Hopefully, we can get a sub-board in the Music section for album reviews.
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Yelawolf dropped his latest mixtape, Trunk Muzik Returns on 3/14. After the disappointing release of his freshman LP from Shady Records, Radioactive, the Wolf has been back in the saddle, cooking up his next concoction. After Radioactive, Yelawolf released two collaborative efforts: with with Ed Sheeran, and another with Travis Barker. He also put out the relatively well-received mixtape Heart of Dixie. But, herein lies the project his fans have been waiting for.
Trunk Muzik Returns combines his rapid fire southern slang with production that is simply out of this world - no pun intended. Willpower (@SupaHotBeats) produced the whole album and his execution is flawless. The mixtape sticks to the concept of futuristic southern rap, but with Yelawolf's creative delivery at an all time high.
THE BREAKDOWN:1. FIRESTARTER Ala his opener on Trunk Muzik 0-60 (Get the F*** Up), Yelawolf comes at you with straight heat. This track prepares you for the rest of the album with engaging wordplay. The way Catfish Billy delivers his bars is something that really hasn't been heard before. Firestarter is phenomenal work by both Willpower and the emcee.
2. WAY OUT Simply put, this track is way out. Yelawolf describes how he is on a different level of rapping. This isn't your usual rap song, though the **** rap listener can learn to appreciate this song.
3. F.A.S.T RIDE Funky ass **** to ride to. Nothing else needs to be stated.
4. BOX CHEVY PT. 4 What may come as a disappointment to many, especially after the amazing Box Chevy pt. 3, is actually a nice change of pace for Yelawolf. Willpower's production on this track is immense. After Yelawolf completes a verse, the beat dives into some of the craziest ear episodes you'll endure.
5. HUSTLE The real bulk of the mixtape comes from this point on. Paul Wall offers up a stunning verse on some slick production, and Yelawolf takes the track home. This is some of the Shady signee's best work to date. Both of the rappers flow flawlessly throughout. This is the type of track you could listen to before a workout session.
6. CATFISH BILLY Dark and gritty, "Catfish Billy" puts you into the mind of, well, Catfish Billy - Yelawolf's alter ego per se. This track is an eye opener for anyone who hasn't been paying attention to Yelawolf's music. He gets
angry at the end of the first verse, almost reminiscent of an Eminem type of anger. This is one of the highlights of the mixtape.
7. GANGSTER With features from A$AP Rocky and Big Henry (a long time friend of Yelawolf), this track details the difficulties of growing up around gangsters while trying to break from that mold and accomplish your goals. In this case, the goal(s) are to become a rapper and lead a life of accomplishment. Nothing is particularly stunning about this track, though all three artists do their thing.
8. RHYME ROOM No hook, just straight rhymes. Features from Raekwon and Killer Mike are appreciated, as they ride a beat different from their usual styles. Yelawolf describes his distaste with his Radioactive album, and says that he won't shut up when it comes to rap.
9. FAME Fame is Yelawolf's take on the industry and remaining true to your roots. The message here is that it's better to do what you love than to do things just for the fame. Stay true to your art and the success will come, slowly but surely.
10. TENNESSEE LOVE To finish off the mixtape, Yela delivers one of his more personal tracks with Tennessee Love. He describes his love situation as if he is rapping/singing to his girlfriend face to face. At the end, he actually proposes to her. The whole thing is pieced together so well, with steel lap guitar from legendary Robby Turner. Many people will be able to relate to this track.
All in all, this mixtape has proved once again why Yelawolf got his Trunk Muzik buzz in the first place. He is simply put: way out. Combined with the talent of producer Willpower, these two make a great duo in the rap game. The music is breaking boundaries without sounding like jargon, and that needs to be applauded. Don't sleep on this project. You can cop it now on datpiff, and it's FREE.
No excuses. Support this man because we may never hear another artist like this again. _________________________________________________
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TL;DR If you like rap and/or have an open mind when it comes to music, download this FREE mixtape
http://www.datpiff.com/Yelawolf-Trunk-Muzik-Returns-mixtape.464831.htmlP.S. How'd you like my corny writing? yeahhhh buddy