Welcome to Mixtape Mashup 2009! We have had so many artists breaking into the homo-hop genre of rap that we had to find a place just for mix tape artist. If you think you have what it takes to be the next gay rap star submit your mix tape to chief reviewer Rex Stone and hear, The Good, The Bad, and The Truth about your album. This year we are going to mash it or trash it. So make sure you check back in frequently because we will keep coming with the latest reviews on mix tape albums and singles. One Love!

The chief reviewer for Mixtape Mashup is Rex Stone, a writer with a degree in history and marketing, and a love for mixtapes.

To have your mixtape reviewed, please EMAIL it to:

rexstone@live.com

We also welcome other mixtape reviews from whoever takes the initiative one to write one and send it to us at: mixtapemashup@outhiphop.com

Kaoz - The Tyler Durden EP!
 
Sometimes people confuse rap and spoken word and you get a misconception of the two. Although on the debut mix-tape from Cleveland native KAOZ..."The Tyler Durden EP" there is no mistaking that this lyrical artist is a natural talent at both. From the lyrics, the production, the beats, etc. this whole album shines from beginning to end!
 
Foolz - LoL, my thoughts exactly!
I Loved Loosey - Spoken word, not rap but I got the message!
Just Like You - The singing wasn't bad at all, nice song!
Never Sleep - This is a great song, lyrical masterpiece!
No Hook (pt.1) - Your definitely a rapper, no doubt about it!
No Hook (pt.2) - Damn your spit game is on point!
The Boy Next Door - Great message, wish it had a beat to it!
Thievez In The Temple - Good without being preachy!
This Is Me (ft. Damien Nova) - Loved the track, singing was okay!
Walk Away (ft. Damien Nova) - This is the song that sets you apart from the others!
White Girl - Your delivery is sick on this, loved how the beat changed with the song!
 
Kaoz - I am juiced about hearing what else you have coming out because this was fire! I think this is more of an album because you have more than 8 songs but call it what you want it's bananas! I think that every song sounded as if there was a lot of effort put into it and they come off fantastic. Even the singing on the album was good and it's hard to find in OHH! You really have everything you need from lyrics, to delivery, swag, just the whole package. I highly anticipate your full album!!
 
I am giving this mix-tape 4 Stones because it's the hottest thing out now!!!

Every artist tries to identify themselves through their music, especially in homo-hop because no one wants to be the same or a "swagger jacker". On SilverBacc Gorilla...KnyMac lays down his own take on the rap scene with his bi/trade lyrics overflowing with masculinity. He calls himself "the pimp" and by the way that he switches styles on this mix-tape you can tell that he's doing it all over the world and I guess there's nothing really wrong with that?! 
 
Boys - LOL! WTF!
Da Introduction - Lyrically this is your best!
Little White Lies (ft. Lester Green & Humility's Hand) - I am almost tired of hearing this, but it's okay!
Gettin Lucy - This was funny (pecuilar or haha?)!
Boys, Boys, Boys - I liked it, lyrically it was weak!
Too Tight - the track was cool, but I don't get what your trying to say! BTW- you not that tight!
Dr.Kny-N-Mr.Macc - Overall this is not bad!
Quit Playin - Way too long. The lyrics and delivery were poor!
Reminise - Why does everyone think they can sing? It ruined an okay song!
Who Needs A B (ft. Tokenfella) - The production and the track was great!
What You Bring To The Table - LoL! It was cool!
To The Point (ft. Last Offence & Humility's Hand) - Like I said before, nice song!
 
KnyMac - This was an okay attempt at a first album but it really needs some work! The production on 75% of this mix-tape is horrible. There is no excuse when you can now find computers and lots of software that can help you out. It all starts with getting the right equipment for the job. also your delivery is tired man. You should listen to a lot of Nelly, Plies, and Jim Jones (people whose lyrics aren't the best but they can ride any beat and make it suit them). Lyrically you are not the best emcee in the world, but your not the worst either. You can step up your pen game. Overall the mix-tape was just okay! I liked the collaborations but I'm tired of them same old songs! You can do much better if you take this more seriously!!
 
I give this mix-tape 2.5 Stones because it needs work!!!

When you download a CD or mix-tape from a familiar artist you pretty much know what to expect from them. Granthm gives you everything you expect and even more. This time we get to listen to his life told in his own words and unique vocal abilities. Granthm has certainly stepped his game up with this mix-tape…well as I know it!

Each Mornin – track was cool, lyrics okay, volumes need to be worked on!

Goodnight (ft. Baron) – Baron was hot on this, you were cool, liked this!

Got Till It’s Gone – liked the track, delivery was better, it was good!

Grown Man With Class (Billy Madison) – the beat was dark, the song was okay!

Jimmy’s Poetic Justice – you weren’t as monotone as usual, I guess it does get better!

Like That (Verbal Exercise) – track was tight, lyrics were cool, production on point…A+!

Phones – my only complaint is the production, otherwise this is fire!

Smoke Filled Car – I thought this was okay!

The Break Up – the track is one of my all time joints, lyrically not bad at all!

The Light – I think the production made me dislike it!

