Coughee Brothaz (Fresh Brew) [2011]

In 2007, Devin the Dude (Devin Copeland) launched his own record label, Coughee Brothaz Music, which allowed him the ability to release independent music. The Coughee Brothaz travel around on tour with him and are basically his backup sound, as well as a promotional label to launch the careers of other artists, groups, and producers. Check out some of the more well crafted tracks from their 3rd studio album Fresh Brew:

2. Blunts and Pens


3. Got Bills to Pay


8. Who Got That Funk? (Sorry No Link Available)

14. I Love Gettin Stoned

Honors English "Flying High ft. Lupe Fiasco & TL Cross" [2011]

So this dude got lucky and made an OK beat THEN copped a semi-dope verse from Lupe. This track doesn't have a home yet, but I'll let you know when the album/mixtape comes out. According to English, “This song emanates from the emotions found in the horns. The mood of the instruments seems to elevate me to a higher place every time they reach my ears. At once smooth and triumphant, this record is a mantra for achievement and inspiration and the core of why I make music.” I didn't really feel that way, but you can be the judge...

Flying High ft. Lupe Fiasco & TL Cross (Prod. by Needlz)

GLC "Get Paper Stack Change ft. Cory Mo" [2011]

Here's a fresh leak of a yet to be released mixtape from GLC and producers Blended Babies called Cathedral. This track has an old school vibe to it, which is nice to kickback to.

Get Paper Stack Change ft. Cory Mo

Foster The People (Torches) [2011]

Normally I wouldn't post anything from an Indie Pop Band, but "Pumped Up Kicks" is stuck in my head so I felt it was only fitting that it get stuck in your head too. Though I don't know much about this band I do know this is their first studio album.

1. Helena Beat


2. Pumped Up Kicks

DJ Day (Way Out Of Living (Mixtape)) [2011]

If you like music that oozes talent and musical ability, then you will love this chill-out mix by DJ Day. I don't even know what else to say, it's that good.

Free Download from DJ Day

Or Just Listen To It Here

Tracklist (Great source for new artists):
1. Lord Echo – Sword Cane
2. Javelin – Tell Me What It Will Be
3. Cro Magnon – The Boxer
4. The Eliminators – Loving Explosion
5. Major Ernie – Pon Di Girls (Bird Peterson Remix)
6. Ray Camacho & The Teardrops – Si Si Puede (LOA Remix)
7. Toni Tornado - Podes Crer Amizade
8. A Bossa Eletrica – Sob a Luz Do Sol
9. Fudge Fingas – Getting Together
10. Linear Movement – Way Out of Living
11. Lee Perry – Jungle Lion
12. The Bees – Got to Let Go
13. La Tromba - Calaba Calabao
14. The Hackney Colliery Band – Africa
15. Super 3 – Standing on the Top (DJ Day edit)
16. Charanga 76 – Good Times
17. Logg - I Know You Will (JM After-Session M&M Mix)
18. Darryl Douglas Inc.- Holding On
19. Levek – Look On the Bright Side

Kids These Days (Hard Times (EP)) [2010]

This could be the best unsigned, live band I've ever heard. Hailing from Chicago, Kids These Days have been blowing away audiences at smaller venues like Reggie’s, Hideout and Subterranean with their very unique sound. "With three horns, a rapper, a blues-rock trio and a female singer, K.T.D. blends a wide range of influences -- hip-hop, jazz, soul, blues, and classic rock -- into a unique, fresh sound that breaks boundaries while honoring America’s musical heritage."
The members (all trained musicians and all in their teens) consist of Vic Mensa (rapper), Macie Stewart (female lead and background vocals), Liam Cunningham (guitar and male lead vocals), Lane Beckstrom (bass), Greg Landfair (drums), Nico Segal (trumpet), J.P. Floyd (trombone), and Rajiv Halim (saxophone).

Checkout these tracks from this EP:

1. Hard Times (Sorry No Link Available)

2. Darling


3. Summerscent


4. My Days


5. Be (A Night In Tunisia) (Live Version)


6. Walking Down The Line (Sorry No Link Available)

Phil Ade (The Letterman (Mixtape)) [2010]

More from Phil, an older mixtape this time...

1. The Letter


3. Unusual

Chiddy Bang (Peanut Butter And Swelly (Mixtape)) [2011]

Members: Chiddy & Xaphoon Jones (Producer)
Though I'm still awaiting their studio album release, this mixtape with all the rejects will do for now. Chiddy takes the opportunity to make many references to his new Guinness World Record for "the longest freestyle rap". I just finished my first run through and here are the tracks I'd listen to a second time, which is more than I can say for most mixtapes these days.

1. Cameras


4. Too Much Soul


6. Guinness Flow


7. I Can't Stop (Freestyle)


8. Jacuzzi / Lost In The Vapors


9. High As The Ceiling (ft. eLDee The Don)


13. Nobody Has It Down

Phil Ade (Starting on JV (Mixtape)) [2009]

Here is Phil Ade's debut mixtape. You can tell there is room for improvement, but he is steering in the right direction...

2. Disco Flow


4. Going Off

Phil Ade (#PhilAdeFriday) [2011]

Genre: Hip Hop / Lyrical
Check out this up and coming hip hop artist from DC with a laid-back flow. He has been putting out a track every Friday (in other words this is not a studio album or a mixtape) to keep his fans interested and in the loop. These beats may not be originals but Phil's lyrics have their moments or at least I think so...

1. This Feelin' (Freestyle)


2. Phillin 'Em


3. Break Me Off


5. After Party (Freestyle)


6. Never Left (Guess Who's Back Freestyle)


7. Watchu Want Phil (prod. by Sunny Norway)

OutKast (Big Boi and Dre Present...OutKast) [2001]

I do realize that 2001 was a long time ago, but I haven't posted any OutKast on this blog yet so shut up and listen. While there are other good tracks on this greatest hits compilation, I've only posted the one that received little to no radio play (possibly the best one as well)...

2. Funkin' Around

Xaphoon Jones (The Xaphoon Jones (Mixtape) Vol. 1) [2009]

Now I'm not a big mash-up fan but I know how many people out there love Chiddy Bang. So I'm posting some of the more noticeable tracks from Xaphoon's first mash-up mixtape for everyone to experience. By the way Xaphoon Jones is Chiddy Bang's producer...

2. You Need (Mashup: Clipse & Led Zepplin)


4. Testify (Mashup: Radiohead & Kanye West)


13. I Wanna Know Now (Mashup: Bob Marley & MGMT)

Devin The Dude (To Tha X-Treme) [2004]

Skipped over this track off this less than perfect Devin album. Just put it back into rotation...

14. The Funk ft. Eightball

Jazz Spastiks (12 Bit Spit) [2010]

Members: Coco D & Mr Manyana
Just discovered this Scottish hip hop duo that has an old school tribe kind of a feel. I believe this is their debut album but it seems like these guys have been making music for a while...

2. Penpusha ft. Selph Conscious


4. Yes, Yes ft. Rebels to the Grain (Sorry No Link)

8. Unkutfresh ft. Rebels to the Grain


13. Buzzin ft. Wes Restless & The Primeridian

Star Slinger (Volume 1) [2010]

Here is a dope, beat tape from Manchester producer Star Slinger. Other than the intro I can't say anything really grabbed me but you can decide for yourself...

1. Mornin'