Grade A: DJ Marvalous – The Spacepod (Mixtape)

It’s coolin’ down outside and DJ Marvalous is still bringin the heat. His latest compilations is called SpacePod and has songs from T.I., Young Dro, Lil Wayne, and Gucci Mane to Big K.R.I.T, Wiz Khalifa, Wale, Blake Kelly, and Jo Stunnah.

Continuing his consistency, the Martian Marvalous drops another tape

Young Jeezy – “The Last Laugh” (Mixtape)

Taking a hiatus from the music scene is considered a double-edged sword. On one end, being out of the public eye creates a certain anticipation from one’s fans; it also gives the artist more time to work on their respective album or craft; because as the old saying goes: “absence makes the heart grow fonder”… right? On the other hand, with the genre of hip-hop always changing and progressing, a long break could ultimately hurt, if not end, an artist’s career; talented or not. One tactic that most successful rappers is the method of being featured on other artists singles and albums, while still working on their own respective albums.

Music Review: Big Sean – Finally Famous v. 3: BIG

For most new artists it’s very difficult to emerge from the spotlight of a superstar. Rappers like Memphis Bleek, Beanie Sigel, and Drag-On (just to name a few…) never got their just credit due to the fact that the same record label they inhabited was also home to a superstar. From time to time however, the world gets to enjoy the immense talent of artists such as Snoop, 50 Cent and Kanye West; who build a name for themselves while still being able to co-exist with their predecessors. It may take some time and hard work, but they too become famous…. Finally. Detroit’s own Big Sean has definitely made a name for himself. From being a inductee of XXL‘s Freshmen 10 for ’10, to creating of the ever so popular flow that Young Money has made famous, it’s only a matter of time before his highly anticipated debut album hits shelves. It doesn’t hurt that he’s also signed to Kanye West’s G.O.O.D. Music imprint, but that is a double-edged sword as I stated earlier.

Last week, Big Sean released the third installment of his Finally Famous mixtape series entitled: BIG. Hosted by Don Cannon, Finally Famous v.3 contains 18 cuts with some nice beats and even better features. At times, Big Sean sounds a lot like a well-known rapper/producer from Chicago but after listening to the mixtape, he definitely has a style that he can call his own. On the first track entitled “Final Hour”, with howling acclamations from the host DJ, Sean uses that “lazy” flow that we’ve all come to enjoy in order to boast and brag about his lyrical prowess. A personal favorite of many is the remix to “Fat Raps”, which features Chip tha Ripper, Asher Roth, Chuck Inglish and Boldy. It’s a classic track with an infectious beat, just simply a song that you can ride to; day in and day out.

In his popular cover of Gucci’s hit, which he coined “Supa Dupa Lemonade” Sean states: “I spit that retarded sh*t, call it autism…” The mixtape isn’t all about money and drugs, for this Motown native has a couple of tracks dedicated to the women, which gives FF3 that mass appeal and hopefully will contribute to the future crossover success of his forthcoming album. All in all, this a traditional mixtape, with Big Sean giving it his own little twist. I’ve even included the download link if you’d like to hear it, hear it go!

DL: Big Sean – Finally Famous v. 3: BIG

– Oak

DJ Marvalous – Hip Hop Panty Droppas (Don’t Stop)

So I know you’ve been awaiting the latest addition to DJ Marvalous’ Panty Droppa Collection; well I know I have. Panty Droppas continues to be a staple in my late night music collection. Works like a charm too (ehem!).

This time around Marv has decided to infuse the tape with your favorite Hip Hop artists and their odes to Love, Sex, Magic etc. Im currently taking off my cool, and enjoying the tape as you read this. So let me stop delaying myself and get back to the sounds.

Don’t thank me this time, thank the man himself, DJ Marvalous. I’m just putting you on, as usual.

