stefanoneder Mixtapes

No. 2 Slaine – The Devil Never Dies Mixtape (2010)

Artist: Slaine

Album: Devil Never Dies Mixtape

Source: Twitter

Tracklisting:

1. The Religion (prod. Silvamore)
2. My Girl, My Wife, My Mother My Bitch (prod. LuBalz)
3. The Deadzone (prod. Stoupe, cuts by Reel Drama)
4. Black and Blue Flag ft. Jaysaun (prod. Silvamore)
5. Thru The Rain ft. Blacastan (prod. Silvamore)
6. Off The Sidewalk ft. Cyrus Deshield (prod. Falside)
7. Going Down ft. Jaysaun (prod. Silvamore)
8. The Worst (prod. Statik Selektah)
9. Old English II ft. Esoteric (prod. Esoteric)
10. Burn ft. Amadeus & Chilla Jones (prod. Sicknature)
11. Envy ft. Termanology (prod. Moss)
12. It Ain’t Happenin ft. Amadeus & Blacastan (prod. Falside)
13. It’s Too Late ft. Amadeus (prod. Double Chamberz)
14. Science Of the Trife ft. Ill Bill & Q-Unique (prod. C. Lance)
15. Settin’ It Off ft. Reks, Jaysaun & Steven King (prod. Statik Selektah)
16. Trail Of Blood (prod. Statik Selektah)
17. Outro
18. Mind Of A Criminal (Remix) (prod. LuBalz)

Note:

Slaine was sure to be excited about the release of his debut album, A World Without Skies.  Then came word that he needed to pay for sample clearance and the project would not release on the anticipated date in October.   But rather than sulk over spilled milk, Slaine went right back to the lab and put together the mixtape, The Devil Never Dies for his fans.  This wasn’t just slapped together.  It couldn’t have been.  I do know that Slaine, according to his Twitter account and the Outro of this mixtape,  was hitting the studio for all night sessions trying to get this mixtape completed.  Not only did he succeed in completing the project, but he earns our #2 spot for Mixtape of the Year.

Continue reading “No. 2 Slaine – The Devil Never Dies Mixtape (2010)” →

stefanoneder Mixtapes

No. 3 Bambu x DJ Muggs – Los Angeles, Philippines Mixtape (2010)

Artist: Bambu x DJ Muggs

Album: Los Angeles, Philippines Mixtape

Source: 2DopeBoyz

Tracklisting:

  1. Gunfire
  2. Bullet
  3. Molotov Cocktail
  4. History Of Angels
  5. The Rock Rock On
  6. Grenade
  7. Firearm
  8. Smoke Smarter
  9. Pow Wow Drums
  10. Heist
  11. Check
  12. Kill A Man

Note:

Straight, no chaser.  That’s the effect that this mixtape has on you.  There are no guests.   There is no auto-tune.  There are no sing-song choruses.  Bambu and DJ Muggs stand in the midst of hip hop purity with, Los Angeles, Philippines Mixtape.

Continue reading “No. 3 Bambu x DJ Muggs – Los Angeles, Philippines Mixtape (2010)” →

stefanoneder Uncategorized

No. 5 Sean J – The Ego Egg Mixtape (2010)

Sean J is creating a buzz for himself through natural God-given talent and some hard work promoting.  There are a lot of deserving and talented artists who could be mentioned in this category.  Apparently, 90% of all emcees released a mixtape in 2010, but very few packed the punch that the Ego Egg Mixtape did.  His rhyming is superlative throughout the project and the original production is really impressive.   You can check out the review of the  #5 rated mixtape in 2010, here.

stefanoneder Uncategorized

50 Best Tracks of 2010

This is always the hardest thing to do.  It is incredibly hard to pick out 5o songs and label them the best of the best.  How hard is it?  I listened to 9009 songs from 2010 according to my Itunes.  And to pick the top 50 really is impossible.  Undoubtedly I left off some great songs, but if you are on this list, know that you made a very positive impression on me with your music and congratulations.

I have attached links so that you can listen to these songs.  I have used official and unofficial You Tube videos for the sole purpose of putting people onto the music.  I also used Bandcamp where appropriate.  If you have suggestions, comments, or questions please feel free to drop me a line.

