One look at the cover of XV’s latest mixtape Popular Culture (which couldn’t have been designed any better by graphic artist Mina Kwon), and it’s clear that the Wichita, Kansas emcee is preparing a nostalgic expedition down memory lane for his peers and listeners.
All references aside (and there are many), XV is in lyrical mode right from the beginning. Recounting his achievements after being included in last years’ BET cypher lineup on “Andy Warhol,” XV makes it clear that his sights are set on glory over financial success (“The money was finally talking and often I heard what it was saying / But I was more ‘bout making history than conversation”). Similar sentiment is met on the retrospective “One Of One,” in which he quips, “See everything you do, you do for yellow meets with blue / I do for him, her, me and you, ‘til I’m the three subtract from two.”
Whereas his most recent projects displayed an impressive alliance with veteran Midwest producer Seven, XV switches up the formula here, giving his cousin/tour deejay The Awesome Sound the reins. A tough assignment to undertake, The Awesome Sound does a commendable job in composing the audible landscapes for XV’s narratives. This is spearheaded by tracks like “Wonkavator,” which fittingly bounces throughout, and “Aaahh! Real Monsters,” a laid back cut that pits XV alongside ScHoolboy Q and B.o.B. Though the concept of the latter record is predictable (yes, they’re all monsters in the recording booth), the trio of emcees lyrically validate themselves as Hip Hop’s new guard.
Surprisingly, that bevy of talent on a single track doesn’t even take the cake as the album’s highlight. That goes to “Her Favorite Song,” an affectionate ode to XV’s significant other. Backed by a radiant performance by up-and-coming singer Raja, a dedicated Donavan declares, “I always said my first love would get my last name / But I know this long road drives you insane / But just know, I will never go from Tin Man to Scarecrow / Trading in my heart just to get brain.” Slightly awkward granted XV’s usual lyrical bravado yet sincere in execution, “Her Favorite Song” delivers the perfect blend of R&B and Hip Hop, which is no small feat in today’s scene.
As solid as Popular Culture is, it doesn’t possess the polished depth that Zero Heroes exhibited last year. This is due in large part to a handful of tracks that slow the mixtapes’ momentum, such as “Mary Kate & Ashley” (all bark and no bite), “Jedi Knight” (two words: synth overload) and the jaded musings of “Zombieland Rule 32.” Still, given the freebies that Vizzy has released, anticipation for his Warner Brothers debut The Kid With The Green Backpack is at an all-time high. Squarians everywhere are throwing their L-7’s up, as you should too.
DX Consensus: “EP-worthy”
I think it’s a great mixtape from XV. He is slept on by many, his time is coming. I recommend you all check it out!
I dug this more than I did Zero Heroes. He gets mean on a few tracks and this tape has less of a poppy feel than his last. Still nothing on Everybody’s Nobody.
Zero Heroes was WAY better.
Call me a nerd, but I was really excited for a Dragonball Z inspired track after seeing Goku on the cover. It’s a good mixtape, and I’m adding many tracks to some playlists. But it isn’t quite the trip down cultural memory lane as I had expected.
Yep, nerd.
Well, nerd rappers are cooler than fake wannabes…
Tape was crazy,I’m still playing it.
XV’s best work yet.
awesome shit
I haven’t heard this dude before but I’m always wanting to listen to new music so can somebody name their top 6 tracks for me please?
A list of mine off the top:
When We’re Done
Mirror’s Edge
Smallville
1997
Reset Button
A.D.D.
Pictures on My Wall
Nevermind
I’m a big XV fan from the UK. Been listening since 40 days 40 nights.
Zero Heroes was MASSIVELY overlooked. I thought he would have really blown up after that. ‘Her Favourite Song’ is a classic! ‘Jedi Night’ is cool.
If you’re going to listen to ANY ‘new’ artist, listen to XV. He is bringing something that is missing from Hip Hop; a message.
Thanks man, appreciate it.
Yeah man I checked those tracks out and on the strength of them I decided to download this mixtape and on the strength of that I decided to download “Everybody’s Nobody” & “Zero Heroes” dude is dope!
Best project this year
aaahh real monsters
beast track
real monsters was the only track I liked
THIS IS A SHIITY TAPE ONLY GAVE IT A PLAY BECAUSE OF GUEST ARTIST ON IT………. THIS CARTOON ASS NIGGA IS LAME AS FUCK!!! 0/5 FOR ME WASTING MY TIME
Bitch Your Whole Life Is A Waste Of Time…
So-so.
Dope
Very decent mixtape, but Zero Heroes was much better 3,5/5 = 3*
Another solid release from XV just gearing up for “The Kid With The Green Backpack”
HA COMING BACK ON YOU TROLLS NOBODY GIVES A FUCK ABOUT THIS LAME ASS JINGLE RAPPER XV=FAIL
Are you sure it’s not you that’s a fail? Think about it…
square
Great Mixtape! Very unique
L7
corny
THIS SHIT IS LAAAAAAME!!!!!!!!!!!!
L7s. this shit bangs hard. one of the best mixtapes out there. Hands down.
5*
Amazing mixtape
5*
Classic
Kung Lao bar