Forgiveness must be asked before saying this, but it needs to be said: we’ve become musically spoiled.
Overindulged in the past few years by outstanding albums from the likes of Kanye West, Kendrick Lamar, Chance the Rapper and Killer Mike, perhaps we were due for a 2014 filled with a void. No true “name” artist has released anything of note in 2014, aside from the excellent Run the Jewels record and Kendrick’s forgettable “i.”
As such, we’re left to search harder and deeper than we are used to for high quality rap music.
With that in mind, 2014 has revealed itself to be a year for mixtapes – not real long-player albums but releases with lots of tracks that may or may not make sense together with little flow. Mixtapes are a fairly underrated way to find a new artist or group that you may not have heard of before, typically featuring some of their best tracks to attempt to find a greater fan base.
Here’s nine mixtapes that stood out from the crowd in 2014, in no particular order.
Rich Gang, “Tha Tour: Pt. 1”
Young Thug, Rich Homie Quan and Birdman make up this Atlanta-based supergroup, which makes no qualms about their street status (“War Ready”), enjoyment (“730”) or their production (“Givenchy”). Let’s shoot for a trilogy, Rich Gang.
Migos, “No Label II”
There are so many things to love about Migos, also based from Atlanta, starting with 23-year-old Quavo being 20-year-old Takeoff’s uncle (family dynamics!). Oh, and the music: “Versace,” “Hannah Montana” and “Fight Night,” the last of which can be found on “No Label II.”
Young Thug, “Black Portland”
Mr. Thug is very hit-or-miss – compare the outstanding “Danny Glover” with the aptly-titled “Stoner” – but when he’s on, he’s on. Couple that with some solid production from several different guests including 808 Mafia, producers of several 2 Chainz and Waka Flocka Flame tracks, and you’ve got a rather replayable mixtape.
Gangsta Boo & Beatking, “Underground Cassette Tape Music”
It is fairly difficult to give this an in-depth analysis, so I’ll give the listener this: if you like Memphis rap a la Three 6 Mafia, Project Pat and Houston rap like UGK, DJ Screw, you’ve found a nice crossover.
Cakes Da Killa, “Hunger Pangs”
Quick quiz: What is “Hunger Pangs” about? *Silent internal discussion, followed by raised hand* You guessed it! Not food. Opening track “Oven Ready” has a beat influenced heavily by Azealia Banks’ “212,” which is the best compliment I have ever given. Oh, and the other beats are great and fun.
PRO8L3M, “Art Brut”
How does a writer describe a mixtape released by a Polish rap group with a rapper who sounds like El-P and beats that might as well be Kate Bush B-sides? I found this while searching through a friend’s top-rated releases of the year, and I am forever grateful for his good eyes. This is infectious, even if I badly need lessons in learning how to understand Polish.
2 Chainz, “Freebase”
Not his most interesting or complete release, and there isn’t a “Feds Watching” or “I’m Different” here. Counterpoint: it’s 23 minutes long, and it’s new 2 Chainz. No complaints to be found on this end.
Lil Boosie, “Life After Deathrow”
The #FreeBoosie movement finally saw its joyous outcome, as Lil Boosie was, indeed, freed from Louisiana state prison in March after a five-year sentence. He wastes no time getting back on track, with some of the most interesting Deep South rap this side of Big K.R.I.T.
Future, “Monster”
Future is another hit-or-miss artist for a lot of people because a person’s ears can only handle so much of a grown man’s mid-puberty voice for so long. Out of the mixtapes on this list, this may have the best production outside of “Hunger Pangs;” it would be in your best interests to keep tabs on producer Metro Boomin for the near future.
