Before was an A-list rap star with his own festival and a $13 million house, Tyler The Creator was just a blog-era upstart who generated a buzz by word of mouth and being a menace toward many of those blogs for not posting his music. Even without the blog love, Tyler’s rambunctious self-promo was enough to garner the attention of some big names, including Jay-Z and Diddy — although, in typical Tyler The Creator fashion, he blew them off to do his own thing.
In the latest episode of DJ Drama’s Gangsta Grillz Podcast Tyler recounts how he turned down a deal from Jay-Z over tacos. According to @nfr_podcast on Twitter, Tyler tells Drama, “[He] invited us to one of his LA homes & we just ate tacos… We ate some tacos & he wanted to sign us. I was like ‘man you’re cool, but no.’ Him, Puff… a lot of people were interested… I don’t know, I just want creative control & do everything.”
Tyler, The Creator recalls JAY-Z trying to sign him early on:
“ [He] invited us to one of his LA homes & we just ate tacos… We ate some tacos & he wanted to sign us. I was like ‘man you’re cool, but no.’ Him, Puff… a lot of people were interested… I don’t know, I just want… pic.twitter.com/E2r8H6mNro
And despite making an album he describes as “f*cking terrible” with that creative control, it paid off eventually. Tyler and DJ Drama’s album Call Me If You Get Lost won the award for Best Rap Album at the 2022 Grammy Awards, and Tyler certainly seems to be doing pretty well for himself otherwise. I guess we know the right answer to that meme about dinner with Jay-Z now.
You can listen to the full episode of Gangsta Grillz Podcast (with an Amazon Prime membership) here.
It’s been quite a while since we’ve heard a long-form offering from Atlanta rapper Reese LAFLARE, and it seems like he knew that. Moreover, his latest project, a Gangsta Grillz collaboration with DJ Drama, holds a versatile set of tracks that sees him at his best. Diva Vol. 4 is as soulful as it is saucy, as hard as it is heavenly, and as versatile as it is volitional. Almost every track here seems like it serves a specific mood-driven or instrumental purpose in the tracklist. As such, Reese crafted a tight and consistently entertaining body of work that shows off a lot of catchy flows and compelling performances.
Instrumentally, there are a lot of pallets here that switch up from track to track, resulting in a lot of variety. Furthermore, Reese LAFLARE is just as prone to float over a trap beat, a West Coast banger, or more R&B-influenced cuts. Not only that, but the 35-year-old does a very effective job of switching his performance from song to song to fit the vibe. It’s definitely been a long way since the first volume of Diva, and his artistic sensibilities this time around display that growth. In addition, he taps a lot of guests here to add to Vol. 4‘s color, variety, and exciting nature.
Vince Staples, Benny The Butcher, KennyHoopla, Ty Dolla $ign, KEY!, and Money Makin’ Nique are among the guests here. Each fits their track quite well with their respective styles, such as Vince’s excellent verse on the California-sounding cut “Top Diva.” Overall, don’t miss out on this album if you like any kind of rap, and find it on your preferred streaming service. In addition, check out the tracklist below and let us know what your favorite song is in the comments down below. As always, stay up to date on HNHH for the latest on Reese LAFLARE and DJ Drama, and for more great hip-hop releases each week.
Tracklist 1. Flu Game 2. Dj Drama Pop Yo S**t (feat. DJ Drama) 3. Top Diva (feat. Vince Staples & Xaiolan) 4. Quote this (feat. Seddy Hendrinx) 5. Revolver (feat. KennyHoopla) 6. Euphoria 7. Organ Donor (feat. Robb Bank$) 8. Atlanta 05 9. I Love My B***h (feat. KEY! & Omari Shakir) 10. Vices (feat. Ty Dolla $ign) 11. FYI (feat. Benny The Butcher & Money Makin’ Nique) 12. No Patience
Hip-hop heads were nothing short of shocked to hear about DJ Drama’s rumoured Toronto robbery this past weekend. The Generation Now founder has yet to address the gossip himself. However, a local rapper, Top5, shared a video showing several men in ski masks proudly waving what appears to be Drama’s jewelry around while shouting out Drake. Of course, the Gangsta Grillz creative and the Canadian have resolved their beef. Still, the incident still must’ve bruised his ego, nonetheless.
