[Mixtape] Giftz: "Position of Power"
Not even 24 hours after unleashing the official video for "Quiet", Giftz hits us over the head by releasing the complete Position of Power 'tape everyone to enjoy. Narrated by DJ Moondawg, Position of Power features production and guest-appearances by the likes of Freddie Gibbs, Rockie Fresh, King Louie, SaveMoney, Boldy James, Lil Herb, YP, Chase N Cashe, C-Sick, Thelonious Martin, Xtreme, and Tree. I haven't fully listened to the project just yet, but what I've heard so far is very promising, and Position of Power is definitely a must-hear for Chicago Hip Hop fans.
[Mixtape] RETROSPECT: "The Breakout Pt.1"
Last night, RETROSPECT successfully hosted a listening party for their latest project, The Breakout Pt.1, and today Quotes & Def Poet have finally put out the first installment from The Breakout series for the masses to enjoy. Alluding to their name, the Chicago duo is known to deliver a sound that mixes a throwback-style reminiscent of mid-90's Hip-Hop and a refreshing new vibe that's homogeneous to early-Kanye West material. The Breakout Pt.1 is the epitome of their sound at its best, making it highly enjoyable for their long-time fans and it's only seven-tracks deep which makes it a smooth listen that will not overwhelm new listeners. Features and production by brandUn DeShay, classik Chandler London, J Arthur, DotKom & ShowYouSuck add an extra incentive to not miss out on this 'tape. Stream below and stay tuned for part two.
[Mixtape] KIT: "NewWavey"
With a minimalistic sound and dark vibes surrounding sex, drugs and music, KIT finally presents his latest opus, NewWavey. Assisted by JODY, The-Drum, Jeremiah Meece and more, the Chicago artist put together a very interesting project that conceptualizes a unique sound with various themes. The 'tape is available below for you enjoyment and as a bonus you can also peep his brand new video for the single "Iodine Poisoning", directed by the homies at Elevator.
http://youtu.be/RkKhfzsDkwU
[Mixtape] Femdot: "Femedelacreme"
Femdot is a young emcee from Chicago who has been featured extensively here at RH due to his untapped talent he shows glimpses of in each of his releases. Femedelacreme is his most recent project and it features the potential this kid to become a force to be reckoned with in the local scene. Guest-appearances and production by the likes of Jahsi Wonder, Kayla Davion, Frank Leone, Alex Wiley, DJ Chi & more over 16 tracks plus 3 bonus songs.
DOWNLOAD Femdot: "Femedelacreme"
[Mixtape] Mo$: "Thought Process"
Debut projects for musicians always present the biggest hurdle to jump over. Not only do they want to make an amazing first impression, the stress and anxiety over ensuring that first impression is up to their standards can be rough. Above all else, it seems like many artists try a bit too hard to make sure they sound good to the point where the final project just feels a bit empty and devoid of any feeling. One thing I feel most people forget about is having fun with their craft.
Listening through Thought Process, you can tell that Mo$ is having fun with his debut. Thought Process is the perfect title for the mixtape, because the rapper takes you through his own thought process as a way of introducing you to him and his style. (It also doesn't hurt that the cover art is Adventure Time-friendly.) I'm not saying Mo$ wasn't trying to make waves with the debut, but it seemed like he was more interested in showing everybody what he has to offer while not trying to make power moves, so to speak. For that, I appreciate him and Thought Process a lot more than I would have if the entire mixtape was just flexing.
Check out Thought Process below.
[Mixtape] Na$im Williams: "Na$im World Order: Black & White"
Serving as a prelude to the forthcoming EP, Welcome To The Grindhouse, Na$im Williams has put out a compilation 'tape entitled Na$im World Order: Black & White, which features some of the biggest records the Treated Crew producer has dropped in 2013. Also, watch out for another instrumental project by Na$im dropping in August.
[Mixtape] The Boy Illinois: "Jean Baptiste"
The Boy Illinois did a little promo-run not too long in which he visited the offices of MTV, XXL and others to preview his now released 'tape Jean Baptiste. The reaction from that tastemakers that got the chance to hear the 'tape a little early have come out with great feedback and after listening to the project you'll be able to see why they talk so highly of Jean Baptiste. Illi has always been an ambitious dude that knows in what direction he wants to take his sound and the 'tape is a major success in both conception and execution. Peep below.
[Mixtape] GRWYF: "Famlay"
I've been supporting GRWYF collective since they first popped up in the scene with their fist compilation 'tape. Now the crew is back with new members and new materials, but the goal is still the same; Get Rich With Your Friends. In their latest 'tape, Famlay, Femdot, Keturah, Jahsi Wonder and more spit over DJ Chi's production.