Chris wrote the entire song and his flow couldn’t feel more natural, which is why I really wanted to include this one on the album.  After the dark vibe of the previous songs “Crashing Down” and “Shot A Man”, I felt that this song was the perfect way to tie the mixtape together and end on a positive, hopeful note.

Life and love are just as much about pain as they are about pleasure, but no matter how hard things get I think it’s important to keep a positive attitude about the future and to appreciate those you love.  I’m hoping that taken as a whole, “Just Passin Thru” will give you that same feeling too…

Please share, download and enjoy “Touch The Sky” feat. Chris Reeder along with the rest of the mixtape “Just Passin Thru” at the link below:

DOWNLOAD “JUST PASSIN THRU” MIXTAPE (Free via DatPiff)

As the mixtape progresses it gets a bit darker towards the end, and the darkest song of the bunch is this collab with iROCC called “Crashing Down”.  It’s a powerful rock/rap song written by iROCC, who is currently starring in B.E.T.’s show 8 Days A Week, and produced by Swagg Arcelious, the in-house producer for Alicia Keys’ label MBK Productions.

Kudos on this one go to Swagg for his great rock production (he’s one of the illest hip hop drummers on the NYC circuit) and to iROCC for lyrics that really capture the feeling you get when it seems like everything is going wrong — the song hints that there’s always a light at the end of the tunnel, but sometimes you have to hit rock bottom before you can see it.  It builds slowly to up until the powerful “crashing down” of the final chorus, so when you need to vent some frustration just turn this one on and rock to the huge guitar solo after the bridge.

Please share, download and enjoy “Crashing Down” feat. iROCC along with the rest of “Just Passin Thru” at the link below:

DOWNLOAD “JUST PASSIN THRU” MIXTAPE (Free via DatPiff)

After countless late night sessions and a number of shows, it’s great to be able to finally release this one to the world as a free download.  Production comes from the prolific Future Presidents, one of the top production and songwriting groups in Amsterdam who have also been signed as a pop group to Universal Records.

I think our teamwork really shines through on this record, as Ernie and I trade off singing verses and choruses with ease and Sam spits (IMHO) one of his tightest verses ever.  I could listen to this one over and over just to absorb every line of his rap on the bridge — not a word is wasted.

A big chorus and some serious RnB flow from Mr. Gaines (who channels Michael Jackson better than anyone I’ve ever seen) combine with Sammy’s flawless rapping to form a powerful, progressive song that builds toward an explosive conclusion.

Please share, download and enjoy “Movin On” feat. Ernie Gaines & Sam Scarfo along with the rest of “Just Passin Thru” at the link below:

DOWNLOAD “JUST PASSIN THRU” MIXTAPE (Free via DatPiff)

Today’s featured song is “Champion” with NYC’s buzzing socialite Patrick Toussaint & NJ’s rapper/producer Boola.  “Champion” is a straightforward song about, well, being a champ!  It’s about overcoming all the obstacles life throws at you and always being there for the person you love.

I’ve had this one on repeat for a while now and it’s definitely one of the biggest potential hits on the mixtape courtesy of Toussaint’s flawless flow and confident swag.  He sounds a rapper with something to prove, and judging from his hustle on the scene and his instincts in the studio it’s only a matter of time before he’s a household name.

Production comes from the man himself B. Howard, who comes through with a simple but hard grooving beat complete with some seriously soulful chords driving the chorus.  A low-key bridge from hip hop renaissance man Boola rounds out the song.

“Champion” was a really fun joint to write and be a part of, so I hope that feel-good vibe comes through while you’re listening to it.

Please share, download and enjoy “Champion” feat. Patrick Toussaint & Boola along with the rest of “Just Passin Thru” at the link below:

DOWNLOAD “JUST PASSIN THRU” MIXTAPE (Free via DatPiff)

Today I’m proud to release the oldest song on the mixtape (by far!), “Shot A Man” featuring 40 Glocc and Dirt Mansion and produced by one of the most creative producers out there, Josh McDonnell.  Mobb Deep’s former manager introduced me to 40 while I was working closely with Dirt Mansion on her first demo.  40 is an awesome guy, and we spent some good times together on the late night grind working on songs with Sam Scarfo in NYC and with Christopher “Notes” Olsen in LA.

In “Shot A Man” 40 delivers one of his strongest performances ever, weaving together profound storylines comparing the violence of gang life on the streets to the violence the government propagates during wartime.

The song is dedicated to “all the fallen soliders” and 40 is clearly on another level here, one which surpasses the stereotypes often associated with him as the most outspoken gangsta rapper in the game and shows the almost prophetic depth of his intelligence in criticizing the hypocrisy of a country that follows “the law of the land” even when that law tells us that we must fight and kill others across the world for no apparent reason.

The distinct voice of Dirt Mansion, Philly’s hometown bad girl often compared to P!NK, carries an emotional prechorus exploring what goes through someone’s head after they have just killed someone, and the chorus ties it together with the message that there are no simple answers here — in the end we can’t assume that we know someone else’s story, and any attempt to pass judgment on others just reflects our own limited understanding.

Please share, download and enjoy “Shot A Man” feat. 40 Glocc & Dirt Mansion along with the rest of “Just Passin Thru” at the link below:

DOWNLOAD “JUST PASSIN THRU” MIXTAPE (Free via DatPiff)

Today I’m featuring the crossover dance/pop joint “Lifesaver” with Chris Reeder.  A true international collaboration, “Lifesaver” was produced by one of Russia’s top producers, Andy Bugrov, who also does voiceovers for one of Russia’s biggest TV networks.  This one is pretty straightforward with a huge chorus and a dope dubstep feel — in my opinion it’s one of the strongest singles on the mixtape.