Grade A Download: DJ Maralous – Hip Hop Panty Droppas (Don’t Stop)

Hit the jump to see the full Tracklist

Music Review: Wale – More About Nothing (Mixtape)

It’s both a burden and an honor to be the representative of an entire group of people. It’s considered a position of power… but with great power, comes great responsibility. Olubowale Folarin, more commonly known as Wale, is the first real hip-hop artist to make it out of the trenches of Washington, D.C. His metaphors, wordplay and rhyme scheme is something that he can honestly call his own, which is atypical of most rappers today. Ever since being nominated for XXL‘s ’09 class of the Freshman 10, he has not only been on a serious grind, but has remained consistent every step of the way. On August 3rd, in collaboration with Roc Nation x DJ Omega x The Board Administration, he released the sequel to his Mixtape About Nothing, aptly titled: More About Nothing.

Sammie – It’s Just A Mixtape: Intro Video

Vodpod videos no longer available.

Somehow, someway this little video skipped right over my grasps. Here we have a Sammie, Ryan Kristoffer Film, featuring Blake Kelly, and I missed it. I’m not so sure how this was even possible but it happened, so please forgive me. Don’t just watch the video, you illiterate _____ read the rest —->

Chance Fischer Is HERE

I forget where I was the other day, but I overheard the quote, “a dream is only a dream until you write it down.” A real dope saying, especially given its meaning. From the moment that dream is transcribed, it is no longer a fantasy. Instead, it’s a goal. My personality has always been one who loves to see well-deserved people achieve success – regardless whether they complement my interests or not. With the release of his mixtape/EP/debut project HERE, Chance Fischer’s short-term dream is now a present-day reality.

Freddie Gibbs – “Str8 Killa No Filla” (Mixtape)

The time is finally here; well the real time is tomorrow to be exact, but there’s nothing wrong with an appetizer before the main course. With that being said, the one and only Gangsta Gibbs gave us his Str8 Killa No Filla mixtape about a week before the official release of his debut album of the same name. The tape features artists such as Bun B, Jay Rock and Pill, just to name a few. Hosted by DJ Burn One, Statik Selektah and Josh the Goon, this Str8 Killa mixtape sure to to a banger even after the official album is released. The tracklist as well as the link for the download has been included below, so stop wasting time and give it a listen.

– Oak

DL: Freddie Gibbs – Str8 Killa No Filla (Mixtape)

Grade A: DJ Maravlous Presents – The Cosmic Cruise

To be honest, this probably needs no introduction, so I’ll keep it short. The Man (The Martian) DJ Marvalous has so kindly graced the scene with yet another compilation of quality music. Whether it’s the fact that every cut is not a radio hit, or the diversity of artists on his mixtapes, or even the unique artwork that doesn’t display a photo of some artist who doesn’t even know the mixtape exist. One thing is certain, you can expect #GradeA quality.

#NowPlaying The Cosmic Cruise track #33 on repeat…While your tuned into The Cosmic Cruise make sure your ears are open for a few special DJ Marvalous exclusive mashups. Hit the jump for the back cover art and the download link.

Chip tha Ripper – “Independence Day” (Mixtape)

The city of Cleveland, Ohio has been known to produce some creative musical talent, specifically within the past 5 years. Rappers such as Kid Cudi, Big Sean and the legendary Bone Thugs-N-Harmony are the ones that initially come to mind. However, a young fellow out of the Land that has been putting in work since early ’06 is finally getting some of the respect that he deserves from emcees and fans alike. A lyricist who’s flow and delivery is unique, and an escape from the norm.. Enter: Chip tha Ripper.

On July 4, 2010 The Ohio spitter linked up w/ DJ Steph to present the Independence Day Mixtape; which suprisingly only has 13 tracks, but nowadays quality outweighs quantity in any situation. The EP contains features from Pac Div, Kid Cudi and Dom Kennedy (just to name a few…). So, whenever to have the time, check out this up-and-coming lyricist; as well as what he has to offer to hip-hop.

Be Safe,

– Oak

DL: Independence Day (Mixtape)