mixtape

Puerto Rican rapper Myke Towers has been a leading voice among the new generation of artists charging música urbana, though his come-up certainly wasn’t one that came overnight. The rapper has been slowly rising the ranks with several platinum-certified hits that have charted on the Billboard Hot 100 since last year. 

On Friday, Myke Towers shared his third studio album, LYKE MIKE. Towers showcases his growth and maturity as an artist on his new project. Over the course of the 23-song tracklist, which he largely handles on his own, Jon Z, Miky Woodz, Sahir and Nengo make appearances.

“I want my sound to be in the middle point, but I’ll be honest: I haven’t found it yet,” Towers told Billboard of his new project. “These are 23 songs for the street and the people who like hip-hop.”

It was nearly two years ago when Poundz broke out into the scene with the success of “Opp Thot.” The bouncy, dance-friendly record helped push Poundz to the limelight, especially as the menacing sounds of drill took over. The formula to success felt like it was trying to be replicated with subsequent singles like “Smooth Criminal” and “TikTok” but his debut EP, No Smoke Without Fire shows that he’s capable of so much more. The seven-song project includes the previously mentioned single “TikTok” and the “Opp Thot” remix. On his new project, the rapper flexes his range and ear for production, largely on his own, though he does bring aboard Backroad Gee and Ill Blu for “Chocolate Darling.”

Check out the new project from Poundz below. 

Sadboy Loko nearly found himself removed from the rap game entirely after facing some serious charges. Last year, he came home after he was sentenced to three years in prison. He released a few tracks throughout 2020 but fans have been waiting to hear a full body of work from him.

On Friday, he released his latest project, and his first project in a few years, I’m Still Here 2. Arriving nearly a decade after the first installment, the rapper enlists a slew of talent to bring the project to life. With 13 tracks in total, artists like RJMrLA and 24Hrs pop up on the tracklist, along with artists like Victoria La Mala and Ariel Sanson.

Make sure you check out Sadboy Loko’s new project below and sound off in the comments with your thoughts. 

ssgkobe has been shaping up to be the next star to emerge out of Louisiana. The young rapper has been slowly bubbling up over the years, though it’s been in the last year, specifically, that people have been taking attention. Projects like Rebirth and M3 offered early glimpses into his artistry that he’s continued to shape with every single release since.

On Friday, the rapper unveiled his latest body of work, Ko. The short EP is only six songs in length (seven, including the bonus) with a run-time of under 15 minutes. Though he largely handles the project on his own, he does enlist BoofPaxkMooky for assistance. $NOT also makes an appearance on the previously released single “Calabasas” which was previously released as a single.

Check the project out below. 

The OG Slim Thug has maintained a strong presence in the game over the years. The rapper’s released at least one project a year, whether it’s a mixtape, EP, or an album. Regardless of how he releases music, it’s clear that his passion for rapping remains intact and fans are always waiting. 

This week, the rapper returned with a quick solo body of work titled, SDS Vibes. The rapper’s new project is 9-tracks in length with cameos from artists like Z-Ro, Lenora, and DJ Xo. The project’s production is largely handled by DJ Young Samm and Mr. Lee, who famously produced Bun B’s “Get Throwed,” among other Southern classics.

The latest from Slim Thug serves as the follow-up to 2020’s Down In Texas with long-time collaborator and friend Killa Kyleon.

Peep Slim Thug’s new project below. 

Zaytoven is on his way to the producer hall of fame if he hasn’t been inducted already. For nearly 20 years, he’s blessed us with bangers on bangers, transformed the sound of the South, and continues to maintain a level head. Despite working with the biggest artists in the game, it’s clear there’s a thrill in working with artists outside of his usual circle. 

This week, Zaytoven unveiled his new collaborative project with Orlando, FL native Moe titled, Moetoven. The collaborative effort from the producer extraordinaire and the buzzing Florida native is an quick eight-track effort that largely builds off of their chemistry. However, artists like Young Scooter, Hotboii and Mula McGrady grace the tracklisting, as well.

Check out the new collab project from Moe and Zaytoven below. 

