mixtape

Los Angeles rapper Jimmy Hu$tle is back with the second serving of his Dumb Hustle series. Dumb Hustle II: Still Dumb is a funky mix of hip-hop, soul, and trap that straddles the line between street music and radio relevancy. Running for 11 tracks, Dumb Hustle II: Still Dumb features guest appearances from Rhett George, A Smxth, Fly Boi Mall, So Ez, and Fedarro. 

Jimmy often uses a raspy relaxed tonality that hypnotizes listeners into a sense of ease. Tracks like “Big Things” and “Major” give fans more of those chill vibes while “Let’s Go” and “STILL DUMB” breathe some turn-up energy into what is mostly a very laid-backed project. Dumb Hustle II: Still Dumb finds its strength in soulful production, but sometimes Hu$tle’s bars fall flat behind the instrumentals. Go stream Dumb Hustle II: Still Dumb everywhere now and let us know what you think below!

There are few producers in trap music that are as distinguished and revered as Zaytoven. The Godfather of Trap has been responsible for some of the biggest hits of the past decade and beyond, collaborating with everyone from Drake and Usher to Nicki Minaj and Lil Uzi Vert, Gucci Mane, and so many more artists. 

Zaytoven still has an incredible work ethic, even after being in the game for so long. This week, he returned with his latest body of work TRAP ON BEATZ, which includes tracks with many of his frequent collaborators. Gucci Mane, Young Dolph, Yo Gotti, Waka Flocka Flame, Bankroll Fresh, and OJ Da Juiceman are just a few names that he enlisted to bring his new album to life.

Check it out below. 

Jayy Grams has been on a steady incline over the past year. The release of 2020’s Every Gram Counts put his name on the map but his subsequent efforts, including his collaborative project with Smoke Dza and Nym Lo, have put everyone on notice. Clearly, he’s been busy this year but he’s back in action with his brand new solo project, G.R.A.M.S. The rapper enlists both Smoke DZA and Nym Lo on the tracklist, though he holds down the majority of the project on his own. It’s 10 songs in length with a run-time of a little under half an hour.

Check out the latest effort from Jayy Grams below. How are you feeling about his latest project? Sound off in the comments with your thoughts. 

The first album release for Sean Paul in 2021 has arrived. The Dancehall icon previously shared with us that Live N Livin would be his first drop-off of the year, and he described the project as a “mixture and a mood of who I am and how I feel right now.” On Live N Livin, we hear Sean Paul thriving in his Dancehall element as he calls on several artists to help him complete the record. Features on the project include looks from Buju Banton, Sotto Bless, Looga Man, Ras Ajai, Chi Ching Ching, Busy Signal, Suku Ward, Intence, Left Side, Jr. Gong, Govana, Serani, Jesse Royal, Mutabaruka, Stonebwoy, Squash, Mavado, Agent Sasco, and Masicka Skillibeng.

During our recent interview with Sean Paul, he explained that he wanted to show the world that Dancehall isn’t dead, and in fact, has a “live and living” pulse in the industry. “Pop people have used it, the Biebers and the Drakes and the Rihannas. And you know what? I salute all of that, even Ed Sheeran,” Paul told us exclusively.

“In fact, the backbeats for a lot of you guys’ songs lately have been very Dancehall-oriented,” he continued. “That being said, I’m very proud of the genre and I just kinda wanted this one to show the new sound in Dancehall, some of the new artists, and also some of the greats in producing…and also just being an artist on the album.”

Stream Sean Paul’s Live N Livin and make sure to check out our interview: Sean Paul Speaks On Beyoncé-Jay-Z Rumors, Dancehall’s Clash Culture, & New Album.

