Conceptual mixtapes, especially of the "mash-up" variety, tend to be waaaay more miss than hit - hello there, West Sounds! - but this summer's Blue Eyes Meets Bed-Stuy by DJ Cappel was a welcome exception. The beats were all sufficiently dope original productions using Frank Sinatra samples, and lets be honest, there's almost no way to ruin a Biggie accapella. It came courtesy of some of the same folks who brought us Bobb Deep, an equally enjoyable combination of Mobb Deep verses over reggae-tinged hip-hop tracks constructed from Marley originals, and honestly, we were a little surprised the CD didn't reach Grey Album ubiquity by now (you know, aunts and uncles asking us to download it for them). It's solid.
Next Thursday brings the official release party for Blue Eyes mixtape at M1-5 on Walker St., check it out if you're around and want to hear the King Of New York and the King Of New Jerz (Hoboken, son!) together at last.
Blue Eyes Meets Bed-Stuy Record Release Party
Thursday, August 25th
M1-5 - 52 Walker St. btwn. Broadway and Church in Tribeca
9pm-4am, Free admission and drink specials all night.