A few days after the news broke, it was revealed earlier today (June 13) that Drama’s chains are on their way back to him. It remains unclear how the negotiations worked out, or how peaceful they were. According to an Instagram comment from Top5 on DJ Akademiks’ post, the price he paid to have the ice back in his possession wasn’t a small one. “$120K for the chain back, that’s a good deal ,” he wrote.
The caption of the Toronto lyricist’s original post read, “For all you that don’t post my music, and don’t play my music 2023 your chains are getting snatched. @djdrama come get [your] chain back lil boy.” Clearly, there’s beef between the pair, though we’re unsure why Drama wouldn’t play Top5’s music. As you may recall, he was previously charged with first-degree murder in late 2021 after reportedly seeking revenge for his brother’s killing.
This obviously tarnished his reputation, and things have been relatively quiet on his end since. His last single, “401” with Pressa, arrived in 2022, as did “I Miss My Dawgs” featuring Iceman and Rico Bank$. We’re unsure if he plans to drop anything in 2023, or if he’ll stick to snatching chains instead. Do you think $120K is an outrageous demand for DJ Drama to get his jewelry back? Let us know in the comments, and check back later for more hip-hop/pop culture news updates.
DJ Drama faced a fair share of social media clowning over the weekend after video surfaced of robbers flaunting his chains. Apparently, they robbed the Philly multi-hyphenate for not “checking” when he visited Toronto, and later posted his chains online for the world to see. “That’s what you f***ing get for not checking in,” the men say in the clip. “Shout out boy Drizzy, eh. Triple Gs, you know how we rock.” It’s funny that they mention Drake, as the two allegedly had past beef and it’s unclear whether “checking” was the only motivation behind the robbery.
Regardless of all that, a new video that is buzzing around the Internet alleges that DJ Drama’s chains are on the way back to him. Furthermore, an Instagram account called @keep6ixsolid posted the clip in question. Hilariously, it also features the theme from The Godfather in the background. Whether he paid for the chains back or not, it’s still quite worrisome considering that we don’t know the full extent of the robbery. Maybe it turned more violent than threatening, so we hope that everyone involved is as safe and sound as the chains look.
Going back to that point about Drake, it’s interesting that it formed part of the conversation due to other recent events. Meek Mill, who also reconciled a beef with the 6ix God, recently took shots at DJ Drama, who was his former friend and collaborator. A lot of info exploded on his Twitter page, and he called Drama a “goofy over these h*es” among other jabs. “I asked Drama why he always speaking down on me with a few other words too, told him he’s a goofy,” he tweeted. “I also hit him when he tried to compare ‘Dreams And Nightmares’ to ‘[Just] Wanna Rock’ AND DOWNPLAY ME.”
“That man never did real charity in Philly in his life,” Meek continued his rant, among other tweets. “I just be saying bits parts online because it be too much to say… I be wanting it to be known when ion Rock wit these goofies … and I stand on my tippy toes when I see them so it’s no confusion before we even interact! ‘Drama queen over these females.’” For the latest news and updates on DJ Drama, log back into HNHH.
It’s been a tough few weeks for DJ Drama. He was not only called “a goofy over these h*es” by Meek Mill, but also was the victim of an alleged robbery in Toronto. As AllHipHop reports, the Generation Now co-founder was visiting the 6ix when he failed to “check,” ultimately resulting in his chain seemingly being snatched. It seems that moment wasn’t caught on camera. Nevertheless, the thieves have since posted up on social media. In a viral video, they’re seen showing off the loot they claim to have taken from around Drama’s neck this weekend.
Adding insult to injury, the men praise Drake (who has past beef with the Philly native) in the obnoxious video. “That’s what you f*cking get for not checking in,” they indirectly tell Drama. “Shout out boy Drizzy, eh. Triple Gs, you know how we rock.” Neither the Canadian nor his former enemy have addressed the situation on Twitter. Still, users are certainly having a field day laughing at the situation.
