Mixtapes I’m Listening To | Kelow Shines, G-Two is Trill & F.A.M.E. Delivers.

These are the mixtapes I have enjoyed. How about you?

Let’s start by talking about F.A.M.E.‘s “2 Busy Dreamin” project shall we? I completely dove into this mixtape in preparation for something mediocre. What I got? The complete opposite. Outside of the singles I already got to hear – I really enjoyed this project folks. Not in a “that’s nice” way – more in a “I can see myself listening to this everyday” way. Some of the tracks that stood out to me the most were: “I Want It All” , “King Size Dreams” (feat. G-Two), “Time” & “Looking Up To You” (feat. Naira). If you like music with thought that will inspire you (not in a corny way) download “2 Busy Dreamin” for yourself here.

Next up on my playlist was Kelow‘s “Stixx-N-Stonez” EP. Let me start by saying Kelow is not the average artist. If you are looking for radio-ready singles and the commercial music you are used to – this is not for you.

Kelow‘s music is not for everybody.  I think we can all agree on this.  What I can say is that her music is in a lane of its own.   Don’t get me wrong when I say this folks.  There are standout singles such as “Hit My Pager” (feat. Tabi Bonney), “Pink Cookies” and “Fantasy” (feat. Ayinide(TM)) that I actually enjoyed.  “Stixxx N Stonez” isn’t heavy on features and such.  With this project, I feel that Kelow is re-introducing herself to her fans – and opening her artistry up for new ones to indulge.  Listen and critique the latest from Kelow for yourself here.

Last but not least,  let’s talk about the artist known as G-Two.  Now.  It is safe to say that G-Two sat back and decided to completely submerge himself in music for this project.  Why do I say this?  Well, for starters there are fifteen total tracks on his “Trillmatic” mixtape.  Not to mention the fact that there are more than five artists featured on this project.  Not that artist features are a ‘bad’ thing.  But, I don’t necessarily think he needed that many.  Every chance he got, he definitely displayed lyrical ability.  I just don’t think he needed other people to assist with this.  In some cases, they actually distracted me – as a listener.  But, whatever.  “Trillmatic” was actually solid from beginning to end.  Could he have handled a lot of these singles on his own?  Absolutely.  Did he handle his own regardless – lyrically speaking?  Totally.  Do I think he needed fifteen tracks to prove this?  No.  I was sold half way through.  Thank heavens there wasn’t a DJ.  That would have been overkill.  Personal favorites include “Old School” (feat. Scolla), “Keep It G” (feat. Ro James), “Tunnel Vision” (feat. Shinte) and “Sabre Red“.   Listen/Stream this project for yourself here.