The Struggle (ft. Kaoz) – This is one of the best songs you ever made, great collaboration!

Granthm – I must admit going into this review I was apprehensive about sitting through 13 of your songs with your monotone voice. I do apologize. This was actually a good album. The eclectic vibe of the tracks, emotionally charged lyrics, and a better delivery in certain songs makes this album worthy of a repeat listen. The thing you need to work on now is production. Invest in either a mixer or some studio time with a real engineer. Also you really should work on your breathing the run-on sentences are a buzz kill. All in all “Life As I Know It” seems good for you now!

I give this mix-tape 3.5 Stones because I’m feeling it!

Gayhiphop.com Presents…Chopped N’Lubed vol.1 by DJ Klustor

Some of Gay hip-hop’s biggest stars shine on this mix-tape making it a must have for any OHH connoisseur. Most of the songs have been featured by the artist already but they have been chopped up by Dj Klustor and refreshed in a way that the south will rise again. Featuring such artist as Last Offence, Bry’Nt, Soce, Tim’m West, and Aggracyst this CD has a lot to offer. In order of artist song…

Humility’s Hand - Lyrically you were on point and you had good delivery. Overall good song!

T. Fixx ft. Last Offence – The song was cool. L.O. made it better!

Johnny Dangerous – I don’t take it seriously. It was funny but that’s about it!

Tim’m west – I feel like I was back in History Class, lol! Liked the song!

Soce – The song was cute. The chorus was lame, but at least you can sing!

Q. Boy ft. Wayne Latham – The track was cool. The singing was not a good look. Just okay!

Aggracyst - I love artist who think they are as good as the music they put out! Sort of Impressed!

Last Offence – Lyrically the best on the whole CD. Best Song too, but hey what do I know lol!

Bry’Nt ft. Nano Reyes – Not the best diss song but lyrically vicious! Nano should have gone first!

Overall Chopped N’ Lubed was a cool mix-tape! Being from Houston the home of “chop and screw” music I really wasn’t that impressed by DJ Klustor. The songs weren’t chopped enough and they almost sounded like the same old versions we heard before. I really think that on volume 2 that you really get into doing what you advertise. I have to admit that I think that some of the songs were dull but hey I understand you have to work with what you got. So A for effort but C for everything else!!!

I give this mix-tape 3 Stones because I enjoyed listening to it!

If you believe that a diss record is an essential part of a rappers career then… “Disstory In The Making” is the crowning achievement. Prince Cat Eyez goes after his opponents with 99 ways to kill em dead. He not only attacks his fellow OHH rappers he takes it to the streets and disses Khia and Trick Trick. All the lyrics on the CD aren’t stellar but he has definitely stepped up his rap game.  Here’s my review of each song…

5 Star Femme – It was cool. Glad you didn’t swagga jack Nikki!
One Hit Wonder – Your lyrics were cool but the track was weak!
Who U think U R – Lyrically this was not good but the idea was great!
Funeral Music – Loved you on it but it was too damn long, got boring towards the end!
Haterz welcome – LOL! You could do comedy!
No Threat to Me – True diss song and I like it!
Sick Em – Lyrically one of your best!
Burst Your Bubble – OMG! Bry’Nt is going to be so mad! Lol!
Attitude on Fuck It – fuck it…you Win!
Warn U – I like this song!
Me Against The Game – Okay I want you to understand I am not being mean when I say your tone deaf. Not that you can’t sing but you can’t hear the tone of your voice! Be a rapper!
King of The Diss – All Hail the King!
Steppin Out – Don’t do it for real!

Prince Cat Eyez…You have come a long way in this game from your lyrics to your music to the selection of tracks that work best for your style. I don’t think that you should waste any of your time singing . rapping is what your best at even if you aren’t the best lyricist in the game, you have talent. I think right now that you are probably the King of the Diss but don’t push it there is always someone better!!!

I give this mixtape 3 Stones because he really did his thing !

J.KNIGHT – “THE MIX-TAPE BEFORE THE CD!” by Rex Stone

 When you listen to a mix-tape you come to expect certain things from it, especially with homo-hop. What I didn’t expect was that the 80/20 rule could and would apply to music. J.Knight ‘s new album “The Mix-tape Before the CD!” is 80% Good Production, 20% Swag/Presentation, 80%  cool Lyrics, and 20%Delivery! This really just makes it an okay CD to listen to. About time that you get to the end of it you might find yourself wondering  what the hell just happened and what did I just listen too? The lyrics are definitely the best when J.Knight is freestyling but that’s about it.

Although this artist is starting to make his own music and put together original albums. I don’t know if I can say that he learned anything from the last mix-tape that he put out. The production is a lot better but it could always be 100% instead of 80% but hey you get what you pay for. The best songs on “TMBTC” are the freestyles and that what J is good at. Listen to the album from beginning to end to see what your take is on it.

Overall I think that J.Knight better step up in all the places that he is lacking because it is not a good look. Most artist have a formula or a plan when they make a CD even if it is a mix-tape and this made J look like an amateur. Your swag should beon point when you make a song. Let’s hope that the CD that he has us anticipating for is better than this mix-tape!

