Stream/DL The 2014 XXL Freshmen Mixtape

After dropping multiple 2014 XXL Freshmen Freestyles, cyphers and roundtable discussions, XXL releases the 2014 Freshmen Mixtape. The mixtape features appearances from 2 Chainz, Lloyd Banks and Fabolous including production by The Olympicks, DJ Montay and Big Korey. The mixtape includes 21 tracks from Lil Durk's 'Voices in My Head' to August Alsina's 'Right Now.' You can stream and download the 2014 XXL Freshmen Mixtape below.

TORCH - U.F.O. EP - REVIEW

RATING SYSTEM(ARTISTS):

1 MIC-MICROPHONE WIMP

2 MICS-MICROPHONE NOVICE

3 MICS-MICROPHONE PRO

4 MICS-MICROPHONE BULLY!!!

RATING SYSTEM(PRODUCERS)

1 EAR-UNBEARABLE

2 EARS-LUKEWARM

3 EARS-HOT

4 EARS-STRAIGHT HEAT

Our society has a obsession with U.F.O. sightings. Since they are so rare, it's special when someone sees one. Some people debate their existence and some lie about their encounter. The encounter which is the topic for this review happened in Miami. Let's get it straight though...we may not be thinking about the same thing. I'm not referring to aliens and since we're talking about Miami-we're not talking about illegal aliens either (sorry, but i had to go there). We're talking about U.F.O.s-Unidentified flowing objects-and the sighting we're referring to has a name....Torch. Torch gives us a "out of this world" experience on his "U.F.O." project and shows why Maybach Music Group can be considered a "phenomenon" in hip hop right now. Torch shows us in this project that he is "fire in the sky" and he's ready to land. Let's prepare for contact with U.F.O.

INTRO-Even though Torch doesn't rap on the intro-he does a great job of keeping it on point of the concept of EP. So many artists mess that up. Torch starts from the beginning, letting the listeners know...he's landed and he's ready to go.

REALA STATE (FEATURING RICK ROSS)-LYRICS-3 MICS BEAT-3 EARS FAVORITE BAR: "I'VE BEEN BALLING...BLAKE GRIFFIN" The U.F.O. landing starts off interesting with "Reala State". Torch holds his own with his C.E.O.-Rick Ross aka Mr. Maybach-sharing bars with him on the chorus. Lil Lody does a great job on the beat, giving it a grim-yet bouncy feel. It goes every well with Torch and Rick Ross's flow.

YAZIMI-LYRICS-3 MICS BEAT-3 EARS FAVORITE BAR:"CAN'T MISS ME WITH ALL THIS ICE ON/BLACK DIAMONDS, BUT THEIR BRIGHTER THEN YOUR WHITE ONES" Torch gives us a true street banger with "Yazimi" (or Ya see me-that's what happens when you stay in the south too long! LOL!) Torch let's the listeners know what your bound to see and learn about him when you see him. He also let's it be known, he isn't just doing the talking-he's got the numbers to back him up. Deisil comes through on this track and gives Torch that edge to make this a certified hit in the streets and the club. I can definitely see this track having video potential and wouldn't be surprised if there wasn't one.

ROUND AND ROUND (FEATURING MASSPIKE MILES, RED CAFE, PUSHA T)-LYRICS-4 MICS BEAT-4 EARS FAVORITE BAR:"COUPLE OF BIRDS FALLING EVERYWHERE...ARKANSAS" This is one of my favorite tracks off of the project. Torch really steps his bars up on this round robin featuring Red Cafe and Pusha T on the track. Masspike Miles puts the finishing touches on the chorus to make this a instant classic from Maybach Music catalog. Kassanova does a excellent job on the track. He flips the sample well. Honestly, when i saw the name of the track-i knew that sample was going to be used. However, Kassanova used the sample in a way i haven't heard and having Masspike Miles singing on the chorus makes me want to take this track in my car and go "round and round". Video? I think so.

