Times are tough for the aspiring rap producer of 2011. For every Lex Luger there are hundreds of dudes literally begging for placements on the dwindling number of major label albums and giving beats for free to mixtape projects in the name of publicity—only to have their name often not even appear in the tracklisting. Frankly it's embarrassing, and the artists building the foundation for hip hop's hits deserve better. But, much like their rapping counterparts, today's producer would be wise to take his destiny into his own hands. Take Nashville beatsmith Coop, for example. No doubt following the lead of blog dominant trunk rap producer DJ Burn One, Coop's Take Off On Em is a cohesive full length mixtape that showcases his talents and will hopefully force the industry to come to him. He's a clear descendant of the Tennessee rap lineage, often echoing Three 6 Mafia's more soul driven moments, while keeping one foot in the Memphis get buck sound. Take Off On Em features Chamillionaire, DJ Paul, Young Buck, Rittz, Don Trip and lots of Starlito (always welcome).
Download: Coop's Take Off On Em Mixtape