  1. Grieves – Smile For The Blade
  2. Sene x Co$$ – Phenomenal (Nazareth)
  3. Intuition x Falside – Al Bundy (Remix)
  4. Wrekonize x Bernz – One Foot In The Grave
  5. K-Beta – Come Closer
  6. John Regan – Suicide Edicius
  7. Joell Ortiz x Audible Doctor – Battle Cry
  8. Mayday – No 1s Watching
  9. Laws x Emilio Rojas x Big K.R.I.T – Hold You Down Remix
  10. Skyzoo x Illmind – Frisbees
  11. Markmywords x Blame One x Chino XL – Dying Breed
  12. Cold Heat – Jakin’ Our Slang
  13. Epsilon Project x Kev Brown – Inspiration
  14. K. Sparks – Karma
  15. XL – Appetite For Dynomite
  16. Johnny Spanish x Chops – Shining
  17. The Left x Hassan Mackey – How We Live
  18. Apollo Brown x Rapper Big Pooh x Black Milk –Hungry
  19. 5 O’Clock Shadow Boxers – No Resolution
  20. The Burnerz x Mick Luter x The Grouch – The Edge
  21. Diabolic x Nate Augustus – 12 Shots
  22. JustMe x Deacon The Villain – The Prodigal
  23. Black Milk x Royce Da 5’9″ x Elzhi – Deadly Medley
  24. Kno x Thee Tom Hardy x Tunji – Rhythm Of The Rain
  25. Freddie Gibbs – Crushin’ Feelings
  26. Strong Arm Steady x Planet Asia x Fashawn – Questions
  27. A.Sesay x D.O.E. C.I.G.A.P.O.M x Napoleon Da Legend x Adversary – Sinking With The Ship
  28. Brokn.Englsh x The ARE – Can’t Fuck W/ Detroit
  29. Laelo Hood – Trust Nobody
  30. Clockwise – Medicine
  31. Gotham Green x DJ Quickiemart x Freddie Gibbs x Jes Hudak – Tell Me Something
  32. Co$$ x Numonics- Paranoid
  33. Block McCloud – Crazy Man
  34. Chapter 13 – Johny vs. Death
  35. Centric – Teflon Rap
  36. Chaundon x Carlitta Durand – Ya’ll Don’t Want It
  37. Eternia x Moss – Goodbye
  38. Jermiside x Danny Diggs – Afraid
  39. Voli – Deja Vu
  40. Kali x Termanology x Statik Selektah – Rock Starr
  41. King Mez x Commissioner x Tab One x Charlie Smarts – So Long
  42. Reef The Lost Cause x Guns-N-Butter – Lazy Sundays
  43. J. Pinder – All That Fire
  44. Slaine – Mind Of A Criminal Remix
  45. Pack FM – Nasty
  46. Kil Ripkin – Strong
  47. JFK x Xperience – Still Running
  48. Bambu x DJ Muggs – History Of Angels
  49. Soul Khan – Place That Birthed Me
  50. Black El x Durkin – Sunday Drive
stefanoneder Uncategorized

No. 4 Kil Ripkin – The Quickening Vol. 1 Mixtape (2010)

The fourth best mix tape of 2010 belongs to our previously discussed, Kil Ripkin’s The Quickening Vol. 1. One of the reasons that artists put out mixtapes is to introduce themselves to new fans. The Quickening Vol. 1 does just that and puts the best foot forward in doing so. Kil Ripkin does an excellent job putting together great tracks that represent his talent both musically and intellectually. Check the previous review here.

stefanoneder EP

No. 1 Epsilon Project – Audacity EP (2010)

Artist:
Epsilon Project

Album:
Audacity EP

Source:
Bandcamp

Tracklisting:

  1. A.O.D. Intro
  2. Audacity Of
    Dope (prod. by Seize)
  3. Turn It Up (prod. by
    Soopa Koopa)
  4. Inspiration (prod. by Kev
    Brown    )
  5. America (prod. by DJ
    Vadim    )
  6. In God We Trust (prod by DJ
    Sean)
  7. Poor World (ft. Mr Lee) (prod. by OhNo)
  8. Sleeping
    Giant (ft. Dopamine Rush of P.O.E.)
  9. Deranged
    Vets (prod. by V.I)

Note:
Our #1 EP from 2010 goes to the Epsilon Project’s
Audacity. To say that this project is quality
would be severely understating it’s worth. This is one of the most
solid projects that dropped in the last two years because it knocks
from start to finish. The array of emcees and production really
adds to making Audacity the dynamic project that it is.
Continue reading “No. 1 Epsilon Project – Audacity EP (2010)” →

stefanoneder EP

No. 2 A.Sesay – A Special EP (2010)

Note:  We have already reviewed this EP earlier in the year.  You can view the original post on A Special EP….HERE.  Quite simply this is a great sample of the music that this producer is capable of making.  I believe that the full course serving from A.Sesay will reveal the full compliment of his gifts.  The guests on this EP all shine.  Every song is a great listen.  So if you haven’t heard this EP yet, please so so immediately!

stefanoneder EP

No. 3 Drekidd – City Of Champs EP (2010)

Artist: Drekidd

Album: City Of Champs

Source: Refined Hype

Tracklisting:

  1. City Limits
  2. Steppin’ In
  3. No Good
  4. She’s A Winner
  5. Never Stop
  6. Warrior’s Song
  7. Good Night, Good Morning
  8. Breaking Free
  9. City Of Champs Ext.
  10. Hometown Glory

Note:

Drekidd released The Fix last year and that was my first introduction to this gifted artist.   The Fix had a lot of great songs on it and was a complete project in my estimation.  Now in 2010 he gives us City Of Champs. This project is the natural progression for the emerging Inglewood artist.   It picks right up where he left in 2009.