DON'T CARE (FEATURING PROVALONE)-LYRICS-4 MICS BEAT-3 EARS FAVORITE BAR:"YOU HEAR A BLESSING OR A MESSAGE EVERY TIME I SPEAK" Torch really shows his versatility on this project and it really shows on "Don't Care". He pours his heart out through out this song. "Don't Care" is somewhat of a prayer or psalm to God. Some may not agree with some of the language, but he comes to God is his purest and realist way he knows how. More artists need to embrace this and not be afraid to show emotion like this. This is a very touching track.

ALL MINE (FEATURING KEVIN COSSOM)-LYRICS-4 MICS BEAT-4 EARS FAVORITE BAR:"SHE TRYING TO MELT THAT ICEBOX WHERE MY HEART USED TO BE" Torch brings some heat for the ladies on "All mine". Hazardous Soundz really pulls you into the track within the first couple of seconds when the beat drops. Ladies will love this track, but they may end up hating it-because it's the shortest track on the EP. Shame on you Torch (lol).

GONE-LYRICS-4 MICS BEAT-2 EARS FAVORITE BAR:" TRYING TO MAKE THIS WORK/BUT TOURS WILL MAKE THE MOST SECURE WOMAN BERSERK" Well, looks like i have to ask Torch for forgiveness from the last track's remark (lol). Torch gives us a part two from "All mine" on "Gone". This is a track for both the female as well as the male. This is a song everyone can relate too. If your a artist-this is VERY good song to relate to and if it isn't-then your career really hasn't picked up yet or you never have been in a real relationship). I will be honest-i gave The Runners 3 ears, but i really had to listen to the track a couple of times to hear what they were doing. I understand that they were building on the chorus and making a grander sound for it, i just wish they had more going on within the verse. I only say that cause i love the runners and know what they are capable of. However, on a track like this-being emotional-less is better. So, I understand. I really think that Torch should also do a combined video of "all mine" and "gone" to show the good and bad side of relationships.

BREAD N BUTTA (FEATURING SMOKE GREY)-LYRICS-4 MICS BEAT-4 EARS FAVORITE BAR:"I'M IN THESE STREETS LIKE MAN HOLE COVERS" This track is nice. I will say this-Torch probally put a target on his back from that first verse. I love how he gave the "disclaimer" by not saying any names-but allowing us to put them in their own lanes. Torch shows us that lyrically, he's ready to battle for that "bread n butta".

KLOCKERS-LYRICS-3 MICS BEAT-3 EARS FAVORITE BAR:"NEED A BLOCK/I'M DWIGHT HOWARD" I like the concept on "klockers" chorus. Torch has a nice swing cadence on this track. Cashous Clay floats like a butterfly on those keys, and stings like a bee on bass and drums on the production.

EGG HUNT(FEATURING TRIPLE C'S)-LYRICS- 2 MICS BEAT-3 EARS FAVORITE BAR:"AIN'T NO SHAME IN MY GAME,BABY I AIM TO PLEASE"

I was wondering what angle Torch was going for on "egg hunt"...interesting (lol). Torch is joined by his crew, Triple C's. They all complement each other on this track. In the end, they really don't explore the "egg" reference, but verses are good.This isn't one of my favorite, but it works well with the flow of the EP. The beat is very groovy and gives a vibe that goes with the song.

MY EULOGY(FEATURING TREY SONGZ)-LYRICS-3 MICS BEAT-3 MICS FAVORITE BAR:"DETERMINED TO BE THE CRAB IN THE BUCKET THAT CLIMBED UP OUT IT" I love how Torch starts off his verse quoting biggie and ending with Tupac quote/bars-indicating how he knows his outcome will be according to his life. This is another of Torch's emotional tracks that works well. Trey songz shines on the chorus and Kane Beatz gives a great beat that literally sounds like music one would hear at their eulogy.

