Black Friday is fucking weird, let’s just be honest. A day after showing “thanks” to their families, millions of Americans migrate to their local WalMart to fight over gifts their kids will forget about after a week. One great thing that does come from Black Friday every year, though, is a slew of new mixtapes from emcees who see the holiday as a perfect time to give their fans some free music. To help you ninjas navigate the countless releases, we’ve rounded up our 4 favorite mixtapes from Black Friday below. No waiting in line, no fatal fist fights over the latest version of FIFA, no stuffy, smelly crowds and, best of all, everything is free. Just scroll away, preview some tracks, read our thoughts and hit the Download button if you’re feeling it.
The Neighbourhood – #000000 & #FFFFFF
When I Get Back (feat. G Eazy)’
H8M4CH1N3 (feat. Danny Brown)’
Mixtapes have been an almost exclusively hip-hop concept for the last decade or so, but who says rappers get to have all the fun? The Neighbourhood have not been shy about their appreciation of rap culture over the last few years, and that influence is clear throughout #000000 & #FFFFFF, which features a wide roster of emcees that includes Raury, Danny Brown, G-Eazy, Casey Veggies, Dej Loaf, YG, French Montana, OG Maco, Skeme, 100s and Danny Seth. #000000 & #FFFFFF is a genre-bending project that alters the perception of what a mixtape really should be. Though some dedicated fans may complain about the direction the group is taking here, we have no problem supporting a band that is willing to experiment with their sound and expand upon their horizons.
DOWNLOAD: The Neighbourhood – #000000 & #FFFFFF
A$AP Ferg – Ferg Forever
Since dropping his debut album, Trap Lord, A$AP Ferg has been busy touring the world building a dedicated fan base who have been anxiously anticipating new material. Ferg Forever, which is meant as a precursor to Ferg’s 2015 sophomore album, easily makes a case for one of the strongest hip-hop projects of the year. While he has already established himself as a hard-hitting emcee with a unique vocal range, Ferg’s latest adds new dimensions, flows and emotions to his repertoire truly establishing his evolving persona as an artist. With the help of some big name features and production from the likes of Twista, Clams Casino, Big K.R.I.T., Big Sean, Childish Major and SZA among others, the 19-track Ferg Forever has a little bit of every vibe ranging from party anthems to thought-provoking mellow cuts to trap love ballads and bodes well for Ferg’s 2015.
DOWNLOAD: A$AP Ferg – Ferg Forever
OG Maco – OG Maco EP
You may recognize OG Maco‘s name from his summer anthem, “U Guessed It,” or his memorable appearances on Rome Fortune‘s Small VVorld mixtape, but the Atlanta emcee has been carving his own niche as a solo artist for quite some time now. His most recent self-titled EP, as its name suggests, feels like his most definitive project to date. Packed with an unreal amount of energy, the OG Maco EP is definitely a project to turn up to, but it’s far from generic. Maco has a unique voice and way of approaching songwriting that will have you hitting the repeat button with your fists up and elbows down.
DOWNLOAD: OG Maco – OG Maco EP
Taylor Bennett – Freshmen Year: 1st Semester
Taylor Bennett has been trying to escape his big brother’s shadow ever since emerging on the scene about a year ago. Though the comparisons to Chance have been inevitable, the young Chitown native is taking the necessary steps to establish himself as a veritable emcee all his own. Freshmen Year: 1st Semester is a step in the right direction, allowing Taylor to showcase his versatility in the concise format of a 4 track EP.
STREAM: Taylor Bennett – Freshman Year: 1st Semester
P.S.: Check out full album streams from Ghostface Killah and Royce Da 5’9″ via NPR Music at the links below.
STREAM: Ghostface Killah – 36 Seasons
STREAM: PRhyme (Royce Da 5’9″ & DJ Premier) – PRhyme
P.S.S.: Make sure whatever you buy your loved ones makes them as happy as Baking Soda makes O.T. Genasis.
Ninja editors Bass and Ash take full responsibility for all anti-WalMart sentiments, Baking Soda-related Gifs and general silliness in this post.
