Top 10 Free Albums/Mix Tapes of the Year

Here are the Top 10 Free Albums/Mix Tapes of the Year (only one mix tape) according to Whiskey Teeth (or just me). I'm sure I missed a lot, but these are the freebies that received the most spins, shares, and I felt gave the blogosphere something different and refreshing to look forward to in the future. Thank you to all the artists that continually give their music to us for free. Don't forget about us music nerds when you get big.

10. Odd Future- Radical

Thoughts: Many like Earl and Tyler's solo freebies, but, in my opinion, neither carried enough umph to be put on an end of the year list. Odd Future has incredible potential, they have hypnotized the internet for the better half of 2010, and have a bushel of addicting singles, but they still lack experience and it shows in their compilations. I'm on the edge of my seat with what Earl and Tyler have to offer in the future, but I'd be lying if I said their music completely blows me away so far (the hype, reaction, and ethos is a different story). 

Radical, a haphazard mix tape that features every single Odd Future member, is the best 2010 representation of the biggest internet buzzed act next to Lil B and it's why I chose it over Earl's self titled give away.

Download It

#'s 9-1 on the flip side!

9. Lee Bannon & Chuuwee- Hot n Ready
Thoughts: While many of the blogosphere's sheep bahhhh at a basket full of blow hards and overrated youngin's, a 19 year old from Sacramento, California slid under their radar. Chuuwee's collaboration with Lee Bannon sounds like a long lost demo tape from 1995 and showcases the young MCs immaculate throw back flow and potential. The sound quality is all over the place (I think that's a Lee Bannon thing that he does on purpose?), but fans of Fashawn and AZ will love the kid that sounds like a mashup between the two.
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8. RoQ’y TyRaiD- The New Millenium Man
Thoughts: RoQ’y TyRaiD is a Phoenix, Arizona based MC that released his free album The New Millennium Man earlier this summer which featured RoQ'y terrorizing beats from Madlib, Jake One, Just Blaze and original production from The Baron Boys, Dn3, and Rie$go. I got hooked on RoQ'y's cynical, misanthropic content and after multiple listens got even more into his style, flow, and versatility. Definitely a slept on unveiling, but I know he'll be making noise in 2011 and beyond when you slow mother fuckers decide to catch up.
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7. Batsauce- Summertime
Thoughts: I caught this little ray of sunshine from Jacksonville, FL producer Batsauce towards the end of the summer, which is constructed entirely from versions of Gershwin’s classic song ‘Summertime’, and it instantly became one of my favorite releases. The project features special guests The Perceptionists (Mr. Lif & Akrobatik), Mass Influence, Qwazaar, Baje One, Dillon, Chop, Paten Locke, Lady Daisey, and Wynton Kelly Stevenson. Underrated and overlooked-- what's new.
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6. KON- Above the Clouds

Thoughts: Kon's introduction to the world has an impeccable sound. The versatile production from DJ Dyllema, Marcus Sebastion, The Individualz, and Kon himself will exercise your neck as Kon anchors the ship with his crystal clear cadence. The luminous feel of the EP gives a whole other meaning to its title, but is more than likely due to the simple touch of an MC/Producer that also holds a degree in music engineering and has produced/engineered for Ras Kass, O.C., Blahzay, and more. 

Besides the EP's altostratus sound, Kon makes quite a first impression. Reminiscent of a fellow New York MC in Sene, his pen is heartfelt, thoughtful, and poetic; his flow is simplistic, precise, and digestible; and his ear for production near flawless.

As Kon prepares us for his debut full length LP, My Glorious Imperfection, we are left with a good feeling about his supposed weaknesses to come. In one debut EP/Demo, Kon has already proven worthy to pilot hip hop fans above the clouds for years to come. Buckle up.

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5. Black EL & Ryan Durkin- Color Commentary

Thoughts: The Dick Vitale of Hip Hop shows his everlasting energy and excitement for music on his sophomore release, even more so than on his debut, A Major Minority, an almost impossible feat.

Black has definitely upped his game and has transformed from a diaper dandy into a PTPer with Ryan Durkin at his side. 

Word is that this connection will continue, and if that's the case, so will the success. Black EL's voice is refreshing.

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4. Dom Kennedy- From the Westside with Love

Thoughts: This is a freebie that I missed during my internet hiatus, but the first thing I downloaded once I returned and it never left the rotation. I don't know what it is about Dom, but he has that 'something' that crawls inside your head, infects, and lasts. His style is simple, nonchalant, and blunted, but is extremely infectious and replayable. All of his freebies have been dope, so if you aren't familiar yet-- get to it.

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3. Outasight- Never Say Never

Thoughts: I've been supporting Outasight's movement (Rhymehouse, etc.) before he finally caught fire on the bigger blogs and the Yonkers, NY bred artist has only gotten better. This 2010 freebie gives fans a glimpse on his growth and a sneak peak into what I think his major label debut will sound like. Out of all the new artists that have popped up in the blogosphere in the past few years, Outa remains one of the most innovative and original MCs out there. I still believe he has the most potential to "blow up"-- it's only a matter of time. Never say never.