BANG YOUR CITY-REMIX(FEATURING BUSTA RHYMES, RICK ROSS, WACKA FLOCKA, YO GOTTI AND N.O.R.E.)-LYRICS-4 MICS BEAT-4 EARS FAVORITE BAR:"STILL GET IT OFF THE MUSCLE REAL TALK" Torch comes through with a banger remix with "Bang your city" remix. Torch doesn't have a lengthy verse, but with so many hip hop greats on the track, it's just cool to be in for the ride (hey, they came to be on your song-so why not just sit back?). Boi-1da does perfection on this track and gives all the artist justice as they lay their verses down. Torch knows he has a hit on his hand with this track.

CAREFUL WHAT YOU WISH FOR-LYRICS-3 MICS BEAT-3 EARS FAVORITE BAR:"FRONT PAGE ON YOUR DAILY NEWS/READ ABOUT ME" Torch ends the EP speaking on the very thing he started on...the streets. "Careful what you wish for" is another dark look into the streets and how Torch lives. Shife does a good job with the track and ends the Ep with a great beat.

Overall, I give U.F.O. a Microphone BULLY rating. It has all the aspects of being a great EP. Torch has club, riding, spiritual, lyrical, street and for the ladies bangers. If Torch continues to bring heat like this...our world will be in trouble. As far as not recognizing the production quality on the EP-resistance is futile. Regardless if your not a Triple C's fan or a Maybach Music Group fan-you will have no choice to feel this project.Hopefully, we will see more U.F.O. sightings from Torch soon, because this Ep made me want more. As far as this encounter is concerned...it went phenomenal.


Download The Entire "Torch - U.F.O" Project

WILLIE THE KID-THE FLY 2-THE TRANSFORMATION CD REVIEW

RATINGS (ARTISTS):

ONE MIC-MICROPHONE WIMP

TWO MICS-MICROPHONE NOVICE

THREE MICS-MICROPHONE PRO

FOUR MICS-MICROPHONE BULLY!!!

RATINGS (PRODUCERS):

1 EAR-UNBEARABLE

2 EARS-LUKEWARM

3 EARS-HOT

4 EARS-STRAIGHT HEAT

When someone brings up "The Fly", some would think of the movie starring Jeff Goldbulm. It was a classic movie and will go down as making Jeff Goldbulm a star. The same can be said for Willie The Kid's "The Fly 2-The Transformation". This is a classic mixtape and will definitely be the project to show that Willie The Kid has star potential in hip hop. He allows the fans to see a "transformation" of his lyrical abilities and the fact he's standing on his own with no D.J. presence on the project this time. Regardless of what the haters say, Willie The Kid understands...what doesn't kill you, turns you into a monster. Willie The Kid lives up to this motto, by transforming into a lyrical monster and wrecks havoc on these tracks. Let's look into a couple of these tracks that Willie The Kid transformed into classics.

TOXIC (FEATURING ALCHEMIST)-LYRICS-4 MICS BEAT-4 EARS FAVORITE BAR:"THE GAME LOOKING EDIBLE,ENJOYING EVERY MORSEL" Willie The Kid gets real hazardous with his flow on "Toxic". He comes in attacking the track. Speaking of the track, Lee Bannon produced it. If your a true fan of Willie The Kid, then you see that these two have a history of making hits together. Lee Bannon does a great job of making a classic Willie The Kid track. They really mesh well together. Willie The Kid even humbles himself in his bars and throws a shout out to Alchemist on the track (who also does a great job). This track will leave you feeling Willie The Kid is the toxic avenger, ready to clean up hip hop.

ONE TIME (FEATURING JON CONNOR)-LYRICS-4 MICS BEAT-4 MICS FAVORITE BAR:"TURNED MY SPORTS CAR INTO A VISOR-NO ROOF" Willie The Kid represents home with "One time". He even represents with Detroit's own-Black Milk on the production. This beat is so epic and Willie The Kid doesn't disappoint. Jon Connor (also a hometown representer) does a excellent job on his verse and delivers the best guest appearance verse on the mixtape. This track shows that Willie The Kid is a hometown hero and gives love back.