It’s worth noting that Drake and the Gangsta Grillz creative previously put an end to their feud. Hip-hop heads quickly realized this when they appeared on Jack Harlow’s “Churchill Downs” together. Things first became tense between the pair in 2015, when rumours stated that Drama is the one who told Meek Mill about his “R.I.C.O” collaborator apparently using a ghostwriter to pen the fan favourite. The incident put a major rift between Drake and the “Litty” rapper, though they later settled their differences publicly.
In other news, Champagne Papi hasn’t entirely managed to escape being embarrassed online lately either. During a live stream with Stake and Kick earlier this month, not only did the father of one’s credit card decline but he was also turned into a meme thanks to his questionable yellow nail polish. See for yourself at the link below, and make sure to check back later for more hip-hop/pop culture news updates.
Meek Mill isn’t feeling DJ Drama right now. Hitting Twitter on Monday, Meek accused the Gangsta Grillz creator of “speaking down” on him and recalling a time when Meek “tore him up in the a.”
Meek wrote: “Dj drama a goofy over these hoes lol he won’t speak good on me I tore him up in the a”
There were other members when Drama allegedly spoke against Meek, but the Expensive Pain rapper noted Dramam comparing his “Dreams & Nightmares” with Lil Uzi Vert’s “I Wanna Rock.” He wrote, “Don’t let these industry lames use you they don’t really even like you.
Meek shared a text exchange with Drama where the two went back and forth and a seemingly agitated Drama writing, “to be honest i dont even speak on ALL THE REAL SUCKA SHIT u be DOIN!”
Later in the tweets, Meek highlighted Drama’s response when comparing him and Drake, noting that DJ Drama was one of the driving forces behind the two beefing. “drama tryna divide and conquer a feat lol drama basically started/powered that meek and drake beef.”
Dj drama a goofy over these hoes lol he won’t speak good on me I tore him up in the a
I asked drama why he always speaking down on me with a few other words too told him he’s a goofy… I also hit him when he tried to compare dreams and nightmares to I wanna rock AND DOWNPLAY ME … DONT LET THESE INDUSTRY LAMES USE YOU THEY DONT REALLY EVEN LIKE YOU SMH LOL pic.twitter.com/L1Im13YZsl
If they asked me about dj drama and Khaled I wouldn’t speak and I made millions on paper with Khaled I’ll still stay silent … I’m from Philly … and we don’t wear out fitted hats like that drama “SHOP AT MITCHELL AND NESS”
That man never did real charity in Philly in his life … I just be saying bits parts online because it be too much to say … I be wanting it to be known when ion Rock wit these goofies … and I stand on my tippy toes when I see them so it’s no confusion before we even interact!…
He confirmed tiny desk without speaking to my team or me … I told him I wasn’t locking it in … I’m not even on his album …I’m too up to be working another man’s album rollout wtf …everytime I rap I get rich and I ain’t been barely rapping I been on business timing ….I hate… pic.twitter.com/GkYi0BG7bl
According to Beyoncé’s latest single, “America Has A Problem,” and it might’ve started in Philadelphia. The city’s most prominent names in hip-hop, Meek Mill and DJ Drama, are engaged in a tense beef.
The “Dreams & Nightmares” rapper didn’t take too kindly to DJ Drama, declaring that Drake and Lil Wayne are “closer to being the Jay Z” of their era than Meek is. However, in a series of tweets, Meek shared that the producer’s comments on The Jay Hill Podcastwasn’t the only thing that led to the falling out.
“DJ Drama is a goofy over these hoes, LOL. He won’t speak good about me. I tore him up in [Atlanta]. I asked Drama why he is always speaking down on me with a few other words, too told him he’s a goofy,” said the entertainer. Adding, “I also hit him when he tried to compare ‘Dreams & Nightmares’ to ‘I Wanna Rock’ and downplay me. Don’t let these industry lames use you. They don’t really even like you, SMH LOL.”
