Awon & Donnie Propa "The Street Jazz Mixtape"

UK's Donnie Propa is back with another one! His latest offering pays homage to Virginia-based MC Awon, aptly titled The Street Jazz Mixtape. The Don't Sleep Records MC has released some of the best jazzy hip-hop records in recent memory - consistent and prolific, Awon has countless projects you can throw on and listen to, front to back. Now you can run through 30 of his finest offerings on The Street Jazz Mixtape, which is also released on colored cassettes for those who enjoy physical copies. After, dig into the archives for countless Donnie Propa mixtapes and Awon albums.

Donnie Propa "Straight From The Crate Cave: Wu-Tang Clan" (Mix)

UK's Donnie Propa is back again with his latest installment in the Straight From The Crate Cave series -- this time he pays tribute to the Shaolin swordsmen, Wu-Tang Clan. His mix includes gems from Wu-members like Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, Cappadonna, U-God, Inspectah Deck, Masta Killa, GZA, RZA, Method Man, Wu-Syndicate, Killah Priest, Ol' Dirty Bastard, Killarmy and more. Essentially all 9 core members and various Wu-Tang affiliates. In traditional style, Donnie Propa completes the mix utilizing 100% vinyl, giving it that classic feel. The mix is available digitally and on cassette HERE. 

DL Presents: DJ Crossphader "The Basement Experience" (Mixtape, 2000)

Here's another gem from 2000: DL Presents: DJ Crossphader "The Basement Experience." This 2-cassette-only mixtape was released on Phono Synthetic Productions, which was co-founded by DL and HB, both hosts of The Basement; a college radio show on WUSB 90.1FM at Stony Brook University. Like previous mixes, they captured the essence of the indie "backpack" scene at the time and their tapes were highly sought after. Just some of the many lyricists included are: Common, Ran Reed, Reflection Eternal, De La Soul, Large Professor, Mass Influence, Dilated Peoples, Slum Village, L-Fudge, Freddie Foxxx, Jigmastas, J-Live, Cella Dwellas, Pharoahe Monch, Masta Ace, Screwball, Mad Skillz, Rascalz, and lots more. Other projects released on the label include "The Time Has Come," "Another L.I. Groove," "What's Next On The Menu?", "A Long Rhyme Coming" and more - some of which have already been posted/discussed. Another perfect time capsule, dig into this mix below...

If you're interested, below is the full tracklist for both cassettes. Enjoy!

Donnie Propa "Straight From The Crate Cave: Gang Starr" (Mix)

Straight From The Crate Cave: Gang Starr Edition — a no-frills, deeply curated tribute to one of hip-hop’s most iconic duos! As always with Donnie’s work, the focus is on the music. This isn’t a mix built to impress with tricks or hyper-speed blends. It’s a thoughtfully selected, tightly woven tribute to Guru and DJ Premier, pulling from all corners of the Gang Starr discography — from the early Wild Pitch days right through to the later albums. Deep cuts, classic joints, remixes, collabs, B-sides — it’s all here. But more importantly, it’s sequenced with feel. What Donnie Propa understands — and what many younger DJs miss — is the importance of pace, tone, and space. He lets the records breathe. The cuts are clean, the transitions smooth, and the selections speak for themselves. Guru’s voice still cuts through like a jazz horn in the fog. Premier’s drums still punch holes in your speakers. Together, they crafted a sound that defined eras, and Donnie Propa’s mix treats that legacy with the proper respect. Rest in Peace, Gifted Unlimited Rhymes Universal. Eternal props to the G.O.A.T., DJ Premier. And respect to Donnie Propa for keeping the format alive.

Pete Rock & CL Smooth "The Main Ingredient" (30th Ann. Mix)

My excitement for this album was on par with A Tribe Called Quest's Midnight Marauders and Hard to Earn by Gang Starr; Keepers of the Funk by Lords of the Underground and even Wu-Tang Forever in '97. You just don't get that same feeling anymore, but enter Toronto's DJ Filthy Rich, who brings that classic nostalgia with his anniversary mixes that celebrate classic albums like this, The Main Ingredient by Pete Rock & CL Smooth. Filthy Rich's 30th Anniversary mix includes original samples, LP cuts, original blends and unreleased gems. He adds, "Pete's production went from a harder/dusty sound on MATSB, to a warm/melodic vibe on TMI. The samples Pete chose hit your soul in that sweet spot: from Cannonball Adderley on 'In The House', to George Benson on 'I Get Physical' + 'In The Flesh', to Roy Ayers on 'Searching'....masterful. Pair that with CL's smooth voice and flow, and your soul starts to vibrate...." Dig in and celebrate over 30 years of this classic below...