Toronto’s DijahSB captured the widespread feelings and effects of the pandemic on their album, 2020 The Album. Less than a year later, Dijah’s back with their follow-up project, Head Above The Waters. The Toronto artist maintains a sharp pen with quick-witted bars over slow, lo-fi-inspired production that allows Dijah to focus on getting the message across clearly. 

“Head Above The Waters follows a theme. I wrote this album with that in mind, because at the time, it’s what I needed to hear. So I know someone somewhere might need to hear it too. The waves might be cracking into you and trying to keep you from floating but you gotta keep coming up for air and try your hardest to keep your head above it,” said Dijah of the new project.

Largely produced by Harrison and Cheap Limousine, Head Above The Waters is an 8-track offering with features from Ray HMND, Chris Castello, and Terrell Morris.

Check the project out below. 

Yung Gravy is one of the finest artists out of Minnesota right now and if you’ve been listening to his music over the last few years, then you would know that he is mostly recognized for his hilarious bars. The artist likes to use a lot of soul samples as well, and sometimes, his music carries forth this undeniable 50s and 60s aesthetic that offers a unique juxtaposition to his subject matter. Now, the artist is back with a 6-track EP called Gravy Train Down Memory Lane: Side A which is certainly a continuation of his style.

With the opening track “Skiing In Japan Freestyle,” Yung Gravy offers the perfect introduction to his style. Meanwhile, the following track “Flex on Christmas” takes a more subdued approach as it sounds like he’s rapping next to a fireplace while sipping on whiskey. Every single song has a personality to it and if you’re a fan of the artist, then definitely give this a listen.

Tracklist:

1. Skiing In Japan Freestyle
2. Flex on Christmas
3. Patrice
4. Rotisserie (Resauced)
5. Pat Swayze
6. Finessery

Last year, Chevy Woods was navigating quarantine during the COVID-19 pandemic to his best abilities. From making sure that he kept quarantine essentials like gin, weed, and snacks on hand to working on new music, Chevy came out of 2020 with Since Birth, an impressive full-length album that boasted the acclaimed track “Escape.” This year, he has already gotten back on his grind, releasing a slew of singles, including, “OG,” “BIG,” and “TXT ME.”

Today, the Taylor Gang artist has returned with the eight-track project Mask On. Clocking in at approximately 24 minutes, Mask On marks Chevy Wood’s shortest project since his 2015 free EP I Love Texas, and it’s bolstered by the previously mentioned single “TXT ME.” 

Solely featuring OSBS Smoke, Mask On is a predominantly solo affair for the veteran Taylor Gang artist, and the brief record definitely benefits from the hyper-focused and introspective approach. Mask On’s opening track invites listeners into Chevy’s current state of mind, as he tackles the importance of staying focused and manifesting positivity. Throughout the rest of the project, the Since Birth artist touches on relationship woes, his dedication to maintaining his lifestyle, as well as the anxiety from feeling like he’s constantly being watched due to his celebrity.  

Listen to Chevy Wood’s new release, Mask On, below and sound off in the comments if you’re a fan of the Taylor Gang artist’s latest direction.

Mike Dean is a legend behind the boards, a trusted engineering innovator seldom seen without a lit joint in hand. Having played an integral role in shaping the sound of artists like Travis Scott, Kanye West, Beyonce, and many more, Dean has earned his reputation as being one of the game’s most sought-after producers. Yet it mustn’t be forgotten that the Texan vet can put in work on the keyboards, and today’s release of the weed-scented musical odyssey 4:22  proves exactly that.

Clocking in at a staggering twenty-eight tracks, the ambitious instrumental endeavor finds Dean locking in with nothing but his wits, good weed, and his vast arsenal of instruments at his disposal. Said arsenal includes synthesizers, the likes of which can only be tamed by the practiced hand of an analog-savvy purist, as well as guitars and drum machines. Though his hip-hop influences certainly bleed through every now and again, 4:22 tends to favor the slow-burning soundscape, with Dean often allowing listeners ample time to lose themselves in the music.

Should you appreciate evocative instrumental music — skewed in favor of the stoned, at that — be sure to dive into Mike Dean’s 4:22. Those familiar with his work alongside Travis Scott and Kanye should recognize more than a few tricks, a testament to how much musical influence Dean has over some of the game’s biggest superstars. Check it out for yourself now, and sound off below with your thoughts on the project.