Joined by Goodwill (from Goodwill & MGI) who originally introduced us to each other, ”Lifesaver” is the first song Chris and I wrote together.  This song sparked a number of other collabs between us, and soon we ended up touring together in France performing for crowds upwards of 10,000.  Chris is a crazy talented writer, producer and performer, and we have a lot more releases coming your way in 2012.

Please share, download and enjoy “Lifesaver” feat. Chris Reeder along with the rest of “Just Passin Thru” at the link below:

DOWNLOAD “JUST PASSIN THRU” MIXTAPE (Free via DatPiff)

Today I’m proud to share another personal favorite of mine, “Radar Love” featuring Pittsburgh native Beedie.  A while ago I got really inspired by Kid Cudi & Dan Black’s ”Symphonies” and I decided to do a joint for my mixtape in that style.  I happened to be working with one of Pittsburgh’s hottest producers Sayez at the time and this beat was perfect for that vibe, it basically sounds like you are flying through the stars while a spaceship is landing in your backyard…so the “Radar” concept was a natural fit.

It’s actually a pretty emotional hook for me that veers into the alternative world, so thankfully Beedie does some impressive acrobatic rapping on the verses and brings the song back down to earth with a story about finding a girl who’s into you for the right reasons.

Beedie has had a steady buzz growing in Pittsburgh since he began rapping in a duo with Mac Miller before going solo, and if Mac’s recent success is any indication it’s gonna be a huge year for Beedie as well.  He really killed the verses on this one and I’m excited to hear what you guys think about it!

Please share, download and enjoy “Radar Love” feat. Beedie along with the rest of “Just Passin Thru” at the link below:

DOWNLOAD “JUST PASSIN THRU” MIXTAPE (Free via DatPiff)

Today I’m featuring the title track “Just Passin Thru” featuring Patrick Toussaint and Tayyib Ali.  The instrumental by producers The Geek Squad is just genius in my opinion, cutting a mysterious acoustic guitar sample against an epic hip hop track.  The first time I heard it I knew it had to be the first track on the album.  It’s dark, sparse and emotional, and the exceptional rap verses from Patrick Toussaint and Tayyib Ali elevate it to single status.

It has a Drake meets Bon Iver feel, with Toussaint (aka P DiZzZy, cosigned by Pharrell) and Ali (one of Philly’s hottest young rappers) spitting unapologetic lines about surviving on your own in the world and standing out in a hyper-saturated music industry.  My hook boils it down to that disenchanted feeling so many of us have these days — like we are just passing through while life, like scenes in a movie, spirals out of control around us.  On a journey to find a handful of real moments when we can really connect with another person.  Deep sh*t, lol…

Please share, download and enjoy “Just Passin Thru” feat. Patrick Toussaint & Tayyib Ali along with the rest of “Just Passin Thru” at the link below:

DOWNLOAD “JUST PASSIN THRU” MIXTAPE (Free via DatPiff)

Today I’m excited to share one of my personal favorites, “Kerouac” feat. J the S (aka Jake the Snake) & J Glaze. Now, there aren’t that many rappers out there who can run with a concept like Jack Kerouac and make a dope song out of it, but Boston’s J the S is one of the most intellectual MCs out there and he had a field day with it.  Combined with the co-writing and production skills of my boys Goodwill & MGI, we managed to make (what I hope you’ll agree is) a pretty classic American road trip song.

The music matches Jake’s smooth flow perfectly with its laid back, funky vibe, and it all comes together at the end with a bluesy jazz trumpet solo from NYC producer J Glaze.  J the S has built up a huge buzz in Boston and is starting to blow into the national spotlight with his new album The Last Days co-produced by Goodwill & MGI, so I’m fortunate to have caught him on the way up!

The song is about moving on from the people who don’t appreciate you and finding yourself on the journey, so listen to this one with the windows down and a (insert drug of choice) in your hand and you’ll feel like you’re back on the road with Jack.

Please share, download and enjoy “Kerouac” feat. J the S & J Glaze along with the rest of “Just Passin Thru” at the link below:

DOWNLOAD “JUST PASSIN THRU” MIXTAPE (Free via DatPiff)

The first featured song is “Take Me Home”, a soulful Valentine’s Day jam that has a little something for everyone this holiday — whether you’re full-on in love, stuck missing someone, or just plain pissed off at an ex!   I was lucky to do this one as a duet with platinum-selling pop star Kristinia Debarge, and I have to say she is one of the most talented, down-to-earth people I’ve ever worked with.  She added a really sweet touch to her verse and did some cool adlibs throughout the song.

Hezekiah, a top Philly rapper, singer and producer known for his edgy, soulful swag flips the meaning of the hook on his bridge, musing about being drunk at a party and having to watch another dude hit on his girl.  He’s asked to leave the party, but not before punching the guy out.

Each verse has a different take on the hook, which is why I like this song so much.  It starts out in a pretty straightforward direction, but by the end you’ve been taken on a bit of a journey and come out thinking about both the good and bad sides of love.

Please share, download and enjoy “Take Me Home” feat. Kristinia Debarge & Hezekiah along with the rest of “Just Passin Thru” at the link below:

DOWNLOAD “JUST PASSIN THRU” MIXTAPE (Free via DatPiff)