Drake - So Far Gone Mixtape

So I don't do a whole lot of 'next big thing' posts, but this guy may be 'the next big thing'. This mixtape dropped early last month but I wasn't able to find it until a few days ago, and after hearing the hype, listening to the tape, believing the hype, I have decided it's my turn to perpetuate the hype. First and foremost, this is probably the most polished sounding mixtape I've ever heard. Although it is a rap album it's packed with R&B, indie pop and electronic influences. It sounds like Drake heard Kanye's 808s & Heartbreak and instead of dismissing it (as so many have) he decided to use it's aesthetic to start reconstructing how we define hip hop music. Drake even raps over the lead of track of 808s, "Say You Will". But at the same time, it isn't all doom, gloom and heartbreak. Although the first handful of tracks move a little slower and somber, by the time the tape is finished Drake has proven himself to be a dynamic new voice within the hip-hop community with a knock out combination of hip-hop egotism, heartfelt honesty and innovative, poetic lyricism. And oh yeah, the boy can sing too. So Far Gone features a really solid, if not puzzling guest list with mixtape essentials like Lil Wayne and Trey Songz as well as indie popsters Peter Bjorn & John and the artist formerly known as Santogold. Enough rambling. This mixtape is brilliant. Anyone who appreciates hip-hop, indie and electronic music should take notice of this album. This shit is, for lack of a better term, fresh.

Download Drake's So Far Gone mixtape.

Shout out to my buddy Kia for the tip!