LIVE FROM THE RITZ (FEATURING STYLES P)-LYRICS-4 MICS BEAT-4 EARS FAVORITE BAR:"REST MY GUN LIKE A DISH RAG" I will have to say that this is the best beat on the mixtape. Soundahfekz (sound effects-i love that name) does a excellent job to give the track a classic boom bap feel and take hip hop fans to paradise before the lyrics even come on. Speaking of the lyrics, Willie The Kid and Styles P deliver on this track. This is what hip hop is missing. This will definitely be on repeat in many CD players (or whatever you listen to your music in).

MIRACULOUS (FEATURING AFALIAH) LYRICS-4 MICS BEAT-4 EARS FAVORITE BAR (3 WAY TIE):"NOT A FOREFATHER, BUT FOLLOWING THE CULTURE" "CRANK THAT BOONDOCKS, BUT FAR FROM A SAINT" "BRING IT BACK TO LIFE LIKE A SEANCE" All I can say is "WOW!!!"! Willie The Kid really goes in on "miraculous". It's a good track. When you can't pick a favorite bar-because they are all that nice-that's real hip hop. Tye Hill (Productionix) and Tall Black Guy Productions made a really classic beat and Afaliah puts the icing on the cake with the hook. This track is a probally the best track on the mixtape.

FRIENDS AND MONEY (FEATURING CORY GUNZ) LYRICS-4 MICS BEAT-4 EARS FAVORITE BAR:"FAKE FRIENDS REAL MONEY, IT CAN NEVER MIX/IT'S ALL GOOD TILL YOU BOTH START STACKING CHIPS/FAKE FRIENDS REAL MONEY BETTER LET IT MISS YA/YOU SEE THE REAL WHEN THAT MONEY COME INTO THE PICTURE" This is probally the realest song I've heard this year. Willie The Kid gives a great revelation of how greed, envy and the downside of money work in "friends and money". V. Don complements Willie The Kid and Cory Gunz well and really gives life to the track with his production. This is such a universal song-anyone and everyone should be required to listen to this track.

This mixtape is a microphone BULLY and is going down as a mixtape classic. Only five tracks were selected in the review, but all of the tracks are bangers. Even with all of his co signs (La da Darkman-his brother-and DJ Drama,etc) Willie The Kid holds his own on his own. Willie The kid is going to be a force to be reckoned with and as far as The Fly 2...he'll generate the buzz.



Download - Willie The Kid - The Fly 2 The Transformation

MIC BULLY C.H.I.C.A.N CHOICE MIXTAPE/ALBUM REVIEW

KOOL G RAP-A OFFER YOU CAN'T REFUSE REVIEW

RATING SYSTEM (ARTISTS):

1 MIC-MICROPHONE WIMP

2 MICS-MICROPHONE NOVICE

3 MICS-MICROPHONE PRO

4 MICS-MICROPHONE BULLY!!!

RATING SYSTEM (PRODUCERS):

1 EAR-UNBEARABLE

2 EARS-LUKEWARM

3 EARS-HOT

4 EARS-STRAIGHT HEAT

In life, there are few offers you can't refuse. A free 8 track EP from Kool G Rap entitled, "Offer you can't refuse" is definitely one of them. It's only fitting that a classic "Hip Hop Godfather" title his project from a classic line from The Godfather series. What do Don Corleone (R.I.P. Marlon Brando) and Kool G Rap have in common? They both have riches, royalty and respect (hint, at the plug) in the game. Kool G rap doesn't come lacking in any three of these attributes on this album.There was a issue with the download not allowing all the tracks to be complete, but this review is based off of the album in it's entirety. For fans, new and old, we receive hip hop in it's essence. Let's see what the hip hop godfather is offering us.

1. The Fix-Lyrics:4 Mics Beat:4 Ears Favorite Bar:"Tablespoon, rubber hose and a needle track" Kool G rap Starts the album off properly with "The Fix". For the hip hop junkies, who have been itching for real hip hop...your tablespoon, rubber hose and needle track is here. Kool G rap let's us know that he is a true supplier in the hip hop game. DJ. Pain does a great job on production. I've heard this sample before from Phonte on "Boondock Saints", but enjoyed hearing a fresh new flip to that sample. For both fans or doubters of Kool G Rap, you can see now and thank him for getting rid of your cataract.

