Flashback Friday: J. Cole and Lil’ Wayne

Let’s do something a bit different today.

Instead of revisiting old albums, let’s look at two phenomenal mixtapes – both of which are free for the taking.

Giving away music this good should be a crime. If you don’t have them yet, Google is your friend.

J. Cole, Friday Night Lights (2010)

Personally, this is probably my favorite mixtape of all time and the one that finally made me buy into the Cole hype. If it were an album, I’d have no problem giving it 5 stars. Easily. Cole’s later LPs haven’t come close to capturing the magic of this mixtape but I’m holding out hope that he gets there one day.

Also check out:
“The Autograph”
“Villematic”

Lil Wayne, No Ceilings (2009)

Ah, No Ceilings, the last time Weezy decided to put any effort into his craft. Wayne’s at his best when he’s just ratting off nonsense over other people’s beats. He goes on a rampage here, making me appreciate songs that I once despised, like that terrible “Swag Surfin'” track. Sadly, that Wayne is long gone now and has been replaced by the creature that recorded I Am Not A Human Being II. RIP Mixtape Weezy.

Also check out:
“Swag Surf”
“Throw It In The Bag”

Now, it’s your turn. Email soulinstereoblog@gmail.com  hit me up on Twitter @etbowser, or stop by the comments section and share your Flashback Friday album. Leave a couple of sentences describing what makes it so great. I’ll feature your album on the blog.