I asked drama why he always speaking down on me with a few other words too told him he’s a goofy… I also hit him when he tried to compare dreams and nightmares to I wanna rock AND DOWNPLAY ME … DONT LET THESE INDUSTRY LAMES USE YOU THEY DONT REALLY EVEN LIKE YOU SMH LOL pic.twitter.com/L1Im13YZsl
In an earlier tweet, Meek alleges that DJ Drama attempted to leverage his likeliness for a promotional opportunity with NPR’s Tiny Desk Concert series.
He confirmed tiny desk without speaking to my team or me … I told him I wasn’t locking it in … I’m not even on his album …I’m too up to be working another man’s album rollout wtf …everytime I rap I get rich and I ain’t been barely rapping I been on business timing ….I hate… pic.twitter.com/GkYi0BG7bl
Users continued to fan the flames requesting that the musician release a diss track, to which Meek replied, “I don’t want his name living forever. LOL. He is dying out.”
I asked drama why he always speaking down on me with a few other words too told him he’s a goofy… I also hit him when he tried to compare dreams and nightmares to I wanna rock AND DOWNPLAY ME … DONT LET THESE INDUSTRY LAMES USE YOU THEY DONT REALLY EVEN LIKE YOU SMH LOL pic.twitter.com/L1Im13YZsl
If they asked me about dj drama and Khaled I wouldn’t speak and I made millions on paper with Khaled I’ll still stay silent … I’m from Philly … and we don’t wear out fitted hats like that drama “SHOP AT MITCHELL AND NESS”
That man never did real charity in Philly in his life … I just be saying bits parts online because it be too much to say … I be wanting it to be known when ion Rock wit these goofies … and I stand on my tippy toes when I see them so it’s no confusion before we even interact!…
The biggest mistakes you can make in this game is having sex with the wrong females … jealous men will try to destroy you quietly Or find out a way to dislike you lol … y’all can keep them gals I like my family and friends more! It’s saddd lol
And I’m the meek of this generation … nothing can’t be hov he laid all this shit out for us you gotta make your own movie outchea that’s that niggaitis who the new hov …. I respect that highly can’t be re-done … drama tryna divide and conquer a feat lol drama basically…
I was getting a rich ass massage scrolling on twitter seen a goofy i know speaking on me so I’m speaking my mind … we be multitasking on bs sometimes lol this shit hard to figure out it’s lit tho https://t.co/v7aWhKKgCDpic.twitter.com/OnJOdi3tIZ
Meek Mill and DJ Drama may have had a decent working relationship in the past, but that’s all changed according to the rapper’s latest Twitter rant. On Monday (May 29), the “Dreams And Nightmares” hitmaker’s page lit up with his thoughts on the Generation Now founder, apparently triggered by the former seeing the latter talking down on him in yet another interview. “DJ Drama a goofy over these h*es,” Meek began this afternoon. “Lol, he won’t speak good on me. I tore him up in the A.”
In his next message, the 36-year-old pulled out receipts of a conversation with his fellow Philly native. “I asked Drama why he always speaking down on me with a few other words too, told him he’s a goofy,” Meek explained along with his screenshot. “I also hit him when he tried to compare ‘Dreams And Nightmares’ to ‘[Just] Wanna Rock’ AND DOWNPLAY ME.” Before wrapping up his message, the “Litty” artist urged others in the industry to avoid being used by lames who don’t even really like them.
Meek didn’t stop there either. He eventually brought DJ Khaled’s name into the conversation, making it abundantly clear that he would never speak on him or Drama while doing press. “That man never did real charity in Philly in his life,” the father of two alleged of the 45-year-old. “I just be saying bits [and] parts online because it be too much to say… I be wanting it to be known when [I don’t] rock [with] these goofies,” Mill clarified.
