1. Deniro Farrar – The Patriarch
We’re only three months into the year, and I can already tell that The Patriarch is one of the finest projects that I’ll hear in 2013. Hailing from Charlotte, North Carolina, Deniro Farrar delivers lyrics full of regret, grim storytelling, intelligent wordplay and piercing insight over a barrage of sparse gothic beats. The production on this tape is the perfect blend of fierce southern percussion with cloud-rap samples and synths. Seriously though, you should download this tape. (Download)
Momma stressed out cause the bills still comin’ and she lost her job, oh my
What the fuck we gon’ do? Yeah, what the fuck we gon’ do?
I was only 16, had hoops dreams said, ‘fuck that’ and I dropped outta school
Got my pack and I loaded my tool
Sellin’ dope what I do
I ain’t tellin’ y’all that’s cool, I ain’t tellin’ y’all that’s cool
Cause if I knew what I knew right now back then, would’ve stayed my ass in school
2. ANTHM – Handful of Dust
This is another dude I had never heard of before I checked out this mixtape. The entire project was produced by underground favorite Blu and I can see why he would want to work with ANTHM. The modern backpacker vibe and knotty lyricism on Handful of Dust would not be out of place on a Blu album. This tape is only seven-tracks long and after hearing what ANTHM can do on tracks like “Freefall” and “Self Esteem”, I’m looking forward to hearing a full-length project from the dude. Blu’s production is smooth, occasionally jazzy and provides a nice platform for showcasing ANTHM’s mic skills. (Download)
3. Bishop Nehru – Nehruvia
This tape starts with a MF DOOM sound-bite, so right away Bishop Nehru has my attention. On Nehruvia he raps over reused beats from classic producers like Dilla, Premier, and Madlib along with original production. In terms of pure rapping ability, this kid is tremendously talented but his bars don’t always stick with you. Shortly after the DOOM sound-bite, this mixtape contains an old Kanye West interview. Kanye has never been one of the most technical rappers, but he’s one of the all-time greats because what he says resonates with listeners. Bishop Nehru has the raw talent, if he takes cues from Mr. West he could capitalize on his potential. (Download)