MIXTAPE MADNESS #6: DOWNLOAD THE BEST MIXTAPES OF LAST WEEK

You know what it is. It’s Mixtape Madness time!

Various Artists, New York Renaissance

A 17-track crash course on which rappers from New York you should know about. It’s a pretty good compilation: Joey Bada$$, Action Bronson, Flatbush Zombies, Smoke DZA and many others. Production-wise the tape is very New York, creating a base of familiarity for each rapper’s distinct delivery. Whether you’ve kept up with New York’s hip-hop renaissance or not, this tape has got you covered.

Standout track: “We Ain’t You” (Troy Ave feat Nitty Scott MC, CJ Fly)

Un Kasa, The Wait Is Over

Harlem rhymespitter Un Kasa’s latest mixtape is impressive. His scorched throat delivery brings a roughness to the smooth production that backs him. Hustle stories, rap romance ballads and club bangers are featured throughout the tape. Kasa remains consistent while maintaining relevancy. There are some moments where Kasa loses his zone (his “Faded” freestyle is lackluster) but overall he’s pretty on point.

Standout track: “Frank Lucas” feat Raekwon the Chef and Bub

MAHD, Mahd Almighty

For a debut EP MC MAHD is starting off on a good foot. Although the tape begins with an awkward (and misplaced) monologue it immediately picks up with second track, “H.W.P.O.” There is an energy and bravado to MAHD that adds to his appeal. Plus, the production that accompanies him is great. At 13 tracks MAHD leaves an impression without demanding too much of your time. He still needs to refine his voice (it’s somewhere between Kanye West braggadocio, Drake introspection and Kendrick Lamar awareness) but MAHD is on to something with Mahd Almighty.

Standout track: “H.W.P.O.”

Reed Dollaz & Kev Garnet, Street Lights

Reed Dollaz and Kev Garnet chose an appropriate title for their tape. The streets the duo ventures through feature moments of success and hedonistic bliss (“Theme Song”), and death and misfortune (“What We Call Home”). The two build off of each other: Kev Garnet’s rough-edged and rapid delivery sets Reed Dollaz up for his mild-paced flow. Composed of 11 tracks Street Lights is consistent and enjoyable. Although the tape could have started off on a stronger note (“We Run This” is powerful production wise, but lacks lyrically), it proves its appeal until the very end.

Standout track: “Theme Song”

Termanology, Hood Politics 7

“I put my money in the freezer / I call it cold cash.” As the tape’s album cover implies Termanology is on a level of royalty that cannot be reached. And he deserves to brag: he’s rhymed over J Dilla beats and has released mixtapes consistently since 2003. Termanology has only gotten better with age. His flow is still smooth and the guy has quotable lines for days. The length is the only real complaint: 20 songs, some of which would have been better on another tape. Regardless, Hood Politics 7 is on point.

Standout track: “Up Every Night (Remix)” feat Cory Gunz and Kid Ink

Young Roddy, Good Sense II

Young Roddy is basically Curren$y’s mini-me, which can be both good and bad. If it was not for Roddy’s slightly higher vocal delivery, it would be difficult to distinguish him from his fellow Jet Life cohort. Roddy can spit and the production that backs him only supports that. But Roddy’s biggest issue is making sure he does not find himself in Curren$y’s shadow. Aside from that Good Sense II is one of the best tapes to come out this year in my opinion.

Standout track: “Street Pharmacist”