Download It

2. Danny Brown- The Hybrid
Thoughts: I only got into Danny Brown and The Hybrid about a month ago. If I had been on the Danny Brown bandwagon earlier, I would have handed over 2010 to Mr. Brown and called it a year (just peep what he dropped in 2010-- I haven't even gotten through half of it). The Hybrid is what you would get if Young Zee, Redman, and Lil Wayne became one MC, so this freebie was aptly titled. 
Download It

1. Aleon Craft- The Soundgazing Soundtrack
Thoughts: Hands down the best freebie of 2010. Big K.R.I.T. who? 
Download It

Free Album: Outasight- Never Say Never

It has been quite a beautiful ride to watch Outasight grow into a superstar. So far, on every free release, he has found a way to one-up himself, refresh the swagger, and tweak the mishaps from the album before, which has quickly molded him into one of the most talented and beloved new artists of the internet age. On his highly anticipated new mix tape, Never Say Never, he has done it once again.

Never Say Never shines a dimmed spotlight on a vulnerable Outasight trying to cope with numerous situations every twenty something faces at one point: worrying about college degrees, 9-5 jobs, and social status; dealing with getting older, the loneliness that comes with age, and new responsibilities; and  contemplating relationships, women, and the future, while trying to live it up in the Big Apple. With all of this happening at once, it seems that the Yonkers MC lost a bit of hope and belief in himself as an artist. A natural reaction to a brutal and lonely time in our adult lives, but one that will be immediately muted by his fan base after listening to these fourteen new tracks.

As we sit and wait for his major label debut with all the freebies he has given us, we will begin to wonder with Outasight:

I’m on my way 

I’m not sure how the rest goes 

Soon as I do I’ll let you know…

But I think we already know. And we look forward to it.

Download: Outasight- Never Say Never

Got Next: Outasight

Hailing from the concrete slabbed hills spread throughout the Eastern bank of the Hudson River, Outasight is an emcee/vocalist putting a fresh new twist on a Yonkers sound that was once blessed by the lips of a now bronzed Ella Fitz and put to rest at night by Jada’s kiss.

Born Richard Andrew, Outasight is a cool, calm, and collected individual that carries himself with a slight, casual lean like the brick buildings wrapped around Shonnard Terrace. In video interviews, he stands complaisant and poised behind a pair of signature black Ray-Bans, equipped with a slight stoned grin that shows satisfaction with his propulsive young career. Always seen dressed to the nines, his fashion feel mirrors his music in the sense that it’s perpetually polished, perfectly ironed, and has never been worn by any other master of ceremonies.

Originality could be the perfect middle name to bridge the gap between the two first names on his birth certificate. Like no one before, Outasight has united soulful-pop croons with breezeless boasts about big city dreams, life, love, and music appreciation. Every album he has released since his 2007 debut ‘Employee of the Year’ has shown immeasurable sonic growth. 2008’s ‘Radio New York‘ was the dusty, yet refined full length record that catapulted his name onto numerous New York City marquees and endless internet posts. An album that showed his innate ability to fuse infectious hooks, melodies, and head rocking raps over jazzy gems from Dante Lewis and D/Will, as well as foreshadowed Outasight’s pop-hop hits to come.

One of 2009’s best mix tapes was the Mick Boogie commissioned, ‘From There to Here: An Album Prequel’, which served as our first glimpse at the bubbling chemistry between him and up and coming producer, 6th Sense; a musical marriage that has already birthed epic compositions such as, ‘Brand New Day‘ & “When I Heard the Beat Knock,” and has elevated O’s abilities to another level.

“6th is a great producer.” Outasight told me in a recent e-mail, “What he has really helped with is making the musical landscapes behind what I do so much bigger, broader, and universal. He’s a great musician and together we are influenced by so many different types of music…the chemistry comes natural.” These comments ring loud and true on his latest free LP, ‘Further’, where amongst the guitar plucks, frantic horn stabs, and thundering drums, 6th and Outasight’s serendipitous connection shines brightest.

His new release ‘Further‘ remains an aptly titled LP, as the simple adverb explains exactly where Outasight has taken his music. While grabbing influences from a myriad of genres like: 70’s blues-rock, folk, modern pop, soul, and golden era hip hop, O has proven to new artists that the standard template for constructing a hip hop song has forever changed, the bar has been raised and standards refreshed. Growth and maturity is also accomplished on the free LP, as he toys with various styles, themes, and vocal cadences. He additionally displays surprising versatility as a musician with pristine production choices and contagious song construction.

In only a few short years, we have seen a young musician take his career further than most emcees experience in a lifetime of beats and rhymes. Outasight continues to expand hip hop horizons and expose new slivers of dawn to a genre that has been stuck in the eves of midnight for many years. Soon enough, you might want to borrow the black Ray Ban’s from O’s nose, because there is no doubt that with the release of his upcoming major label debut, ‘From Here to Eternity’, hip hop will be seeing a brand new day.

Click here for more Outasight.

Outasight- Further (Free LP Download)

Outasight connects with LRG to bring this fantastic free LP featuring pristine production from 6th Sense and Cook Classics. Outasight continues to push boundaries the right way and with these two behind him, sky's the limit.

Download: Outasight- Further (Free LP Download)

Outasight Signs to Warner Music

Big news for the extremely talented Yonkers MC, Outasight, as he signs with Asylum/Warner Music. Outa has without a doubt been my favorite new talent over the past two years and continues to raise the bar with every release and single leak. Congratulations.