Ghostface Killah "Supreme Clientele" (25th Ann. Mix by DJ Filthy Rich)

Toronto's DJ Filthy Rich blesses us yet again with an anniversary mix. Ghostface Killah's classic Supreme Clientele turns 25 and Filthy Rich celebrates it in proper style, breaking down its original soulful samples and crafting dope blends for this fine mix. Supreme Clientele was arguably the best album (or most acclaimed) in the second round of Wu-Tang Clan solo releases, and featured the most contributions from RZA at the time. AllMusic shares, "Ghostface Killah had avoided the sophomore slump experienced by other Wu-Tang Clan members' second solo releases with Supreme Clientele, which "proves Ghost's worthiness of the Ironman moniker by deftly overcoming trendiness to produce an authentic sound in hip-hop's age of bland parity" and "is a step toward the Wu-Tang's ascent from the ashes of their fallen kingdom." Tap into Filthy Rich paying tribute to a classic below...

Donnie Propa "Straight From The Crate Cave: Valentine's Day" (Mix)

Here we go... a Valentine's Day mix from UK's Donnie Propa. The hour long joint is available on cassette and features tracks from Method Man & Mary J. Blige, Large Professor, Masta Ace, Biz Markie, The Fugees, A Tribe Called Quest, Da King & I, Kurious, Big Pun, Biggie Smalls, LL Cool J, Gang Starr, Pharoahe Monch, Jeru The Damaja, Raekwon, Lost Boyz, Common, Fat Joe, Pete Rock & CL Smooth, Slick Rick and so much more. Donnie Propa has released several mixes in his Straight From The Crate Cave series, but this is the first of this kind. Donnie Propa has stated that the mix was done with 100% vinyl, so enjoy the snaps and pops on this fantastic mix. Hit the tags for more. 

The Notorious B.I.G. "Ready To Die" (30th Anniv. Mix by DJ Filthy Rich)

Shout-out to the homie, DJ Filthy Rich out of Toronto, who continues to bless us with these fine tribute mixes. The latest installment pays tribute to the late Notorious B.I.G. and his classic debut album, Ready To Die, which celebrates its 30th anniversary this year. Some albums just mark the time and I can remember so vividly sitting with this album in McClancy High School out in Queens, NY. Updated from his 25th anniversary mix, this is Volume 1 of the 30th with original samples and classic cuts from 1994. Rest In Peace, Notorious B.I.G. and DJ Mister Cee.  Unfortunately, due to copyright restrictions a small piece of the mix has been muted, but rock with it anyway y'all. Dig in...

G-Unit "God's Plan" (Mixed by DJ Whoo Kid, 2002)

God's Plan is the third mixape released by G-Unit. It was initially distributed as an independent release on November 1, 2002, but was later re-released in 2006 by BCD Music Group. God's Plan emerged during a prolific era for G-Unit, preceding 50 Cent's official debut album, Get Rich or Die Tryin', in 2003. The mixtape features a collection of tracks where the group showcased their lyricism over instrumentals from other artists. This approach of reinterpreting existing beats allowed G-Unit to infuse familiar sounds with their distinct style, creating a unique listening experience that resonated with fans. The cultural importance of God's Plan extends beyond its tracks. By rapping over instrumentals from other artists and releasing it for free, 50 Cent and G-Unit helped create a model that other artists would later follow. In recognition of its impact, God's Plan was named the 9th best mixtape ever by XXL magazine. God's Plan not only showcased G-Unit's raw talent and adaptability but also underscored their strategic approach to music distribution, challenging traditional industry norms and paving the way for a new era in hip-hop. By the time God’s Plan dropped, 50 Cent was already building a strong buzz from Guess Who’s Back? and 50 Cent Is the Future. But God’s Plan was another level—it made it clear that he wasn’t just an underground sensation; he was about to take over mainstream rap. The energy, the aggressive delivery, and the raw storytelling on God’s Plan were all previews of what he’d refine on Get Rich or Die Tryin’, which went on to be a classic (certified 9x Platinum as of 2020). Listen to God's Plan...

Where does God's Plan place in your favorite mixtapes?

Donnie Propa "Straight From The Crate Cave: Biggie Edition" (Mix)

Donnie Propa is back with the latest installment in his Straight From The Crave Crate series. This time Donnie Propa is paying tribute the late, great and legendary Brooklyn MC, Notorious B.I.G. (Rest In Peace). An all-vinyl mix, this tape not only pays homage to the memory of Biggie, but also other legends who have transitioned like DJ Mister Cee, DJ Clark Kent, and even Heavy D. You'll hear classic joints like "Who Shot Ya," "Dead Wrong," "Warning," "Everyday Struggle" and "Party and Bullshit," alongside remixes of "4 My Peeps," "Juicy," "Big Poppa," and "Players Anthem," as well as demos like "Microphone Murderer," "Love No Ho," and lots more. What more can I say? Dig in below...

