One of my favourite and sorely unappreciated rappers is Chi-town’s own Rhymefest. Currently signed to producer Mark Ronson’s Allido Records, he is set to release his 2nd album, El Che, at some point this year (Wikipedia has it set for this spring. We’ll see.)
In anticipation, he’s put another excellent mixtape, this time with a theme: the mixtape is a dedication to Michael Jackson and has ‘Fest rapping over old MJ songs and both old and original beats created from Jackson samples. The tape is mixed by Mark Ronson and features original production by Ronson & Emile. Talib Kweli, Dres (of Black Sheep) and the very dope DC rapper Wale all make appearances.
Tracklisting below:
1 The Cipher (Rhymefest & Michael Jackson)
2 Can’t Make It (Rhymefest) [prod. by Best Kept Secret]
3 “Thriller” Skit
4 Get Up (Rhymefest ft Wale)
5 Dancin’ Machine (The Jackson 5 ft Rhymefest)
6 Flip It Skit
7 Never Can Say Goodbye (Rhymefest ft Talib Kweli) [prod. by Best Kept Secret]
8 Mike The Mentor (Rhymefest ft Michael Jackson)
9 No Sunshine (Rhymefest) [prod. by Emile]
10 Caught Up Skit
11 Foolin’ Around (Rhymefest ft Dres) [prod. by Mark Ronson]
12 Set The Mood
13 Breakadawn (Rhymefest ft Daniel Merriweather & alpha.)
14 Windbreaker Skit
15 Higher Intro
16 Higher (Rhymefest)
17 Mark vs. Mike
18 All That I’ve Got (Rhymefest ft Ghostface Killah & Mary J. Blige)
19 Maybe Tomorrow (Michael Jackson)
20 Sunshine Skit
21 Coolie High (Camp Lo ft Rhymefest)
22 Family Reunion (ft Tito, Randy, Mike & Rhymefest)
23 Much Love Skit
24 Man In The Mirror (Rhymefest ft Michael Jackson)
Rhymefest very generously offered the mixtape for free download. Here’s a link to download it from his own site. (Mirror on Rapidshare)
This ‘Fest is on fire on here. Completely underrated but kills these other MCs on the mixtape game. Good work with your post!
Know The Ledge – word, son!
Word. “City On My Back” and “A Star Is Born” are really good Rhymefest mixtapes too, highly recommended. Thanks for the kind words