2.Mugshots-Lyrics:4 Mics Beat:4 Ears Favorite Bar:"He living like a fugitive, wanted in seven states/America's most wanted got pictures of his face" Next, Kool G Rap sends us on a twisted "ode" to "Mugshots". He paints vivid stories of mugshots and the people's lives behind them. Pokerbeats gives a great job of matching Kool G Rap's dark tale of crime with his production. Even on a bleak subject of the vicious cycle of going in and out of prison, Kool G Rap still excites listeners with his excellent storytelling abilities.

3.America's Nightmare featuring Havoc of Mobb deep-Lyrics:4 Mics Beat:4 Ears Favorite Bar:" Appetite for goons, life on the edge/no jumping the broom just jumping bed to bed" Kool G Rap continues in the vein of storytelling with "America's Nightmare". This track also features Havoc from Mobb deep, who gives a great chorus setting up the track. They share bars about a female that is willing to do whatever she has to do for her true love...money. Alchemist comes through on this track and this trio create a hip hop storytelling classic.

4.Take Em Back (Supafly)-Lyrics:4 Mics Beat:4 Ears Favorite Bar:"I'm Hendrix, I'm Al green/women in the crowd loud, car wheels spinning for that wild green"  Kool  G Rap slows things down and takes us on a trip on "take em back". He's diction is dangerous on this track! He reminisces on growing up and actually makes me feel like i grew up in the house with them. Blastah Beats gives a great vintage production that also pulls you into the 70s.

5.Baggin' in Da Spot featuring Scar Child-Lyrics:4 Mics Beat:4 Ears Favorite Bar:"Flat screen TV showing a motion flick/showing no emotion making the love potion stick" Kool G Rap and Scar Child tells us a story of that infamous "occupation" in "Baggin' in Da Spot". Scar Child complements Kool G rap on this track. Scar Child comes a little more aggressive and ready for whatever, while Kool G Rap seems as though he's a smooth pro and been working the stove for a while. Leaf Dog does a great good producing and really goes in on the horns and gives the track a "Wu" feel.

6.Scareface Snow-Lyrics:4 Mics Beat:3 Ears Favorite Bar:" white girl paper like Liza Minnelli" Kool G Rap surprised me on this track, because the track has a southern sample feel (the track is hot). However, he handled his as a hip hop godfather would. If you haven't seen the movie "Scarface", then just listen to this track and Kool G rap will catch you up on the lifestyle of Tony Montana. "Scareface Snow" also gives you a look into shady people, being a Godfather in hip hop, you got to tell about the good and bad.

7.Offer you can't refuse-Lyrics:4 Mics Beat:4 Ears Favorite Bar:"flexing my biceps I'm not a producer, but when you see me in the street guarantee you'll be saying hi-tec" Starting off with the famous speech from the Godfather, "Offer you can't refuse" is classic Kool G Rap. He maneuvers through the beat well and gives a overall view of his lifestyle. Great track and great production.

8.Money talks-Lyrics:4 Mics Beat:4 Ears Favorite Bar:EVERY SINGLE BAR IN THIS SONG!!!!" Kool G Rap really delivers on "Money talks". This is my favorite Kool G Rap song. He delivers everything one would look for in this track.-metaphors, story, lyrics. The personification of money has never been done like this before on a track. This song is why Kool G Rap earned respect in the game.

In closing, everything that Kool G Rap offers us is given-a great album with great production. Overall, I say this album is a classic, even if it is only eight tracks/a EP. It earns "Microphone bully" status, because Kool G Rap bullied the mic so bad, it is literally going to have to take him to court and get a "mugshot" for it. Kool G Rap once again shows us how hip hop is supposed to be done and continues to show why he is a hip hop Godfather.

 

Listen To The Entire Ep Below.

Kool G Rap "Offer You Can't Refuse" Ep