Mello Music Group - Mandalas Vol 1 & 2

A strong contender for Best Rap Project of 2014, at this point. This absurdly over-stuffed collection is a testament to the roster Michael Tolle has built.



"An embarrassment of riches." MMG's output in 2014 has been nothing short of absurd: Apollo Brown, L'Orange, Open Mike Eagle...an almost unfair level of bi-coastal consolidation of talent.



It must not go without comment that the cover art is gorgeous work. That's Matt Andres and you should hire him. Soon.

"Wrecking Crew Presents Wu-Tang Pulp"

Day Two is a pretty easy pick: this Wu-Tang tribute project is completely unhinged, meticulously accurate yet casually blasphemous. It winds up taking nearly every track over the event horizon, from cover songs into something more like an unauthorized sequel. It also bangs.



The writing stays fresh and you probably don't have to get the 10,000 in-joke that got origami folded into fabric here in order to enjoy the show. As headphone candy and slow ride soundtrack, this is one hell of a trip.