I’m giving this 2 stones because I at least respect his hustle!



Prince Cat-Eyez – “Cali’s Don Cheetah”

The Good:

Cats really do have nine lives and “Cali’s Don Cheetah” proves it. The west coast has brought out the claws this time and they sent Prince Cat Eyes to fight back. Updated rhyme skills and phat beats cover this album from the beginning to end. Hot tracks on this mix-tape include… “No Threat To Me”, “Hard 4 A Fem”, “Oh Yeah”, and the title track. For all of those who took this artist as a (pussy)cat, watch this cat roar!

The Bad:

When you give an artist a critique you wonder if they take what you said with a grain of salt or do they do their own damn thing! I can’t tell with this CD because it sounds like the same thing as before. The beats are tight, the flow is so-so, and the lyrics are still not up to par with what they should be for a true rap artist, but if Cat eyes is just an entertainer then there is nothing wrong with “Cali’s Don Cheetah”. The skits we’re cool and all the impersonations we’re funny and the collaborations we’re okay, but I don’t think that you can be called one of the best with this album. You really spent way to much time trying to diss people and then shouting how much better you are than everyone else, yet you we’re about to retire!

The Truth:

No matter if you are a fem artist or a masculine artist the whole concept of rap is having the basic skills to put together thoughts, words, and emotions, with a flow that should ride a beat and be able to switch up with the songs. Prince Cat Eyes is able to achieve that about 80% of the time on this album. Some songs are not well written, but other songs have all the elements they need to make them hits. I can say that the production on most songs is exceptional and worthy of a playback and this artist can write a nice diss song. All in all rap music no matter gay or straight has to have something relevant to say and your spit game should be A+ not B-! Hopefully with new management and a serious look at the game right now will make this artist step his game up to the plateau where he needs to be.

The Recommendation:

Mash It! He actually does take this rap thing seriously!

Porn Star II: The Director’s Cut - Bry'Nt

The Good:

The sophomore album is always either a hit or miss for an artist and with Porn Star II (The Directors Cut), homo-hop artist Bry’Nt has hit it out of the ballpark. This time he chose beats that complimented his style and fit his flow perfectly. Bry’Nt has proven that he can hold his own when it comes to hip-hop and his improvement lyrically made this album a definite hit. Hot tracks include “Beat It Up”, “Yes”, “Hello, Goodbye”, and “Test My Gangsta”.

The Bad:

The problem with PS2, is that by time the album came out we had already heard most of the songs on it. Some songs begin to lack substance after all the sexual innuendos and references to his rap nemesis. When you are a part of a track that talks about stepping up your pen game, you have to make sure that you bring it 100% every time you grab the mic!

The Truth:

No matter what anyone says, artists make songs that they like and that they want their fans to enjoy. Porn Star II (The Directors Cut) is a great album from beginning to end. The lyrics are better this time around, the tracks are well put together and his delivery is amazing. No matter if you think Bry’Nt is a fluke or just nice to look at, you can’t deny the fact that this rapper is the hardest working man in the movement!

The Recommendation:

Mash It on the regular. Beat It Up!

Bone(Intell) - "Changing Faces" (vol.2)

The Good:
Rap music is an art form that goes through trends every couple of years, the trends change what is hot at the moment on the music scene. Sometimes it's teen rappers, female rappers, down-south, west coast, or the east coast phonomenon. This time we might be able to include out hip-hop with the help of Bone(Intell) and his latest mixtape "Changing Faces" (vol.2)! This CD is a true look into a rapper who has everything from lyrics to delivery, to passion and determination for this thing we call hip-hop, and he should be applauded for that! Bone(Intell) might not be crowned the king but he sure has everything he needs to conquer and become the emperor. With joints that will reign supreme as legends for all aspiring new homo-hoppers including: "Can't Leave Rap Alone", "I Swear", "Legend", "Dream", and "My Dick!" This is out hip-hop at its hardest, grimiest, and street credible as it can get!

The Bad:
Even the best have problems because if they didn't they would be perfect. The production on some of the songs was touch and go making it sometimes hard to bear. The real problem comes when just as you are hooked into the song and Bone has spit 16 to 32 bars you find out that's it, the song is over! There is no hook, bridge, or chorus, and for a rapper that is not a song, it's a lot of freestyling! His collaborations were on point even though Sonny Lewis showed up way more than he should have (but Biggie had Lil Cease, and Juelz Santana got Jim Jones), so maybe it's a hood thing! "Changing Faces" definitely lacks on the fact that if there are going to be that many songs on a CD at least 75% of them should be full tracks with all the elements!

The Truth:
Bone(Intell)! Whether his lyrics promote homo-hop, hip-hop, or just the struggle of the artist, it all makes this album a classic that we will all honor and respect. Not too many artist can come this hard and still spit about having men laying on top of him. "Changing Faces" (vol.2) should go down in the history books, when it becomes a complete entity. All the other artist in the game better step their game up and bring 100% everytime they step on the microphone because Bone will!

The Recommendation:
If you don't have this CD, then your not listening to hip-hop music! Every homo-hop artist should have this CD! The Ruler has arrived!!!