Curren$y is one of the most interesting stories in hip-hop. He was on No Limit, he was on Cash Money, he was a mixtape legend, and now he has a cult following of super-fans who throw fat joints at his feet while he performs on stage.
The New Orleans native had his strongest run of mixtapes in 2008, where he released seven(!) tapes between February and September, cementing his place in the circuit. His stoner/slacker image was easy to identify with, and he was careful about picking classic beats to go in over.
This Thursday, we're throwing it back to Spitta's mixtape cuts from this era. It's no easy feat to release seven mixtapes in eight months, but if there is one thing Curren$y has proven, it's his work ethic. Enjoy the throwback cuts.
Curren$y ft Fiend - Raps and Hustles
Spitta is undeniably at his best when over some smokey, luscious beats. Goin' in on Camp Lo's "Coolie High" was a great idea, and it ended up inspiring some essential Curren$y.
Curren$y - Feelin' It 2008
You want to get the respect of 90s hip hop lovers? Spit some valid bars over some luxurious Jay Z beats...
Curren$y - They Shook
One of the most freestyled-over tracks EVER couldn't be ignored by Spitta during this mixtape spree. He absolutely bodied the verse with a unique flow that actually separates his version from the hundreds of others out there.
"Can't tell when she lyin, better learn your bitch
Said she was with her girl, but she at my crib
Well the truth she ain't lyin to you, she is with her girl
But her girl over here too, and we ain't doin nothin but fuckin'
And tryna come up with a recipe for weed rice crispie treats
I'm the rapper your favorite rapper be happy to meet"
Curren$y - Who Styled Ya
Spitta over Biggie beats? Count us in...
Curren$y - Another Story To Tell
Spitta drops a little player knowledge on us with this one. He followed it up with "Yet Another Story" to keep us up to date on the saga. No one keeps it realer...
Curren$y - Title Track
Over the beat from Common's "Real People," which was produced by Kanye West, Curren$y delivers straight bars. No choruses, no gimmicks, just an attempt to "wake hip hop up out of a coma."
Curren$y - Movie Writers, Business Men, and Gangsters
Spitta isn't a rapper that is outlandishly "hard," but the New Orleans MC can go in on some tough beats too. While most of his stuff seems care free, here's a hyphy beat that he destroyed.
Curren$y - Jets
You don't listen to Curren$y without reppin' the Jets. Is his rap crew, his entourage, even his way of life.
Curren$y - Modern Day Hippie
Before Black Hippy, there was the "Modern Day Hippy," aka Spitta. He goes in on this one...
"Whack rappers on a dope beat: simple battery
Hot Spitta on any beat: that's a fatality
Vicious how you do it? I don't know it just comes naturally
Spitters Spicoli, Zig-Zag
Rollin' with my Cali homies
My patience for middle men has run out
Take me to the boss like the Mike Tyson code on punch out
I'm really on my grind
You just lookin' for a ride
Like you standin' on the side of the road with your thumb out"
Curren$y - We Made It
It's crazy he put out six mixtapes before tackling "Nuthin' But a G Thang" on Fin..., but Curren$y is a pretty crazy dude. Sit back and peep this one...