Mixtapes of the Moment: Phil Ade & XV

After The Five One Band released their remix to Phil Ade's Blown Away last week, I took the initiative to listen to the Maryland rapper's entire mixtape, Starting on JV. To put it simply, this mixtape bumps HARD!

He both sings and raps on the mixtape; don't think Drake, but more along the lines of Kid Cudi. The entire work just feels good, it's soulful and fun, yet still lyrically superior and witty. The only guest feature is of my favorite R&B singers, Raheem Devaughn, who signed Phil to his DC-based independent label, 368 Music Group.

Being from the DMV, hints of Go Go are present in his mixtape. However, with Wale already blazing a trail for DMV rappers to come up and share the region's unique sound, Phil's timing is perfect. He's got my vote as the next big thing out of the region.

On Repeat: Disco Flow, Blown Away, Hollywood, One, Thanks To U

The Kansas "kid with the green back pack" released his mixtape, Everybody's Nobody, hosted by DJ Enuff two weeks ago. He features up and comers Big Sean, Colin Munroe, and Wiz Khalifa.

I like the kid's flow, especially on the opening track Everybody's Nobody, where he shines best. His whole concept of being a nobody in this industry will extend to his album The Kid With The Green Backpack.

On Repeat: Everybody's Nobody, Start A War, Life Vs. Livin, Undeniable, Bad News (Nobody's Somebody)

-S.