Why Mixtapes are the New Albums

B.o.B - Hi! My Name is B.o.B (The LRG mixtape)
(Sauce)

As I said in my last poll, I have completely dispensed with the Mixtape/Album demarcation. A hot 20 tracks (or in this case 36) is a hot 20 tracks, whether it is dropped by Atlantic or DJ "Shout my head off". This is a perfect case of where this dichotomy is completely useless. Every track on this mixtape except for 2 or 3 is over an original beat. The problem is that most of the samples (Beatles, anyone?) are unclearable, so this, what would be one of the most refreshing rap debuts in some time, is "relegated" to Mixtape status.

B.o.B, the 19 year old rapper/producer from Georgia, has crafted one of the most varied, heartfelt, origional albums hip-hop has seen in a long time. He isn't underground because he raps about "Haterz Everywhere" and he isn't mainstream because he actually has a sense of humor. He is like a cross between Devin the Dude and Andre 3k (lofty comparisons but a listen to this mixtape will convince anyone that I'm not insane).

I normally can't stand skits, but the skits on this album are genuinely funny and well thought out. Some have even been made into youtube videos: Locked Up, Muggin'. I think the two skits pretty much sum up the tongue in cheek attitude with which he approaches the rap game. The game needs it.

I'm listening to it as I type and I'm still blown away by the deft combination of humor and skill that B.o.B brings on every track.