Jacques Webster aka Travi$ Scott aka La Flame’s countdown for the prequel to his forthcoming album Rodeo is over, here is Days Before Rodeo. The free 12-track project features Rich Homie Quan, Big Sean, Young Thug, The 1975, Peewee Longway, Migos and even a short cameo from Grand Hustle bossman T.I. One undeniable consistency with Scott is his production, which is completely on point with this mixtape. Metro Boomin’ brings the heat on three tracks, up-and-comer WondaGurl makes an appearance, along with Vinylz, Lex Luger, Mike Dean, Southside and more. Being signed to both Kanye (as an in-house producer) and T.I., you can see where both their influences play a role, which if you’re Travi$ Scott, is a pretty nice place to be wedged between.
Tracklist
Slaughterhouse – “House Rules”
Slaughterhouse surprises their incredibly dedicated fan base with a 10-track mixtape today. The hip-hop supergroup consisting of Joe Budden, Royce Da 5’9″, Crooked I and Joell Ortiz add some fresh elements to their repertoire. We all know these boys constantly bring bars to the table, that’s a given, but their choice of producers and beats gave this project a new spark. Hit the jump for the tracklist, production credits and download.
Project Free: December Edition
December is a month in which you either entrap yourself completely with the glitter, glamour and gifts, or it’s a month in which you leave your subconscious constantly wondering about what the new year will bring. Regardless, it’s a busy time for everyone, and the days feel incredibly short. Apologies go out to my avid reads for avoiding the blogosphere this month. Just because I wasn’t writing about it, doesn’t mean my ears weren’t constantly listening. I am compiling a MegaMix of the music that’s been coming through my speakers this month, and it shall drop December 30th (Monday of course). Also, as per the end of 2013, I am creating a list of my Top 25 Albums of this year, so stay tuned for that as well. For now, it dawned on me that quite a few artists gave away free projects this month, so here are 5 that I have been in heavy rotation. Enjoy
Big K.R.I.T. – K.R.I.T. (King Remembered In Time)
Justin Scott, aka Big K.R.I.T. hails from Mississippi and represents the South with great esteem. Today, the 26 year old dropped his eleventh mixtape, simply but elegantly titled K.R.I.T. (King Remembered In Time). The tape is entirely produced by KRIT himself, except for one guest appearance from the legendary 9th Wonder. Scott can spit bars for days but enlisted DZA and Wiz for a smoked out chill ride, Bun B for a southern anthem, BJ The Chicago Kid for some storytelling, Trinidad James for a banger, the beautiful Ashton Jones for a soulful love joint, Big Sant for some jabs and a snippet of the Future induced hook. I’ve said it before and i’ll say it again, Big K.R.I.T. is one of those underrated artists in Hip Hop, the man can spit, story tell, carry a track and produce all day.
J. Cole – “Truly Yours”
With the release of his sophomore effort nearing, Cole drops a 5-track EP called Truly Yours. Jermaine’s new album Born Sinner was originally set for late January, but as it happens, the album got pushed back. So here is is, five silky smooth joints to hold us over until the highly anticipated second LP shows its face.
Casey Veggies – “Life Changes”
The former Odd Future member turned Roc Nation signee has yet to drop an official full-length, but has a handful of mixtapes. Life Changes is the latest installment, and features Dom Kennedy, BJ The Chicago Kid and Phil Beaudreau. Production includes The Futuristiks, 1500 or Nothin, Cardiak, Harry Fraud and more.
Two Solid Mixtapes
Joe Budden and Fabolous both dropped mixtapes last week, and both are solid. Budden enlisted the likes of Ab-Soul, Royce Da 5’9 and Emanny for features. But i’m most impressed with his production choice. AraabMuzik and Cardiak produced three tracks each, all of which are diverse and suit the verses/theme. Fabolous recruited Wale, J. Cole, Trey Songz, Cassie, Pusha T and ironically Joe Budden for verses. Loso went in on tracks by the likes of Jay Electronica (“Exhibit A”), Rick Ross (“Diced Pineapples”), Usher (“Throwback” – Dionne Warwick sample), Scarface (“Guess Who’s Back”) and more.
Lana Del Rey – Born To Die – The Paradise Edition
The re-release of the ever so popular Born To Die has finally been officially announced. The Paradise Edition will feature 9 new tracks (8 + 1 bonus) and it set to be released November 12. Lana Del Rey makes good, catchy pop music, and has a highly addictive persona. I like the fact that she released a handful of unreleased songs, is re-releasing an album that is already successful, all before her sophomore album. Initial judgement tells me, she has a vault full of material, and that more records seem imminent.
UPDATE: The video for “Ride” has been released, and the Pre-Order is available.
FreEPs
If you were hoping for free music from two intelligent Hip Hop artists today, you got your wish.
Odd Future’s Domo Genesis hooked up with the incredibly talented Alchemist for a project called No Idols. It features Tyler, The Creator, Smoke DZA, Prodigy, Freddie Gibbs, SpaceGhostPurrp, Earl Sweatshirt, Vince Staples & Action Bronson. All beats courtesy of The Alchemist, who’s worked with the likes of Eminem, Lil Wayne, Nas, Dilated Peoples, ScHoolboy Q and the list goes on.
The second is from Canadian lyricist superstar Shad. The tape is titled Melancholy and the Infinite Shadness which plays on the 1995 classic from The Smashing Pumpkins. He uses the following childhood gems as samples: Milli Vanilli, The Breeders, Lenny Kravitz, Prince, PM Dawn. It’s fun, witty, and generates that throwback feeling simultaneously.