Alright, so I’m still going on these track reviews. Slowly, I know. I honestly am wondering why I promised to do it. You know what, screw it. I am going to cover EVERY remaining track right now. You can stream them all here.

5 Minutes: This song is not great. End of story. Why does everyone like Skyzoo? I can’t stand him. And the original “Back in the Go Go” beat was better. Good line, though? “Mancini, flier than the rest of them.”

Life’s a Bitch: Hard to say no to this one, but Talib’s Michelle Obama line is questionable. Interesting, but not really tactful, especially coming after a line about Deep Throat.

Night Life: Awesome track, beat, chorus. Definitely one to keep around. This beat reminds me a little of “Drinks Up,” the one track I really can’t wait to hear leak. Youtube it for a taste.

Sweatin’ Out Weaves: Also awesome. I swear, though, they must sample the xylophone from “Grillz.” And who’s singing? Is that Beyonce? No, but it sure sounds like her for about half the track. And that UCB horn fade is sick.

Hot Shyt: Surely not Wale’s beat, but it’s a great track. Especially considering all the voices on here – I love Black Thought on nearly anything, this is no exception.

Wonder Why: Very likeable.

Pot of Gold: This one leaked LONG ago, the original beat was finished at least 3 or 4 years ago, appearing on Mark Ronson’s “Gettin’ Chai” mixtape but without the Wale verses. Regardless, this is hands down one of the best tracks on the tape. Hells yes.

Sharp: 9th Wonder is a beast. Those piano licks are beautiful. “I pull out when I’m commin’, I love to be redundant.”

Warwick Avenue: This is, hands down, THE best track on the tape. I can’t say more than that, and I’ve already written about it before.

The Sun: Great sample, great lines. “They threw me in the skinny-jeans crew, just cause I rap about shit people really do.” Hard to accuse someone of being a hipster when they’re killing a beat like this.

Rather Be With You: Reminds me of a beat, I can’t quite place it. Maybe Common? Yeah, maybe that “Testify” beat, but I still think I’m thinking of something else. Whatever. Good beat. And J. Cole is sick. I saw him in concert once, thought he was some minor Syracuse rapper and then he started going. He was neither minor, nor from Syracuse. Check his mixtape “The Warmup,” the second best tape I’ve heard all year.

Goodbye: Doesn’t grab me right now, but I certainly don’t dislike it.

Say It Again: “I ain’t hear you clear, stuntin’ in my rarest pair.” Like the repeated lines when the sample cues him up to “say it again.” Oh, and Royce Da 5’9 is a sick, sick, man. Who on earth says “I look at the beaver [and by beaver he means a girl's... ] up ‘n down like I’m Wally-watchin”? Insane. And yet? Fantastic.

Talkin Shyt: Just doesn’t do it for me. End of story.

Nothin’ To Worry About: Great track, but honestly I love the “Party and Bullshit” mashup a little more.

Rhyme N Reason: Mmm, that beat is tasty. And Wale just floats over the beat like cream. Fly, fly, cream. Mmmmmmm and that hook is so damn right. Hell yes.

Um Ricka: Love K’Naan, I dig Mark Ronson, what’s not to love?

New Soul: Honestly, I wish he hadn’t pitched that sample down (see AC’s track and video). Lyrics amazing, this is such a good wrap-up track for this tape. The shout-outs to the other XXL Freshman Class, the tight lines about reviews, and twitter. Mm, yeah.

Alright, so that’s the mixtape. All tracks can be found right here, and you should listen to them.

Comments ( 1 Comment )

Add a Comment