The vibe of this release is one of an artist trying to make a come-up.  He is trying to get his sound heard and he sounds hungry to make a dent in the game.  Backed by the exceptional production of Heart Beat, Drekidd is making some serious headway.  On, City Limits, you can hear this hunger for yourself.   Drekidd talks about where he is now, where he is going, and where he stands at present.  He is making a name on his own accord and on his own terms.  He is done heading other’s advidce by his own admission and if he succeeds or fails it will be because of his decisions.  The production by Heart Beat on this one is more down tempo and it varies throughout the track.   It almost mirrors the story that Drekidd is telling symphonic ally.

Never Stop is another track that will make you a believer in Drekidd’s talents.   He drives home his his desire and ambition on this track. It’s a short and quick account of things to come but dope nonetheless.   The beat is definitely more energetic than the aforementioned, City Limits.  His confidence is unwavering and tracks like this are certain to convert believers.  He utilizes comparisons to Jay Z and his come up to demonstrate that his dreams too can come true.  His positive outlook and being self-assured, move this track just as much as the lyrics and metaphors themselves.

Good Night, Good Morning has a more bluesy feel with the the twanging guitar sample and horns that lay in from time to time.   This is my favorite joint on the EP.  It’s soulful production from Heart Beat coupled with that must win attitude of Drekidd.   Peep the chorus below:

I don’t what to tell you / But I ain’t living with regrets/ Cause the past try to derail ya / I just see it as a test/  I ain’t trying to be rebellious / I’m just trying to do my best / So good night to failure / And good morning to success

I am definitely of the opinion that Drekidd’s confidence will translate into success.  City Of Champs is the conduit to greater things for sure.  The tracks are short and to the point.  It’s not overly complex.  It’s simple and dope.  Drekidd is an unabashed emcee who is going for his in an extremely convoluted field.  He differentiates himself with an exceptional flows, dope lyricism, and  by the fact I don’t think he will take no for an answer.  Every song on this EP is a testament to the come up and I encourage everyone to pick it up.

stefanoneder EP

No. 4 Kali – The Cali Kali EP (2010)

Note:

No. 4 on our list of dopest EPs from 2010 belongs to our previously reviewed, The Cali Kali EP.  You can check the full review HERE.   This is one of  only two EPs on the list that comes with a cost.  The rest were released free of charge so you know this one is worth the cheddar.  Kali is very slept on as an emcee and with production support coming from the likes of Statik Selektah, you know this is the sure shot.

stefanoneder EP

No. 5 J. Pinder – Code Red EP (2010)

Artist: J. Pinder

Album: The Code Red EP

Source: 2DopeBoyz

Tracklisting:

  1. Code Red
  2. All That Fire (ft. Zach Bruce) (prod. by Jake One)
  3. No Turnin Back (ft. Toki Wright) (prod. by Vitamin D)
  4. Go Far (prod. by Kuddie Fresh)
  5. Safe Place (ft. Guilty Simpson) (prod. by Kuddie Fresh)
  6. Later On (ft. Rapper Big Pooh and Zach Bruce) (prod. by Kuddie Fresh)
  7. Three Words (prod. by Vitamin D)
  8. Kill It (prod by Kuddie Fresh)

Note:

Representing the Great Northwest is, J. Pinder with his release, the Code Red EP.   This EP stands out with great song after great song.  It has stayed in deep rotation in my Itunes for months on end and it has something that heads of all walks of life can appreciate.

All That Fire is a super smooth track that is backed by the vocals of Zach Bruce and production by the venerable Jake One.  The lyrics aren’t going to shock the world but this is a solid track to vibe to.  I can picture J. Pinder performing this song in a smokey Jazz Club and having the whole audience nodding their heads in accordance.  The beat is relatively simple but it’s infectious.  Zach Bruce’s hook really completes the track.  His vocals really make this a great song.

No Turnin’ Back maintains the good feelings that All That Fire set off.   The content of this cut is a little bit harder than the aforementioned track but the hook again has that capacity to hold your attention and have you singing along, guaranteed.  Emcees J. Pinder and Toki Wright tell street stories that detail the moves that are made to become successful.   Vitamin D is behind the boards using ill combinations of strings and guitar licks to back the emcees’ delivery.  Tracks like this keep the listener motivated and put their best foot forward to get what they want out of life.

Safe Place, features Detroit rhyme spitter Guilty Simpson and just like you might expect, this song goes hard.  The beat is crafted by Kuddie Fresh and is filled with horns and a thick bass riff.  I am really feeling this joint musically.  This is music to creep by.   Simpson and J. Pinder trade verses about making the money and being able to keep it away from the powers that be, or the snakes in the grass.  And again, the ill hook just completes the song.   I harp on this alot, but the art of making a good hook is lost on some people, J. Pinder knows the secret though!

All in all, you need to get to know, J. Pinder.   He is versatile.   He can speak on a number of different topics.  Simply put, he is making better music than a lot of others in the game.   Code Red is the initial embodiment of his immense talent, so be sure to check for it.