After putting Drama on blast, the lyricist replied to a Twitter user questioning why he’s partaking in internet beef when he’s wealthy. “I was getting a rich ass massage scrolling, seen a goofy I know speaking on me so I’m speaking my mind,” Meek wrote along with a video of his face peering out from beneath a massage table. “We be multitasking on BS sometimes lol.”
Keep scrolling to read more of Meek Mill’s Twitter rant about DJ Drama. Do you think the “Uptown Vibes” hitmaker is right about his former friend? Let us know in the comments, and check back later for more hip-hop/pop culture news updates.
I asked drama why he always speaking down on me with a few other words too told him he’s a goofy… I also hit him when he tried to compare dreams and nightmares to I wanna rock AND DOWNPLAY ME … DONT LET THESE INDUSTRY LAMES USE YOU THEY DONT REALLY EVEN LIKE YOU SMH LOL pic.twitter.com/L1Im13YZsl
If they asked me about dj drama and Khaled I wouldn’t speak and I made millions on paper with Khaled I’ll still stay silent … I’m from Philly … and we don’t wear out fitted hats like that drama “SHOP AT MITCHELL AND NESS”
That man never did real charity in Philly in his life … I just be saying bits parts online because it be too much to say … I be wanting it to be known when ion Rock wit these goofies … and I stand on my tippy toes when I see them so it’s no confusion before we even interact!…
The biggest mistakes you can make in this game is having sex with the wrong females … jealous men will try to destroy you quietly Or find out a way to dislike you lol … y’all can keep them gals I like my family and friends more! It’s saddd lol
And I’m the meek of this generation … nothing can’t be hov he laid all this shit out for us you gotta make your own movie outchea that’s that niggaitis who the new hov …. I respect that highly can’t be re-done … drama tryna divide and conquer a feat lol drama basically…
I was getting a rich ass massage scrolling on twitter seen a goofy i know speaking on me so I’m speaking my mind … we be multitasking on bs sometimes lol this shit hard to figure out it’s lit tho https://t.co/v7aWhKKgCDpic.twitter.com/OnJOdi3tIZ
Nearly three decades after their death, there are still very few rappers as revered and celebrated as Tupac Shakur and Biggie Smalls. Moreover, a lot has been speculated over what they would be up to today had they not lost their lives. During a recent appearance on the Jay Hill Podcast, DJ Drama added his hat into the ring of that conversation. Furthermore, the Gangsta Grillz legend believes that they would be at the same level of today’s most successful and entrepreneurial rap titans. He brought up Dr. Dre, Diddy, Snoop Dogg, and Jay-Z as names that the two deceased MCs would rank among.
“When you go back and you listen to Big’s albums or Big’s lyrics, he’s still 20-plus years of saying s**t that’s still impeccable bar-wise,” DJ Drama shared. “‘Pac, the same thing. They both died when they was like 25. Let’s think about where all those that were around them are now. If we think about Dr. Dre, we think about Snoop, we think about Hov, we think about Puff. These are all people that are some of the biggest, most successful and richest people in our culture today.
DJ Drama’s Comments On Biggie & Tupac On The Jay Hill Podcast
“Big and ‘Pac would’ve been right there, if not bigger,” DJ Drama continued. “Let’s really think about it. Look where Snoop and Dre are, look where [Puff] and Hov are. Why would we not think by any means that Big and ‘Pac would not be right up there, billionaires within the culture? They was on their way. Big and ‘Pac wouldn’t have fell off, by no means. They would’ve been up there with the n***as I just named doing amazing things in music and outside of music for sure.”
Of course, Biggie and Tupac’s legacies are so legendary and widespread that they manifest in many ways, whether respectful, culturally impactful, lucrative, or unconventional. On that last category, artificial intelligence renditions featuring Biggie’s voice have been quite controversial lately, for example. While Timbaland made his dream collab as a result, many wonder whether this is the right way to preserve fallen artists’ memories. Regardless, there’s no doubt that no amount of money could ever quantify their impact. For more news and the latest updates on your favorite rap artists of the old and new guards, stick around on HNHH.
