Depression is the new mixtape from the very talented Rakeem Miles of Organic Geniuses, a world-wide hip-hop collective. Rakeem, from Baltimore, MD, takes it back old school in this mixtape with a boom bap production made popular in the late 80's and early 90's (he even titles his song, "Boom Bap" in honour). What makes
Depression even greater is Rakeem's courageous tackling of some very serious subjects: In "Intro", it's historical racism; in "World", it's the stereotypes of race and violence; "Humanity and Soul" is about abandonment and the importance of brotherhood, and "Views of Society" highlights the need for equality. While
Depression is a laid-back mixtape, it really makes you think about the situations going on around you in society.
Rakeem Miles really does something great with this mixtape. It isn't just a reflection of his talent- it's a message about some of the most critical issues going on in communities, society, and the world overall. He uses, as he says in "World", his musical platform to get the message of racial equality and societal reform heard.
You can download Depression here.
Mike Melinoe, the emcee from Organic Geniuses packs a lot more in his bars than your average rapper. The OG crew is a collection of producers, artists, graphic designers and entrepreneurs. Melinoe, the MC of the crew brings a lot of energy and creativity to his verses. Mike describes his flow as, "An unconscious riddle flow." After viewing the visuals for his latest release"Starving Marvin," I found myself re-playing this video over and over again in order to fully appreciate Melineo's eccentric flow. Definitely take this video in, and let us know what you think of the 21 year old spitter from Detroit. 