Kay Cola - For The Dreamers: Prior to this mixtape, I never listened to Kay Cola. But now, she has gained a new fan in me. The second track is called “Como Un Sueno,” which is the Spanish title of the mixtape and in this record she pulls off singing in the language as well. She does a great job of executing club records like “Have 2 Call” and also a range of smooth R&B records like “Self Love” and “THX Clouds.” In this project, there’s also some EDM inspiration within the “Royal” track. I love the vibe she gives off in her music. Her sound seems like a mixture of Jhene Aiko and India Shawn but she still holds her own. I respect Kay Cola’s art and I’m glad that I listened.
Gucci Mane - Trapology: Immediately, the cover of this mixtape got my attention. There’s a common picture of Einstein with an ice cream tattoo on his face and he’s wearing a bunch of jewelry. This depiction really fits the title, Trapology. Gucci Mane puts us in his lifestyle of smoking, drinking, women, and trapping. While doing so, he gives us some simple but catchy hooks and nice beats to vibe to. It feels like he raps on this project as if he never left the music scene. He even gathers features from Snoop Dogg, Verse Simmons, Fetty Wap, Jadakiss, Soulja Boy, and more. This tape was fairly easy to listen to.
Kap G - Real Migo Shit 3: I really like this mixtape. I didn’t feel the urge to skip through the tracks at all. The records were very consistent and they all felt good lyrically and audibly. Kap G talked about police brutality while covering lighter topics and mixing in some Spanish lyrics and titles. He did a great job repping for the South by himself and with features from Paul Wall, TI, Ca$h Out, and David Banner. I have no complaints at all. Great Mixtape.
DJ Holiday - God Bless The Mixtape: DJ Holiday pulled out so many artists to “Bless” his mixtape. He had features from Meek Mill, TI, Future, French Montana, Migos, K Camp, Wale, Young Thug, ILOVEMAKONNEN, and more. This appearances gave the mixtape some diversity which is always good and it keeps the listeners interested. He also had talking segments by peers DJ Funkmaster Flex, DJ Drama, and DJ Clue where they touched on the history of and their experiences with mixtapes. I think this is a pretty chill rap project. It doesn’t really go hard lyrically but it has records that evoke a constant head nod.
Tink - Winter's Diary 3: Two words: think Tink. She is a threat lyrically and vocally and songwriting is another weapon of hers. This tape showcases everything she has to offer the industry but it does so with more singing than rapping. Beyond that, this mixtape is a great body of work that women can relate to from the beginning to the end. It makes you want to be with your significant other at one point, have a deep conversation with your girlfriends the next, and then you’ll want to go out and party to top it all off. I never wanted to skip a track because there’s great content and production. It just felt refreshing listening to this mixtape. She sings and raps with so much experience and emotion at only 20 years old. I love what Tink brings to rap and R&B, period. If this is the mixtape, I’m sure that the album is going to do numbers. Great job.
Dej Loaf - #AndSeeThatsTheThing: With this EP, Dej Loaf gives her fans records that represent her current position in the industry. She’s new to the fame and expresses how it has changed her life. Although she’s reached such recognition, she hasn’t lost her hustle which is talked about in “Been On My Grind” and “ We Winnin.” Also, there’s “Back Up,” a Detroit collaboration with Big Sean, which shows her harder side, and “Hey There,” a softer song that features Future. I really like the fact that Dej Loaf continues to produce great street and slower love songs on this EP. However, on her next release, I’m looking for different topics of discussion to go along with her signature sound.
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