DJ Drama’s Gangsta Grillz mixtape series has become one of the most historic runs in hip hop history. Drama has hosted mixtapes for a wide range of artists, many widely regarded as classics. Before he would co-found the Generation Now imprint, the Gangsta Grillz mixtapes were integral in hip hop’s mixtape era. The series helped establish mixtapes as an essential building block for a successful rap career in the 2000s and 2010s.
Gangsta Grillz has had its fair share of iconic moments in hip hop, as well as the famous mixtape raid of DJ Drama’s house. Drama’s influence on hip hop with these mixtapes can be seen in today’s hip hop. Artists like Westside Gunn and Tyler, The Creator have involved DJ Drama for Gangsta Grillz-inspired albums. The series is still strong as Drama has announced Gangsta Grillz mixtapes with Pusha T and De La Soul.
Starting in 2001, there have been well over 150 Gangsta Grillz mixtapes, so compiling a list of the best ones is difficult to narrow down. This is a list of the best Gangsta Grillz mixtapes, ranked from 11 to the top spot. Back in 2021, DJ Drama provided his own ranking of his Top 10 Gangsta Grillz mixtapes. Take a look at our list below.
11. Childish Gambino – STN MTN (2014)
Following the legendary Because The Internet album, Childish Gambino’s next ambitious release was a double project. In 2014, he released STN MTN, a rap-heavy Gangsta Grillz mixtape, along with the Kauai EP, which had an R&B/pop sound. STN MTN is named after Childish Gambino’s hometown of Stone Mountain, Georgia. The mixtape’s concept is a dream sequence that pays homage to the mixtape era, heavily inspired by southern rap. STN MTN sees Childish Gambino fully embracing the sound of his home state, rapping over all-time Atlanta classics like “Southern Hospitality” and “Move That Dope.” The Gangsta Grillz mixtape is also an early inspiration for Gambino’s TV show, Atlanta.
Pharrell’s talent is genreless. His production and songwriting credits and his skills as a singer and rapper need no introduction. He is known for being a brilliant collaborator but has few solo projects. His 2006 debut solo album, In My Mind, is now a cult classic and is the only Pharrell album with his rap skills on full display. In My Mind is special because Pharrell raps, sings, and produces the entire album. The mixtape is unique in a different way, as Pharrell showcased his rap skills in a more loose setting, rapping over classic hip hop beats, and the bars are the main focus. Pharrell’s music often focuses on the entire ensemble, from intricate production to vocal arrangement. In My Mind: The Prequel allowed Pharrell to spit bars, making his discography unique and significant as a Gangsta Grillz mixtape.
9. Curren$y – Verde Terrace (2011)
There are not many rappers with more mixtapes than Curren$y. The New Orleans rapper is known for his signature chill sound, often consisting of very laid-back yet skillful rhymes. Curren$y’s Gangsta Grillz, Verde Terrace is a special moment in his extensive catalog as the selected beats he rhymes over encourage him to step his bars up. Curren$y was well established by the time the mixtape was released in 2011, but he was rapped with such hunger on it. Curren$y did not necessarily step out of his comfort zone but showcased that he could still get busy no matter the beat.
8. Jean Grae – Cookies or Comas (2011)
Before she moved on to other forms of media, Jean Grae could rap among the best. Her early rap career consisted of outstanding bars that never failed to impress, later transitioning to comedy and film. Cookies or Comas, her Gangsta Grillz mixtape with DJ Drama, is one of the most impressive displays of her lyrical skills. This mixtape stands out because it was the opposite of the mainstream southern trap that many Gangsta Grillz tapes were at the time. Jean Grae’s entire rap style was the complete opposite, and Cookies or Comas showed the wide range of Gangsta Grillz.
7. Lil Wayne – The Dedication (2005)
The first installment of Lil Wayne’s most iconic mixtape series is also DJ Drama’s most popular Gangsta Grillz series. Lil Wayne had released many mixtapes before 2005, but The Dedication was different. Coming off a classic release with Tha Carter II, Wayne flexed his skills over other artists’ beats, often out rapping the original. Since The Dedication, a Lil Wayne mixtape release, especially TheDedication, was a moment.
