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’12 Best Mixtapes: #2 Big Sean Detroit

Following the success of his Cruel Summer hits (“Mercy”, “Clique”) as well as Meek Mill’s “Burn”, Big Sean cordially invited fans to his hometown with his fourth mixtape, Detroit. The Motor City’s new shining star travels down the road to stardom on the opener “Higher” and depicts his lavish lifestyle over the soulful sounds of Barry White on “How I Feel”. Right on! Sean Don keeps the celebratory tracks intact (“Experimental”, “FFOE”, “Woke Up”) while stacking more than enough bread […]

’12 Best R&B Albums: #3 The Weeknd Trilogy

Since The Weeknd stepped on the scene in 2011, he’s delivered three critically-acclaimed digital pieces. On his major label debut, Trilogy, he reintroduces himself to the masses by re-releasing them all together commercially and adding three new tracks to close out each chapter. Abel pre-games his nightly affairs on Houses of Balloons before diving into the piano-driven first offering “Twenty Eight”. As Thursday arrives, the love tale continues (“The Birds Part 1 & Part 2”) before he finally professes his heart […]

’12 Best Mixtapes #3: Meek Mill Dreamchasers 2

Meek Mill continued his quest for more on the second installment of his Dreamchasers mixtape series. He kickstarts the project with The Fugees remake “Ready Or Not”. Then he reflects on his troubled past (“Use To Be”) before turning his fantasies into reality (“Big Dreams”). Even if the District Attorney didn’t approve of “The Ride”, his testimony was sincere. Production was clutch thanks to Jahlil Beats (“Flexing”), Cardiak (“Lean Wit It”) and The Beat Bully (“Intro”). Guests came in bundles (“Face Down”, “Racked […]

’12 Best R&B Albums: #4 Ne-Yo R.E.D.

Ne-Yo’s isn’t satisfied with the state of R&B. He said so himself. But instead of being bitter, he took himself to task and released last year’s delight, R.E.D. Honesty is the best policy. And Ne-Yo shows his vulnerability with “Cracks in Mr. Perfect” before segueing into the baby maker “Lazy Love”. Compatibility seems to be a reoccurring theme throughout R.E.D. He seeks for his better half on (“Be The One”, “Miss Right”) and with Wiz Khalifa as a wingman, he finds his perfect match […]

’12 Best Mixtapes: #4 Freddie Gibbs #BFK

Number four should’ve been number one to me. In case there was any doubt, BFK solidifies Freddie Gibbs place as one of the game’s coldest spitters. From the opening bell, he commands our attention with a multi-layered flow (“BFK”). Throughout the tape, Gibbs uses his voice to his advantage. He manipulates his baritone on “Money, Clothes, Hoes” and gets back to business on cuts like “Hard” and “Kush Cloud”. He understands melody (“Stay Down”) and the importance of sharing the spotlight alongside a […]

’12 Best R&B Albums: #5 Brandy Two Eleven

Brandy’s sitting on top of the world again. On her sixth album Two Eleven, Ray J’s older sis seeks and finds love in all the right places. She turns surreal moments into “Wildest Dreams” and emits Graduate-eseque cool on “Slower”. After nearly 20 years in the game, Brandy’s pipes show no signs of patina. Her power ballads are strong (“No Such Thing as Too Late”) while capturing just the right amount of emotion (“Do You Know What You Have?” ). She even […]

’12 Best Mixtapes: #5 Wiz Khalifa Taylor Allderdice

When it comes free music on the Internet, Wiz Khalifa sure knows how to package it. Dubbed after his place of higher learning, Cameron turned his tenth mixtape, Taylor Allderdice in and walked away with an A+. In signature fashion, Wiz blows his smoke (“T.A.P.”) and gloats about fame (“Blindfold”) throughout the 18 tracks. TGOD kept his regular beatmakers on-board and he’s rewarded with refreshing production from the likes of Cardo (“California”), ID Labs (“Amber Ice”) and Big Jerm (Smoke […]

’12 Best Mixtapes: #6 Big K.R.I.T. 4eva N a Day

As you can see, this King is remembered in time more in the mixtape category. Maybe it’s because the Mississippi heavyweight is allowed to remain in his comfort zone. Armed with complete creative control, K.R.I.T. mans his own production and doesn’t hesitate penning his passion. Mr. Scott displays his vocals on the hook of the soothing opener “Wake Up Saxaphone” and joy rides over the UGK influence-sounding “Me & My Old School.” K.R.I.T. kicks it into high gear on the reflectful “1986” […]