Cypress Hill "Black Sunday" (30the Anniversary Mix by Filthy Rich)

DJ Filthy Rich celebrates 30 years of Cypress Hill's classic sophomore LP 'Black Sunday' with a mix of original samples, remixes, b-sides and original blends. I remember coppin' the 12 of "Insane In The Brain" with the b-side, "When The Shit Goes Down" and knowing the follow-up LP was gonna be a smash. The album cuts were just as hard and while the content wasn't always "my bag", I appreciate the artistry and especially the production by DJ Muggs. You can definitely understand why it crossed over and made such an impact in the rock and hip-hop communities. The 30th anniversary Expanded Edition of Black Sunday includes a remix from Statik Selektah, DJ Muggs and more if you haven't had a chance to cop that release. Meanwhile, dig into the mix from DJ Filthy Rich below...

Nas "Illmatic" 30th Ann. Mix (Side B, DJ Filthy Rich)

As promised, when Side B was released by DJ Filthy Rich, that mix would be posted ASAPually! Here it is, Side B aka 41st Side South; the 30th Anniversary Mix for the Nas classic, Illmatic. Like his previous mixes, Toronto's DJ Filthy Rich digs in the crates and blesses us with original samples, unique and original blends and remixes. Joints like "It Ain't Hard To Tell," "Nas Will Prevail," "Life's a Bitch," "Memory Lane," "The World Is Yours," and "One Time 4 Your Mind" are heard in original, remixed or blended form here on this mix. What else you wanna know? Click through and enjoy + hit the tags for more mixes and posts in tribute to the single greatest hip-hop album of all time. Dig in!

Gang Starr "Hard To Earn" (30th Anniv. Mix by DJ Filthy Rich)

Back once again, Toronto's DJ Filthy Rich drops his latest offering; a tribute to my favorite group of all-time, Gang Starr and their classic effort, Hard To Earn. Celebrating its 30th anniversary, the mix features a revamped version of his 25th anniversary mix from 2019 (which got taken down) with original blends, samples, b-sides and unreleased tracks. Rest in Peace to Gifted Unlimited Rhymes Universal and, of course, we continue to represent for the greatest producer of all-time, DJ Premier. Dig into another phenomenal mix by DJ Filthy Rich below and hit the archives for more...

Donnie Propa "For Promotional Use Only" (Mixtape)

Some fresh nostalgia for you from the UK homie, Donnie Propa. He shares, "Anyone who knows anything about the history of hip hop mixtapes knows just how big Tape Kingz were in the 90s, releasing an unbelievable amount of classic mixtapes by some of New York’s finest DJs as well as loads of incredible records. Being based in Brooklyn in the early 90s they sold mixtapes worldwide with distribution in Japan and Germany. It’s been many many years since they have put out a tape and I am beyond proud and grateful to be the first one to drop since back then! The A side is classic 90s underground material with the B side being newer artists and recent releases. Both sides feature records dropped through Tape Kingz. 45 mins each side, 100% vinyl..." Listen below...

J.Period "Revisionist History" (Mixtape)

J.Period presents Revisionist History [Hip Hop 50: Remixed], a collection of 50 exclusive J.PERIOD remixes paying tribute to iconic MCs - including Nas, Rakim, Black Thought, Busta Rhymes, Q-Tip, Ms. Lauryn Hill, 2Pac and more - remixed and re-imagined over 50 classic beats from legendary producers including DJ Premier, Jay Dilla, Pete Rock, Mobb Deep, Dr. Dre, A Tribe Called Quest and more! Recorded LIVE in Brooklyn and originally aired on Rock The Bells Radio. Revisionist History arrives in tandem with the release of Dan Lish’s new book, “Ego Strip: Book 1,” which features original illustrations of Hip Hop icons including Kool Herc, Questlove, KRS-One, Queen Latifah, De La Soul and more. Imagining our Hip Hop heroes as characters in otherworldly fantasies, Dan Lish drawings capture the essence of Hip Hop creativity in visual form and have made for perfect the visual accompaniment for J.Period’s Live Mixtapes in recent years. Listen to this fine mixtape below...

