Fabolous & DJ Drama THERE IS NO COMPETITION
There are a handful of artists in Hip Hop today that somehow manage to consistently put out mixtapes that are hotter than their actual albums, and Fabolous definitely makes the list. On his new mixtape, There is No Competition, Loso teams up with Drama for a Brooklyn edition of the ever popular Gangsta Grillz series. Loso brings a barrage of quality tracks such as “Hustla’s Poster Child,” coupling street-inspired lyrics with his trademark swagger to outperform the Loso we find on most of his album cuts. — Rohit Loomba
Yo Gotti & DJ Smallz Cocaine Muzik
Yo Gotti may not be a platinum-selling artist, or gold for that matter, but on the streets the name is known. And on this DJ Smallz mixtape, the Memphis, TN rapper gets back to the basics with more street shit that’ll keep the gangsta parties going in hoods everywhere. Tracks like “Talk To ‘Em,” “My Niggaz” and “Hoody” are standouts, but a remake to Prince’s “Purple Rain” entitled “Pure Cocaine” with Gucci Mane and Young Cash was a bad idea. And on “Aw Man,” Gotti seems out of his league after Juelz Santana spits his 16. But the mixtape has more positives than negatives, including the new single “Let’s Vibe,” where Polow Da Don flips LL Cool J’s “I Need Love” and Pleasure P delivers on the hook. After hearing new music on Cocaine Muzik, Gotti’s forthcoming album King of Memphis sounds like a fitting title. — Randy Roper
Treal & DJ Smallz/The Formula (To Making Hit Music)
If you’re a fan of trap muzik, gangster raps or 187 rhymes, than Treal isn’t the group for you. This four-man group from Orlando, FL is reminiscent of a time when rap music was fun-filled and carefree. On songs like their regional hit “I’m Not Lockdown,” “Metro” and “The Crush,” they approach relationships from an amusing perspective that’s easy to relate to. And when they’re addressing serious topics like the live-by-the-gun-die-by-the-gun track “The Wrong Man Wrong Time,” their unique sing-along style draws listening in. But the group’s biggest flaw is their lack of lyricism, as none of the members are capable of spitting memorable verses. Nonetheless, Treal is an entertaining group that knows how to make a hit in this ringtone-influenced state of Hip Hop. — Randy Roper
Mack Maine & DJ Smallz/Bitch I’m Mack Maine
Listening to this CD will tell you one of two things. One, Mack Maine can rap his ass off. Two, Mack Maine reads OZONE. While he forgave us for shorting Freestyle 101 of a perfect 5 Blunts rating, he’s still a little saucy about not being named in anyone’s Top Ten Next To Blow in last year’s OZONE Awards issue. But according to his verse on “Young Money Nucca” he’s not sweating any accolades anyway, because “I’m like HBO, no commercial.” Bitch I’m Mack Maine still isn’t a 5 Blunter, but quality beat selection and production on “Other Shit,” “Dead Body Everyday” make it a good smoker. — Maurice G. Garland
Charlamagne Tha God & DJ B Lord/South Carolina’s Greatest Hits Vol. 1/SDM/Pure Pain
South Carolina is one of the last states left that hasn’t cashed out on the Southern Hip Hop phenomenon. That doesn’t mean that they haven’t been staying busy while their neighbors have enjoyed mainstream attention. This collection of South Cack underground hits shows that this small state has a big voice. Past songs from definitive SC rappers Pachino Dino, Lil’Ru, Collard Greens and country fried offerings like Sauce’s “That’s What It Iz” head up a strong show of talent. The over abundance of street-skewered subject matter leaves a little to be desired, but with the state being known as the second most violent in the United States, its to be expected. Quality production throughout, this mixtape should spark an SC power move. — Maurice G. Garland
96 // OZONE MAG
DJ Scream & Rocko Da Don/Swag Season With songs named “Really Getting’ Money,” “Money,” “Money Ain’t An Object” and “Yeen Talkin’ Bout Money” all appearing on this mixtape, it’s safe to assume what Rocko’s favorite subject is. His infatuation with cash and swag can either be applauded for staying on topic or berated for lack of variety. With clean-but-typical trap music production throughout, songs like “Language” and “Dis Morning” make for witty, entertaining listens. But if your pockets aren’t quite right, you won’t appreciate Rocko’s idea of a good time on the shop-aholic themed “Nu, Nu.” Seemingly immune to the country’s bad economy, Swag Season will either motivate you to “make money, money” or “take money, money.” — Maurice G. Garland
2 Pistols & DJ Smallz/The Jimmy Jump Introduction With the production team J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League cosigning him and a single with T-Pain (“She Got It”) rising up the charts, the future looks promising for FLA newcomer 2 Pistols. And on his formal debut to the streets, The Jimmy Jump Introduction, Pistols attempts to show fans the reason he’s buzzing. Although this DJ Smallz mixtape is the perfect forum to capture the street’s attention, freestyles over hits like “Can’t Tell Me Nothing” and “I Get Money,” aren’t enough to convince listeners of Pistols ability. “I Got That” with Young Skee, “I’m a Bad Boy” and a snippet of “Eyes Closed” featuring Young Jeezy are steps in the right direction but come too few and far in between, making this a less than notable mixtape induction. — Randy Roper
Young Snead & Yae High (hosted by The AphilliBefore Drama and ates)/The Takeover Cannon were ar- Continues Vol. 1 rested, having your mixtape hosted by the Aphilliates meant instance acceptance from the streets, but things aren’t that easy anymore. On The Takeover Continues Volume One, Young Sean and Yae High look to prove they’re the next to blow out of the A-Town. But while the duo shows potential on songs like “I’m a Star,” “Is U Fa Real,” and “On My Block” featuring Lloyd, other tracks sound as if they could have been dropped by any trap rap group out of Atlanta. Snead and Yae have potential, but it’s hard to determine if it’s the potential of artists that have longevity or if “I’m a Star” will serve as a oneand-done hit from the duo. — Randy Roper
DJ Scream, MLK & Young Dro/I Am Legend DJ Scream and Young Dro team up for I Am Legend, a mixtape Dro fans will appreciate. Dro brings the same formula he did on Best Thang Smokin’, matching his distinct voice to a variety of bass driven beats. On I Am Legend, Dro carries everything himself, limiting the number of features. Standout tracks include “Loud,” “House on Me,” and “Tropical.” While Dro does have some bright moments on this mixtape, mediocrity seems to plague Dro’s music for the most part. — Rohit Loomba
Yung Texxus/ThrowAways Vol. 1 Yung Texxus offers fans new music with ThrowAways Vol. 1. Good beat selection helps this mixtape but Texxus lacks much in terms of content. While Yung Texxus definitely brings tracks that are sure to tear up your speakers he doesn’t do much to break the mold that seems to be used for most music out of the South today, failing to really set himself apart. Standout tracks include “Live My Life,” “So Glorious,” and “The Savior’s Here.” — Rohit Loomba