Tracklist

1. Buss A Bubble Remix ft. Sotto Bless, Looga Man, Ras Ajai, Chi Ching Ching
2. Boom ft. Busy Signal
3. Space Ship ft. Suku Ward
4. Real Steel ft. Intence
5. The Plug ft. Chi Ching Ching
6. Dem Nuh Ready Yet ft.  Left Side
7. Crazy ft. Buju Banton
8. Schedule ft.  Jr. Gong, Chi Ching Ching
9. Money Bags ft. Govana
10. Protect Me ft. Serani
11. Lion Heart 
12. Guns of Navarone ft. Jesse Royal, Mutabaruka & Stonebwoy (Remix)
13. Danger Zone ft. Bugle, Scotto Bless
14. Life We Livin ft. Squash
15. I’m Sanctify ft. Mavado & Agent Sasco (Remix)
16. Everest ft. Masicka and Skillibeng

Today marks the arrival of a new eleven-track album from East-London’s own Lancey Foux, a rapper unafraid to push musical boundaries. Now, he’s come through with First Degree, featuring production from a lineup of Star Boy, Kelvin Krash, T99, Redda, Outtatown, BNYX, Jaasu, and more. Insofar as guest appearances, Lancey Foux opts to handle things largely on the solo front, though he does enlist the legendary Skepta for the brooding banger “What U Want.” 

Stylistically, Lancey isn’t exactly a traditionalist by any means, using his cadence in interesting ways; as such, his music might not be the most accessible to a widespread audience. Still, those who do hop on board will find much to appreciate, especially given Lancey Foux’s willingness to explore unconventional production. Look no further than “Don’t Talk,” an early cut fueled by strange and unsettling synthesizers. “Bipolar Bag” evokes immediate retro vibes as Lancey raps a singsong flow; it’s no surprise that many have drawn a comparison to Playboi Carti, so go into First Degree with that in mind.

Should you be looking for something a little outside the box, Lancey Foux’s latest may very well be exactly what the doctor ordered. Check it out for yourself now, and sound off with your thoughts in the comments below. 

New Jersey rapper Skinnyfromthe9 is still finding himself. The 25-year-old released his new album Love Me Now this week, and it’s a nice. blend of everything that the rising artist can accomplish in the studio. He can make a pop record, he can deliver gritty bars, and he can bang out an R&B track. Love Me Now features an eclectic mix of genres but it’s missing a lot of identity.

Making headlines for all the wrong reasons over the years, Skinnyfromthe9 releases his new album to show the world what he’s really about. His music ranges between styles, and it feels at times that even Skinny doesn’t know where he lies. The album starts with an R&B song, followed up with a pop record before tying into some of his hip-hop cuts.

One thing is for sure: Skinnyfromthe9 refuses to be judged. Listen to his new music below.

Tracklist:

1. Far
2. Exciting
3. Butterflies
4. Bust It Down
5. Groupies
6. Remember Me
7. Bad
8. Me
9. Truth
10. Love Is Fake
11. Important

DJ Muggs is a legendary producer in his own right, and with an impressive discography to look back on, the Cypress Hill veteran has shifted his focus to the realm of instrumentals. Today, the self-declared Black Goat has delivered his new project Dies Occidendum, a haunting and powerful musical odyssey fueled by religious undertones and occult imagery.

That’s not to say we’re in completely new territory, as Muggs makes sure to keep his signature raw sound prevalent throughout. In fact, there are some songs that all but invite the presence of an emcee, though Dies Occidendum does indeed stand tall as a cohesive instrumental release. In fact, those willing to queue this one up from start to finish will be in for an enlightening and at times unsettling journey, a dark religious awakening where the subconscious holds more sway than the conscious.

For those who can appreciate the vocal-free storytelling chops of a practiced producer, Dies Occiidendum should be considered essential listening. Especially if dark beats and an underlying horror aesthetic are your particular cup of hallucinogenic tea. Check it out for yourself now, and sound off in the comments if you dared to take the plunge into DJ Muggs The Black Goat’s latest. 

Compton rapper Kalan.FrFr (pronounced Kalan for real, for real) has been steadily rising for the last few years, attracting the attention of some of the most important people in the music business. This year, the rapper signed a new deal with Roc Nation, which brought more eyes than ever before to his art. The versatile artist can switch between singing and rapping in an instant, serenading the ladies with flirty lyrics and impressing the dudes with his braggadocios bars. 

On Friday, Kalan.FrFr released his proper introduction TwoFr 2, which features West Coast rapper Mozzy and Billion Dollar Baby representative Stunna 4 Vegas. If you’re new to his music, this is a great place to start. 

In addition to TwoFr 2, Kalan.FrFr also released the music video for “No Love”, which you can watch below.

What do you think of Kalan.FrFr’s new project TwoFr 2?

