Joey Bada$$ – Summer Knights (Mixtape)

We’ve been talking about Joey Bada$$ for a while, and as the date for his new project Summer Knights came and went, the buzz around this young Brooklyn MC and his talented cohorts Pro Era continued to build. Though an official debut is scheduled for early 2014, Joey Bada$$ delivers a full project in Summer Knights, a 17-track feast featuring the likes of Statik Selektah, Chuck Strangers, MF DOOM, Alchemist and DJ Premier on the beats, and Pro Era, Smoke DZA and Collie Buddz on the mic, among others.

Joey Bada$$’s 1999 mixtape solidified his appeal as a new school rapper with old school sensibilities, in his flow, lyrics and musical vibe, though he has found a way to not sound dated, rather, delivering an updated concoction formed from the blend of his old-soul-style and new school perspective.

Aside from brief departures, such as his aggressive approach to “95 Til Infinity,” the formula is working for Joey Bada$$, and if his young but potent track record is any indication, Summer Knights could set up his official debut quite nicely.

Summer Knights is available for free download at LiveMixtapes.com.