Maryland's Steph Castro just dropped his
Live And Let Die mixtape, a project that has been eagerly awaited here at The Come Up Show. While the subject matter is nothing really new (see "Sex, Money & Murder"), Steph's laid-back flow is just so easy to listen to, and makes up for any shortcomings in innovation. The smooth production throughout this mixtape complements Steph's flow nicely, and keeps the entire project flowing from start to finish. Lots of strings, horns, and even flute-driven production, fitting the James Bond feel. This is the kind of summer mixtape you want to play while driving with the windows rolled down. Early favourites include "Extension 88s",
"Over & Over" ft. Ike Da Kid, "Check Ins & Check Outs",
"Cream Team", "Miami Nights", and "Sunsets" (my personal favourite track from the mixtape). Stream and download
Live And Let Die below (via
GetRightMusic).
Any Means Necessary's Ill Stafa just released the visuals to "Business Man" featuring Philly C.A.K.E., the first of a series of visuals to come from the Maryland emcee leading up to a new (as yet untitled) project. Ill Stafa was born in Maryland but actually lived a good portion of his childhood in Philadelphia before coming back to live in DC; as such, you'll see plenty of Philly influences throughout the video. For more from Ill Stafa, check out "Highway Assault". Check out the visuals to "Business Man" below. 
Last year, we introduced you to AMN's 
Any Means Necessary's Redline Rese and 
AMN producer/emcee 