Update

Hello everyone,

As the school season kicks in, I am planning on blogging again. I really don't know what or where I will blog, but hopefully I could start updating this site and getting those unique views up again.

-K

Destry - Waiting On A Island [Review]

Destry is something different. Ever since leaving Straylight Run, Michelle DeRosa has established herself as a musician, leaving the big stage for a sound that fits her. With the help of Tyler Odom, who is one of the masterminds behind Cassino (Ex- Northstar) and Sam Means (Guitarist of The Format), Destry gives us their latest punch, Waiting On An Island.

In this compact disc, the listener immediately gets the southern California indie vibe. “This Island” is a soft ballad where DeRosa’s haunting voice lazily accompanies the electric and tambourine. The albums overall tone is very mellow, a sound that was not heard in Straylight Run. “Into The Rain” is a lullaby that you could see yourself humming to your children, as Odom’s and DeRosa’s vocals clash into each other, creating a soft and calm feeling of normalcy.

In “Smile”, the listener can feel the Cassino vibe that Tyler Odom contributes to the record. At times, DeRosa sounds like Zooey Deschanel of She & Him. But to her credit, DeRosa does it better. Her voice is not forced at all on Waiting On A Island. It’s natural and fits.

It is a shame that Destry has not blown up like it should have. Waiting On A Island is an excellent album, featuring that southern sound that reminds you: Summer is coming. The album art and music make the listener go into a different world, a world of simplicity. Waiting On A Island is a way to be heard.

TMO10 - #5- Big Sean - Finally Famous Vol. 3

Big Sean is...indescribably. You really just don't know when he's going to release something. Finally Famous Volume. 3 is a clear example of Big Sean's mysterious character. The tape was supposed to premier in 2009. But it never came out. Then it was supposed to come out in March...but it never came out. Finally, G.O.O.D. M.U.S.I.C. and Sean's camp got their toots tuned and released this duel packed mixtape in August.

The tape features Tyga, Chiddy (of Chiddy Bang), Drake, Mike Posner, and many more. There's a reason why it's number 5 on my list.

Download: Big Sean - Finally Famous Vol. 3 [DatPiff]

TMO10 - #6- Nique - X.XIII

At number six, we have the up comer Nique. Thanks for DJ Booth's freestyle series, I discovered Nique shouting over J.Cole's "Top of the World". Quite frankly, I thought he went harder than Cole world. Some might call me crazy but it had me sold. He released X.XIII in October, his latest mixtape. Every year or so, I discover a new artist and keep him to myself. Nique was that artist for 2010. Do yourself a favor, jump on the wagon asap.

Download: Nique - X.XIII [His Website]

TMO10 - #7- OnCue - Leftovers

I used to have a rule when making this list. If the tape came out after November, it was not going to be considered. However that rule has went bye bye. Exception to the Rule: OnCue. I was not too familiar with OnCue. I've heard his tracks before and nothing really stuck out. He just seemed like a more polished version of Mac Miller and Asher Roth. However, OnCue has left 2010 with a great taste in my mouth. Those Thanksgiving Leftovers are worth the spin.

Leftovers is a great ode to the birth of an up and coming rapper. There's not much more for me to say. Just give the tape a spin and agree with me.

Download: OnCue - Leftovers [Mediafire]

TMO10 - #8- Tyga - Well Done

Tyga, Tyga comes in at number 8 on the Things That Make You Learn Top Mixtapes of 2010 list. While he does not have a debut album with Young Money yet, he has released a slew of mixtapes. In November Tyga released Well Done, which featured freestyles upon freestyles. Imagine Tyga going over J. Cole's "Who Dat"...check or even Wiz Khalifa's "Black and Yellow"... the rapper from the west coast has done it all.

What still remains my favorite aspect of Tyga's rapping style is his nagging voice flowing over and over with no breathes. While he might have some corny lines, he still delievers quality track after quality track. Be sure to check out Tyga mans freestyle over "Teach Me How To Dougie".

TMO10 - #9- B.o.B. - May 25th

B.o.B. has one hell of a year. Depending on what kind of fan you are, we saw the development of one of the most talked about performers in the business right now. While he lost most credibility with his single "Airplanes", he still pleases the old fans with his mix tapes. Bobby Ray just released his new mix tape, No Genre this week. But I'm not talking about that tape.

Earlier in 2010, B.o.B. released May 25th in an effort to beef up our ears until his debut album. Quite frankly, he did just that. May 25th contains the classic B.o.B. we know, with the help of heavy weights J. Cole and Asher Roth. Certainly, he's going in the right direction as he has been nominated for 5 Grammys.