Cook$ on top of a classy loop referencing lucha libre popularized by the Lutteroth family-owned Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre (CMLL) & it’s rival promotion in the Peña–Roldán family-owned Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide (AAA) leading into “Horses on Sunset” incorporates a smoky boom bap beat talking about how someone should’ve shot someone 7 times instead of 6.

The song “Open Praise” details love turning to envy ’cause Westside’s success over some pianos while “Danhausen” named after the titular AEW star who I met at Astronomicon this spring is a jazzy boom bap banger produced by Conductor Williams with West rightfully bragging. “Flip v. Phil” by Eastside Flip ends the album with a sample provided by Daringer reminding that he’ll put his competition to sleep.

I know he’s been teasing Michelle Records for a while now & for him to give us this as a prelude to warm everyone up for the main course, I’ll definitely take it. Stovey & Estee continue to take their lyrically chemistry with Westside to new heights with the production giving off some abstract undertones this time around.

Score: 3.5/5

Juicy J & Pi’erre Bourne – “Space Age Pimpin’” review

This is the brand new collaborative mixtape between Juicy J & Pi’erre Bourne. One is a founding member of the groundbreaking Memphis, Tennessee outfit Three 6 Mafia & the other being a South Carolina recording artist who quickly became one of the most in-demand producers in hip hop today due his one of a kind sound. Juicy just did a verse for “Bubble Gum” off of Jelly’s latest album The Wolf of Peachtree 2 fully produced by Pi’erre, so they’re coming together for some Space Age Pimpin’.

“You Want It” kicks off the album with a grim trap banger that finds Juicy & Pi’erre bragging that they got all the shit others desire whereas “Smokin’ Out” works in some chopped & screwed influences talking about the lifestyles they both live. “This Fronto” returns to a more darker trap sound describing both parties being under the influence just before “Bring Them Out” reveals itself as a fun anthem to all the hoes out there.

Meanwhile on “Uhh Huh”, we have Juicy & Pi’erre delivering a symphonic trap banger getting materialistic leading into “B.B.L. (Brazilian Butt Lift)” comes through with a trumpet-laced ass-shaker’s ode. “Who Get High” shoots for a hazier aesthetic talking about being blowed, but then “Can’t Get Her” mixes a guitar with some hi-hats calling out dudes getting in their feelings because they stole their bitches.

“The Deep In” explains how bad they’re tweakin’ over a triumphant instrumental & even though I love the soul sample throughout the penultimate track “NFT”, the subject matter about the biggest scam in the world is just tiresome at this point. “Unsolved Mystery” ends the tape with a rugged banger reminding everyone not to bring any bullshit to them & that they don’t fuck around.

Compared to the Stoner’s Night tape that Juicy dropped with Wiz Khalifa at the beginning of the year, I happen to like Space Age Pimpin’ a tad bit more. That’s no disrespect to Wiz either because he & Juicy have always had a dope chemistry, but I really find it fascinating how a style as unique as Pi’erre’s collided with Da Juice Man’s in terms of overall sound.

Score: 3.5/5

PsiloSage – “HillzHavEyez” review

This is the 5th mixtape from Inland Empire emcee PsiloSage. Coming up in 2013 of his debut EP Spore, he would go on to drop a total of 4 mixtapes & another EP PianoScribblez throughout the last 9 years. He just dropped his last tape Sirius C back in the spring & is kicking off summer in the form of HillzHavEyez

“Welcome 2 da Hillz” is a trap-influenced opener talking about where he comes from whereas “On Errrything” takes a more mystic route looking back on when he was underneath the scene. “Pasinogna” is a dark ode to the city of the same name leading into “Aerojet” incorporating some bells talking about how you might lose your mind.

Meanwhile on “SwayLikeTree”, we have PsiloSage on top of a vocal sample advising to keep the page just before the nocturnal title track talking about how he stays alive. “imEnligtebed” weaves some eerie pianos into the mix explaining that this is his last chance, but then “MshhKa!” is a futuristic trap banger describing himself as an angel & a devil.

“Vibe Lii Thaat” shoots for a more minimal sound talking about being blowed while “ZombieZ” brings back the pianos talking about being chased by the undead. “Ready2Bite” details coming out during the evening on top of a preternatural instrumental while “Feelin’ Like da Devil” turns into gloomier territory comparing himself to Satan.

