As Summer 2013 draws near to a close, I find myself wondering where the time went. That’s the thing about Summer; we long for her to come, and just when we start to feel her beautiful presence, she’s gone again. One things for sure though, we never forget our summertime. Maybe that’s because for brief while we can become totally absorbed in music, weather, and freedom. That’s how it’s always been for me. And for a long time, mixtapes have been the soundtracks to my summer memories. This year did not disappoint. From the June 18th Showdown, to the many up and coming artists dropping their mixtapes and albums, this has definitely been an interesting season! Right now, I want to share with you my 5 favorite Summer 2013 projects. So, let’s get it goin!
First, we have Washington DC’s Fat Trel, with his latest tape SDMG. This artist shows great potential, and is one of the best lyricists out right now. His new tape shows the same Trel (talking wild shit, DC on the daily, smoking weed, getting women, etc.) Yet, on this one I feel a distinct growth in his character. He’s more laid back, and seems to be really reflecting on life. Maybe a change in scenery (his move from DC to CA, I heard that) has given him a new point of view. Even so, such a change can’t strip him of his roots, because it’s where he made his start. Trel works with a diverse array of producers who craft some dope beats. This mixtape hones some truly amazing sounds that add a new touch to Fat Trel’s realist storytelling. Give the tape a Listen Below…Stay Positive DC!
Next, we have a hidden gem that hasn’t received much shine, but it is still very new, so give it some time. East Palo Alto, CA artist Hefna Gwap, and NYC artist T-Shyne dropped their joint project titled Sloppy Tuna. With 7 tracks on the subjects of weed, drinking, women, art, and having a good time; the two have mastered a sophisticated way of telling a story. I like how Gwap and Shyne talk about life and dreams. Their music is authentic and honest. They have a good chemistry, and are each very creative in their own right. Lord Plawz did his thing with the production! Give a listen Below. Be on the lookout for Elegant Caviar! And don’t forget to check out the Hip Hop Hundred interview with Hefna Gwap!
Kanye West’s YEEZUS was some dope music. I know it’s not a mixtape, but I had to include it. Despite what many people may think, I find this one from Yeezy to be very creative, hypnotic, comical, and unique. He gave us 10 excellent produced tracks about his life, with some artistic fantasy. I really enjoyed listening to the lyrics closely. Some of the stuff he says is out of this world, but it appears to come from somewhere that’s deep. That’s what art is anyway, shit that might seem way out there, but it always expresses raw human emotions. The album was this beautiful mixture of dark and light, with powerful tracks. I enjoy how each track picks up an extra edge as they progress. My favorite one was “Bound 2”… because of those soulful samples that Kanye does best! Grab the album on ITunes Here!
This fourth tape was created by a collective coming from Baltimore, MD. The city is about 20 miles down the road from me, and I am glad to see many good artists from there on the come up. 9BMC released their tape C.amp. It reminds me of Wu Tang. Although they don’t discuss Kung-Fu, they make solid music like the Wu, and not many collective groups can do that. The mixtape has 17 records with some real creative raps and production. I like how they approach each song as if to make it its own hit, yet all the tracks mesh together well. Also, there is this guy named Esjay who’s pretty funny on the skits, and on twitter- look him up! Learn more about the 9BMC HERE in my interview with 9BMC member JuegoTheNinety! What’s good Baltimore!
The fifth and final tape is my personal favorite. It was created by an artist who goes by Chuuwee, from Sacramento, California. The name of his tape is T.H.R.L.L. with 14 records about life, hard work, relationships, and Hip Hop. The Sac Town MC is about 22 years old, and already has a pretty impressive catalog. With bars on bars, he can tell a story in a way so relatable that I feel like he’s my friend. This is a true summer tape. It’s my favorite because it’s laid back with some dope production, and also because Chuuwee seems like a real, down to earth dude. Some songs are upbeat, while others are relaxed. The lyrics transcend real smooth into the mind! Track five is called “ChiLL PiLL” and the message is real shit. It speaks to those of us who have a great hunger and who are after something! I have not heard much rap from the Central Valley, but I know Chuuwee will put on and keep hitting us with that good music! Give a Listen and Be on the lookout for him in the future!
There you have it, my five favorite tapes of Summer 2013! When you listen to as much music as I do, a whole summer of tapes is a lot to narrow down. So, I selected five that have made an impact on my life. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do! Remember, it’s never too late to open your mind to good music and new ideas! Below, I have linked up some other amazing mixtapes! Check those out as well, and be sure to leave your thoughts! Enjoy the rest of your summer, and as always Stay Positive!
