J. Cole - Friday Night Lights (Mixtape)

I was in NYC last week and this was the sole thing I listened to. Five days straight, constant repeat... probably a solid 10-15 times, front to back. Last I (this thoroughly) enjoyed a tape was when Yelawolf's "Trunk Muzik" first dropped at the dawn of the year. There's somethin' about J. Cole that's mad universal, from production to delivery. The boy (for serious though, he's an '85 baby) pinches on just about every (rap) tastebud - and it's evident as the mixtape unfolds. Whether love for the Kanye-eque ("Blow Up"), the Wale flow ("You Got It", featuring guess who), Royce Da 5'9" influence ("See World"), or hook reminiscent of somethin' 50 might have done in '03 ("Love Me Not")... the young'n is all-embracing. Solid, solid, solid.

Download:
J. Cole - Friday Night Lights (Mixtape) [full zip]

Stream:

Poka

I don't know much about this Poka cat, but I do know this - he's from Athens, and he's damn good with his disco-house. First bumped into the "99 Style" track roughly 3-4 months ago and have since been steady grabbing his material (II).

Poka - 99 Style


Poka - Still Dont Wanna

DJ Illo - Live In The Bassment Mix

I'm a tad/month late on upping this stellar mix by the good fam Illo. Recorded live (something more people need to get back on), the journey touches all things fine with the classic house sound that ceases to get old & outdated.

DJ Illo - Live In The Bassment (Classic House Mix)


Tracklist:
The Spinners - I'll Be Around (Simp-House Mix)
Jomanda - Got A Love For You
Michael Jackson - Remember The Time (Steve Silk Hurley Remix)
Raze - Break 4 Love
Aaliyah - One In A Million (Geoffrey Curtis Remix)
K.C.Y.C - 4 D.D. (For Devotion) (I Want You Mix)
Saint Etienne - Only Love Can Break Your Heart (MAW Dub)
Shaun Escoffery - Days Like This (Dj Spinna & Ticklah Remix)
Alexander O'Neal - Lets Get Together (Classic Stomper Remix)
India - To Be In Love (Universe Remix)