The Mekanix is releasing its Under The Hood album featuring E-40, Too $hort, Dru Down, Ras Kass, B-Legit and others June 3.
The production duo’s forthcoming project on EMPIRE has 4 rAX and Kenny Tweed building on its signature sound, the modern era’s version of mobb music.
“With this project, we wanted to expand our sound and rebrand ourselves,” 4 rAx says during an exclusive interview with HipHopDX. “For this project we have more radio-friendly songs, songs for the young crowd, songs for the ladies. We’re always hands-on with everything – from creating the beat, writing the hooks, sequencing, mixing, and sometimes mastering the songs. Sometimes we coach the artists, help with vocal arrangements, melodies, and help bridge the gap between artists.”
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Under the Hood features San Francisco Bay Area pioneers underground icons B-Legit and Dru Down as well as Mix Dre and Silk-E on “Spoiled,” while single “On My Hustle” features Iamsu!, Keak da Sneak, J. Stalin and 4 rAx.
The project’s myriad collaborations materialized in different ways.
“For the features, some people we reached out to, some people sought after us,” Kenny Tweed says during an exclusive interview with HipHopDX. “We’ve been in the game for years so our contact list is big. One of our favorite groups of people on a track is the song ‘2 Hands,’ which features E-40, Richie Rich, and Too $hort with Loverboi singing the hook. That combo of artists exemplifies loyalty, love, timeless relationships and a resume of great music. We knew the chemistry would be great for that song.”
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The Mekanix’s Under the Hood cover art and tracklist are as follows, as is the premiere of the “On My Hustle” video featuring Iamsu!, Keak da Sneak, J. Stalin and 4 rAx.
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- Under the Hood (Intro) by The Mekanix
- Hot Boy by The Mekanix (feat. Stevie Joe, Beeda Weeda & Bandaide)
- 2 Hands by The Mekanix (feat. E-40, Too $hort, Richie Rich & Loverboi)
- Crusin’ & Mobbin’ by The Mekanix (feat. Husalah, Keak da Sneak & Turf Talk)
- Lino the Wino I’m So Oakland Skit by The Mekanix
- I’m So Oakland by The Mekanix (feat. The Delinquents)
- On My Hustle by The Mekanix (feat. Keak da Sneak, Iamsu!, J. Stalin, 4rAx & Iesha brooks)
- Abandonment by The Mekanix (feat. Mozzy & Philthy Rich)
- Hit the Streets by The Mekanix (feat. Lil Blood, HD & 4rAx)
- Spoiled by The Mekanix (feat. Miz Dre, B-Legit, Silk-E & Dru Down)
- Flyest on 2 Feet by The Mekanix (feat. Philthy Rich, J. Stalin, Lil Blood & Loverboi)
- Still by The Mekanix (feat. Luniz, 4rAx & Iesha Brooks)
- Streets Call My Name by The Mekanix (feat. Nio the Gift, Ras Kass & Sunni Ali)
- On the Grill by The Mekanix (feat. Shady Nate, Curcinado, Blakk Boi & 4rAx)
- Rewind by The Mekanix (feat. Kaz Kyzah, Erk tha Jerk & Al Casino)
- Rotation by The Mekanix (feat. Clyde Carson, Kool John & Lil Debbie)
- Young Niggaz by The Mekanix (feat. Parnell, Lil Mikey & Rock-E)
- Ain’t Me by The Mekanix (feat. J. Stalin, Trae tha Truth & San Quinn)
- Real Niggaz Don’t Die by The Mekanix (feat. Vellione, Stevie Joe, Skyballa & 4rAx)
- I’m Still Here by The Mekanix (feat. The Jacka & C-Bo)
- 2 Soon by The Mekanix (feat. Mistah F.A.B., J. Stalin, T-Luni & 4rAx)
