I’ve made a stronger effort to pay attention to mixtapes this year, especially by people I haven’t heard too much on. Assorted Loosies are cool, but I like to hear a body of work before I form a general opinion on an artist or group. This time around I cued up Mick Boogie Presents U-N-I – Before There Was Love mixtape on the way to the barbershop and they almost didn’t make the cut. The first two songs didn’t tickle my fancy and, if construction didn’t force me to keep two hands on the wheel, I probably would’ve switched over to something.

Luckily I made it to “Cast’Em Out” and it was smooth sailing after that. The counterpoint piano loops immediately caught my attention and got my head bobbing, appealing to my scatterbrain mindset. For “Cast’em…,” Inglewood MC’s Y-O & Thurzday showed a little more dexterity on the mic and won me over. With all the rap beef spewing these days, this brief lyrical exorcism was a much needed and appreciated respite. So Mick’s rep is still intact on the co-signs, I found a new West Coast act to balance out my iPod a bit & finally got a haircut after a snowstorm had me a week off schedule. That’s what I call a productive day; now if only I could get my hands on an instrumental.

U-N-I – “Cast’Em Out”

Previously Posted – Mick Boogie Presents U-N-I – Before There Was Love