Following that, “DigitizeMuyLife” brings back the pianos saying he don’t need that vibe anymore while “2RealBro” dives into bassier turf talking about bubbling up. “DifferentWayz” is a dark yet cloudier cut flexing his lyricism while “HappyHallowzEve comes through with a Devil’s Night ode even though the beat is very stripped back.

“Wingz & Hornz” goes into occult territory talking about going for the glory while “imLikeHelium” has a more vibrant tone to it comparing himself to that of the chemical element. “Hello!” takes it back to a bass-heavy sound talking about pulling up on your bitch while the piano/hi-hat infused “RackItUp” continues to deliver more braggadocious lyrics.

As for “Evrywhre”, things return to a cloudier aesthetic talking about moving all over the place while “Testament” drearily declares this as a attestation to his development. “Gettin’ Blurry” mixes some blobby bass & hi-hats to chef it up while “FckFakeBased” is a hazier joint talking about being the zone.

“MP3s2NPCs” is a more guitar-driven track talking about how life isn’t fair while “Speak2Treez” surprisingly pulls from some ambient influences feeling like he can talk to nature. “ByDaWavz” layers some icy synths over some snares talking about chilling near the waters while the hazy “HardTimez” profoundly opens up about mental health.

Moving on from there, “AsleepAsWell” is a menacing shot at those who don’t honor him while “ThousandEyez” is just an interlude. “imBased” goes for a moodier vibe & the subject matter pretty much speaks for itself while “SpaceBoyz” is a cavernous trap anthem talks about riding through the void.

The song “Ready2Release” brings a chaotic beat to the table letting us know he’s ready to show & grow while the penultimate track “Ghosta” probably has the weakest performances on the tape in my opinion despite the abrasiveness in the instrumental. “WeAreDaHillz” ends the album with a grunge/trap fusion talking about feeling too real.

Coming away from this mixtape, I think it’s a good place to start for those of you who’re new to PsiloSage’s music. It’s a little bloated running at 35 tracks & 94 minutes long which is a reoccurring critique with some of his previous material, but his style would most definitely appeal to those who like $uicideboy$ or even Lil B.

Score: 3.5/5

Rome Streetz – “Pyrex Pot Poetry” review

Rome Streetz is a 35 year old MC from New York who broke out in 2016 off his debut mixtape I Been Thru Mad Shit. This was followed up by a plethora of projects, most notably the Noise Kandy tetralogy & Headcrack. Last year however was probably his biggest one yet, as he dropped some of the best work of his career from the DJ Muggs-produced Death & the Magician or the Futurewave-produced Razor’s Edge to the Ransom-assisted collab effort Coup de Grâce & the Griselda Records deal that followed. Fast forward a little over 7 months later, Royalz is being brought into the picture to produce Rome’s 6th mixtape from front to back.

After the “Pure Crystal” intro, the first song “Peep the Status” truly kicks the album off on a bluesy note with Rome talking about being cut from a different cloth whereas the Eto-assisted “Wise Guys” mixes some dusty drums & a guitar with both MCs getting in their mafioso bag. The title track with al.divino works in these creepy piano melodies describing the hustler life just before “Versace Drip” laces some horns saying he’s all about the checks.

Meanwhile on “High Noon”, we have Rim accompanying Rome on top of an orchestral beat asking what the move is leading into “Lexus Coupe” fusing pianos & a guitar together talking about forever being on a mission for the loot. “Xo” then incorporates a vocal sample expressing his eternal love for the paper, but then Ty Farris comes into the picture for the rock-tinged “Rebel Forces” talking about how losing ain’t an option for them.

The song “Empire State Haze” returns to a more symphonic sound saying he’s trying to touch $1M while the penultimate track “Walter White” eerily proclaims that everything he spits is biohazardous whilst paying homage to the main character of one of the greatest TV shows ever made. “Unfamiliar Projects” closes out the album with a crooning loop & Rome telling the story of a man who later shoots someone in the elevator after fucking a bitch the night prior.

Given that he’s got another album with Muggs on the way along with his Griselda debut & one fully produced by Big Ghost Ltd. on the way, Pyrex Pot Poetry is a great effort to hold us over until then. Royalz continues to reveal himself as one of the best producers out of Australia currently & Rome’s intricate lyricism never fails to amuse me.

Score: 4/5