My Awesome Mixtape II – Clinton Sparks
This is huge. I hope reading my words gets you as excited as I am right now. Coming of his recent Grammy nominations, Clinton Sparks drops off this HUGE mixtape for the blogosphere. With remixes and original production, Clinton creates a 35 track masterpiece. You will quickly be drawn in from the beginning once you hear Samuel L. Jackson narrating the intro. Wait, Joseph, did you just say “Samuel L. Jackson.” Yeah, Samuel L. Jackson. While the songs run a little short, my favorite 3 tracks off of My Awesome Mixtape II would be The One That Got Away, 2012 Away, and The Best Levels. I hope everyone enjoys this piece as much as I did, and Kollect on!
The Bite Marked Heart – Brother Ali
Rhymesayers rapper Brother Ali dropped this seven track EP three days ago, and I must say it is something that all of the kollectors should pick up! Although it’s not as hard-hitting as some of the hip hop we have on the site, the production and thoughtful lyrics are extremely satisfying. Most of the production is done by Jake One, and there’s even some assistance from Ant (Atmosphere); There’s also some vocal collaborations with Aby Wolf, Nikki Jean, Stokely Williams, and Phonte. Not much else to say except to download this EP and enjoy the feel-good flow from Brother Ali!
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Prologue (EP) – Knowmads
If you are a fan of Seattle hip hop and for some reason have not been exposed to this wonderful trio, today is the day. Knowmads are a group made up of three guys – Tom Pepe, Tom Wilson, and Jester Judd – and their work reflects the values and quality of music that is bursting from Seattle’s seams. They have previously released four albums and a couple free mixtapes that did not get the proper recognition that they deserve. This EP, Prologue, is a collection of the six songs that were not chosen to be on their fifth album KnewBook, which will be released in late March. These songs have a specific sound that resembles the likes of Atmosphere and Blue Scholars, and the piano instrumentals, laid-back raps, as well as other unique touches give this EP an edge that stands above many other up-and-coming artists. Leave some feedback, I love to hear what you all are thinking! Also, ‘like’ Knowmads on Facebook!
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![Second Time Around: The College Days – TeeJay [Mixtape]](http://thekollection.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/1/files/2012/02/The-Kollection.jpg)
Second Time Around: The College Days – TeeJay [Mixtape]
I’m not too familiar with upcoming emcee, TeeJay, but I found a few of the tracks off his just-released tape intriguing and worthy of some Kollection attention. Second Time Around: The College Days is most notably a diverse project, as promised by Mr. Akinola – I can’t say each track was a complete success, but I do hear his promising delivery [whose vocal tone sounds like Sonny Shotz at times] and genuine passion for the music by his range of sampling. Kollect my picks above or catch the entire tape!
Peep the video for “See Me Now“, which dropped back in October.
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Mile(y) High Club – Super Mash Bros
Super Mash Bros dropped off their newest project, Mile(y) High Club, yesterday and it’s sure to liven up your weekends. These guys are relative mashup veterans, and this new project highlights a bunch of new samples as well as some older classics. Not every track on here really impressed me, so I’ve picked out my favorites and highlighted them individually above – if you want to listen to the rest, download the whole tape below.
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![Echo Boom – Cris Cab [Mixtape]](http://thekollection.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/1/files/2012/01/Echo-Boom.png)
Echo Boom – Cris Cab [Mixtape]
Here we go, the sophomore release from the still-teenaged Cris Cab. His sound is so mature on this effort, while his heartfelt lyrics are wise but still youthful. Echo Boom features some big names, including his mentor Pharrell Williams (N.E.R.D.), Daytona, Mavado, and raspy O.A.R. frontman Marc Roberge. Making all the right connections and moves, Cab is breaking into the industry and making a crispy impression.
The title track of the album is not the most commercial of the bunch, but it’s simple descending chord progression and Pharrell’s genuine verse [which tells of how the pair artistically/professionally merged] make it a fitting album-opener. “What We Can’t Do” is a stand-up anthem for the ambitious youth, featuring a hiphop-inspired snare beat with Cab’s signature Reggae sound. “Going Home” has a more sentimental, contemplative sound courtesy of its subject matter. The contemporary production is excellent, and the guest appearance from one of my favorites (O.A.R.) finishes the track off perfectly. The last two key tracks are ones we’ve posted before, attached for convenience. This won’t be the last you hear from this supremely-talented artist.
Listen to Echo Boom on Soundcloud
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Keep Your Friends Close – Dylan Owen
Dylan Owen dropped his latest tape, Keep Your Friends Close, today for free, a gift for his fans to kick off the year. Dylan has such a unique style, much different than most artists we post on the site. I enjoy his work though, his creative instrumentals, and the way he’s not afraid to be passionate with his vocals. I don’t think Dylan has a huge pop appeal, which is such a refreshing way to make music, and it allows him to break free of the mold to create something more creative and original. I’ve picked out a few of my favorites, but the whole tape is worth a listen – let me know what you think! Don’t forget to support Dylan Owen on Facebook!
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Reincarnation – Jetpack Jones
Jetpack Jones offers up his latest mixtape, Reincarnation, for our listening pleasure. Jetpack has a very unique approach to rap; his music is always positive, and very imaginative. Last week we gave you Drift Away to get you through your Thursday night and Friday, but this week you get the whole tape! There’s something called transport reading, well this is transport music. It was hard to pick my top three favorites because they were all so unique and marvelous, but if I had to choose: Faded, Jetpack Movement, and Patience. These three tracks embody the man’s message.
Jetpack Jones dropped this off for free, so to help repay him and like his fan page. Listen to my three favorite tracks, or Kollect the mixtape in its entirety.
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