Tracklist:

1. Look At Me
2. Ima Ball
3. Scoring
4. Never Lose You
5. I Like / Good Love
6. Big Dog
7. Get In (feat. Stunna 4 Vegas)
8. Tidal Wave
9. Run Away
10. I Gotta Know
11. Pray
12. No Love (feat. Mozzy & Cypress Moreno)
13. Identity Fraud

In honor of the imminent 10-year anniversary of Sailing Soul(s), Jhené Aiko has finally loaded her classic mixtape to DSPs. The fan-favorite project also coincides with the singer-songwriter‘s birthday, so it has always held a special place in Aiko’s heart.

Speaking at lengths about the impact the Sailing Soul(s) had on her as an artist and as a person, the “P*$$& Fairy” singer shared the following sentiments in a heartfelt Instagram post: “this mixtape was a pivotal moment for me. when i was 12 i was signed to a label, singing songs i had no real connection to. besides that, i had no real stories of my own to tell at 12 lol. then i took a break to focus on school. in my teens i was singing demo records and taking meetings.”

After touching on the meaning of the project’s title, she revealed, “”sailing soul(s)” was an independent project and the beginning of me writing every lyric to every song i sing.”

Today, Sailing Soul(s) hits streaming services with an updated tracklist, as Jhené Aiko treats fans to four new bonus tracks, including “living room flow,” “mirrors,” “2 seconds,” and “snapped.” Other changes to Aiko’s career-changing mixtape include some fan-favorite songs, such as her Drake collaboration “July” and her Kendrick Lamar-assisted “Growing Apart Too,” being cut from its DSP version.

The reasons for why those standout tracks from the original version of Sailing Soul(s) are not included in this new reissue could vary from failed sample clearance to Jhené Aiko’s artistic discretion. Regardless, fans are likely still teeming with excitement that her breakout mixtape is finally on streaming services.

Has streaming Sailing Soul(s) taken you back to 2011?

Tracklist:

1. the beginning
2. stranger
3. hoe (feat. Miguel & Gucci Mane)
4. my mine
5. popular
6. real now (feat. Dominik, HOPE, and K. Roosevelt)
7. sailing NOT selling
8. do better blues (feat. HOPE)
9. higher
10. you vs them
11. space jam
12. living room flow (Bonus)
13. mirrors (Bonus)
14. 2 seconds (Bonus)
15. snapped (Bonus)

Giveon has been on fire lately, thanks to his incredible 2020 releases Take Time and When It’s All Said And Done. A few weeks ago, the Long Beach native blessed Tiny Desk with a soulful at-home concert, and this weekend, the singer-songwriter is up for a Grammy. On Sunday, Giveon will finally find out if his seminal project Take Time will earn him the award for Best R&B album, but for now, the breakout star is taking a moment to celebrate his Grammy-nominated record ahead of the one-year anniversary of its release.

Today, Giveon has shared When It’s All Said And Done… Take Time, an amalgamation of last year’s projects Take Time and When It’s All Said And Done. The original 12 songs released across those two projects are present on Giveon’s latest release, but he also surprises fans with a new song at the conclusion of When It’s All Said And Done… Take Time, titled “All To Me.”

In regards to the new release, Giveon took to Instagram to share the following message, “The anniversary for the release of Take Time is creeping up on us all….what a year it’s been. My first two EPs were stories about a chapter in my love life. The bright spots and the nuisances. I really just used music as a vehicle to exhibit all of my vulnerabilities and truths… the fact that so many people are moved by my stories leaves me speechless everyday. I’m beyond grateful and blessed to have you all along every step of the journey.”

Giveon finished his statement by hinting at a new chapter in his career, saying, “I decided to combine both of my first two eps into one project: When It’s All Said and Done… Take Time. I also added a new song to the project… the end of a chapter means the start of a new one..”

Revisit Giveon’s 2020 musical output and hear his new track “All To Me” on When It’s All Said And Done… Take Time.

Tracklist:

1. The Beach
2. World We Created
3. Take Time (Interlude)
4. Favorite Mistake
5. This Ain’t Love
6. Heartbreak Anniversary
7. Like I Want You
8. Vanish
9. When It’s All Said And Done
10. Still Your Best
11. Last Time (feat. Snoh Aalegra)
12. Stuck On You
13. All To Me