Dr. Dre "The Chronic" (30th Ann. Mix by DJ Filthy Rich)

Hard to believe, but it’s been over 30 years since The Chronic reshaped the sound and direction of hip-hop. West Coast G-Funk at its most refined, The Chronic was part sonic revolution, part cultural flashpoint. So when Toronto’s own DJ Filthy Rich dropped his 30th Anniversary Mix, the bar was high. Fortunately, Rich didn’t miss. What you get here isn’t just a greatest-hits run-through or a typical blend tape. Filthy Rich approaches this with the reverence and detail the project deserves—blending original Chronic tracks with rare demo versions, live freestyles, unreleased instrumentals, sample flips, and commentary snippets that provide context for what made Dre’s debut solo project so iconic. In true Filthy Rich fashion, the transitions are clean, the track selection is razor-sharp, and the mix feels less like a nostalgia trip and more like a museum exhibit—curated by someone who knows the culture and respects the art of the mix. If you were around when The Chronic dropped in ‘92, this’ll take you right back to that feeling of hearing it roll out of car trunks and tape decks everywhere. If you weren’t... this is as solid a crash course as you’ll find.

DJ Filthy Rich "Enter The Midnight Chamber" (Mix)

30 Years ago, Tribe's 'Midnight Marauders' & Wu's 'Enter The Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)' were released on Nov. 9, 1993. For some, a hard decision had to be made that day: Do you go with the conscious vibes of Tribe, or the hard street raps of Wu? The familiar sound of ATCQ, or the debut from the mysterious guys wearing hoodies with stocking caps covering their faces? If you were lucky, you walked out of the store with both (paid or not). Those 2 albums changed many of our lives, so 5 years ago on the 25th anniversary DJ Filthy Rich created 'A Clan Called Wu - Enter The Marauders' as a tribute to both masterpieces. This is the 2nd chamber in the Wu x Tribe blendtape saga. The 1st volume featured Wu's gritty vocals over the jazzy Midnight Marauders instrumentals. This is the reverse combo - Tribe's bouncy vocals over RZA's grimy production. No matter how you combine them, the marriage of the 2 forms like Voltron. All the parts came together to make something new.

Black Moon "Enta Da Stage" (30th Anniversary Mix by Filthy Rich)

30 years of Black Moon's Enta Da Stage! I [still] remember being in the basement of my boy Chris' spot in Queens, and his older brother pulling out this cassette tape! While it was many of the remixes that from vinyl and maxi-singles that added life to this project, the full LP version is still incredibly dope on its own merit. Wreck and Nervous had shit on lock and can't front on Weeded Records neither. Props to Toronto's DJ Filthy Rich for unveiling this 30th anniversary mix and sharing the following message, "The LP was one of the bricks in the foundation for the Golden Era of east coast hip-hop. Da Beatminerz raw, dusty beats created a unique sound that became the signature of the Boot Camp Clik. This album was very influential to me, so I've decided to put together this mixtape tribute to the NYC legends. Remixes, blends, party breaks, OG samples & B-Sides." Torre Pentel on the comic art above. Dig into another really dope tribute mix from DJ Filthy Rich below...

Additional images because why the hell not...

DJ Green Lantern "Wu York State of Mind" (Mixtape)

Nas and Wu-Tang Clan have just wrapped their N.Y. State of Mind joint tour, but the former’s DJ is keeping the party going with a brand new mixtape. Inspired by his time on the road with the Hip Hop titans, DJ Green Lantern has dropped off Wu York State of Mind, which pairs Nas rhymes and Wu beats or vice versa. “I got really inspired DJ’ing on the New York State of Mind Tour with Nas, Wu-Tang, and Busta Rhymes,” Green Lantern told HipHopDX. “At some point I said: ‘I need to translate this magic I’m witnessing nightly into a mix for the people to ride out to.'” He added: “Here it is: Wu York State of Mind, a dream experience, mixed by DJ Green Lantern.” The N.Y. State of Mind run of dates also featured Busta Rhymes, who was announced as the tour’s special guest just a few days prior to it kicking off. He also gets a look in on Green Lantern’s new tape on the track “Busta Money Beef.” The Busta joint hears the lyrics to his '08 Grand Theft Auto IV track “Where’s My Money” — which is produced by Green Lantern — laid over Mobb Deep, Nas and Raekwon‘s classic 1995 cut “Eye For An Eye (Your Beef Is Mines).” Peep Wu York State of Mind - HipHopDX.

Built To Last "Queens" (Mix)

France's Built to Last radio show is back with another fine offering! This go 'round they stop through Queens, New York to pay homage to a handful of gritty lyricists that rep'd the independent scene for the borough in the 90s. Aasim Da Explicit, Bee Why, Slade Savage, Godfather Don, Organized Konfusion, Cash Money Click, B-One, Ali Vegas, Mikey Dee, Kapone, Darcsyde, Big Noyd, Reyel, Royal Flush, Chrome Rebel Dynasty and Kukoo Da Bag-A-Bonez. From Lefrak City to Queensbridge, the Wastelanz of Flushing to Southside Jamaica Queens, there's a nice mix of slept-on and less-celebrated gems on this one. France to Queens, dig into another fine Built To Last mix...