6. Nipsey Hussle – Crenshaw (2013)
In the 2010s, mixtapes started to consist of more original material rather than remixes. Mixtapes were free and more easily accessible. Nipsey Hussle’s bold strategy to release his Gangsta Grillz mixtape, Crenshaw, both for free and $100 a piece, proved successful. The fact that fans were willing to pay a hefty price tag for a free mixtape speaks to Nipsey’s talent and the quality of Crenshaw. The now-classic Gangsta Grillz mixtape helped shape a sound for the new generation of west coast hip hop and built Nipsey his cult fanbase. He had already proved himself with his Marathon series, but Crenshaw took things to the next level for Nipsey Hussle.
5. Little Brother – Separate But Equal (2006)
One of the most respectful qualities of DJ Drama and the Gangsta Grillz mixtapes is that he could do a tape with Gucci Mane and Jean Grae, which would make sense. It is not as much a sound but more a stamp of approval for what makes a great mixtape. Little Brother’s 2006 mixtape was one of those projects that proved that DJ Drama and Gangsta Grillz could capture both mainstream and underground audiences. Separate But Equal was one of their last projects to feature 9th Wonder as a main member. In terms of rapping and production, this project ranks high among the best Gangsta Grillz mixtapes and one of Little Brother’s best projects.
Releasing a Gangsta Grillz was one of the best ways to promote an album release, which many rappers did. Before disappointing fans with their major label debut, Slaughterhouse released the On The House mixtape with DJ Drama, including original and preexisting beats. On The House was everything that Welcome To: Our House lacked, which was hard bars, tight chemistry, and sound production. While it is not perfect, On The House is the Slaughterhouse that fans longed for.
They got ahead of their album’s overwhelmingly negative reception by releasing this mixtape. Royce Da 5’9”, KXNG Crooked, Joe Budden, and Joell Ortiz spit killer bars on “Weight Scale” and “Juggernauts.” They also poured their hearts out on the stunningly emotional “Truth Or Truth, Pt. 1.” DJ Drama brought the best of Slaughterhouse with On The House, displaying the potential of one of hip hop’s most promising supergroups.
3. Nipsey Hussle – Mailbox Money (2014)
Crenshaw may have introduced Nipsey Hussle to the masses, but Mailbox Money was the one that solidified his position as one of the west coast’s best artists. Everything promising about Crenshaw was improved on Mailbox Money, from its polished production to its features. One of the most underrated mixtapes, Mailbox Money deserves to be mentioned among Nipsey’s best works and DJ Drama’s best Gangsta Grillz mixtapes.
2. Big K.R.I.T. – It’s Better This Way (2015)
Big K.R.I.T. is one of hip hop’s most consistent artists, and his mixtape catalog can prove it. His 2015 Gangsta Grillz with DJ Drama stuck to K.R.I.T.’s unique southern and soulful sound. It was his final release under Def Jam. As the cover and title suggest, Big K.R.I.T. followed the road less traveled, going independent. The mixtape features both hard-hitting southern bangers and soulful songs of contemplation. The mixtape’s rapping, production, and replay value make it deserving of its placement this high on the list.
1. Lil Wayne – Dedication 2 (2006)
When making his own list, DJ Drama placed Lil Wayne’s Dedication 2 at No. 1, which is deserving of that placement for many reasons. Wayne had already crowned himself the “best rapper alive.” He proved he could take charge of other rappers’ beats on The Dedication. On its sequel, Lil Wayne made other rappers’ beats his own. With Dedication 2, “Mixtape Wayne” built his cult following completely separate from his albums. Lil Wayne effortlessly put his unique take on popular instrumentals during this era.
“Cannon (Remix)” is the ultimate “Mixtape Wayne” moment. Lil Wayne even speaks to the current state of the country by calling out the president’s poor handling of victims of Hurricane Katrina on “Georgia… Bush.” Dedication 2 was the project that made “Mixtape Wayne” a force to be reckoned with.
