The Mix is a brand new weekly column presented by the Realviews section of Urbanology Magazine. Each week we will review three of the most stand out tapes that have recently been released with short reviews and a selection of  tracks that we have on repeat.

Mixtape: Cory Gunz | Mixtape: Son Of A Gun
On Repeat: “Outta My Mind” | “Family Like A Business”

Straight up, Cory Gunz can rap circles around some of the best out there, point blank period. And his recent mixtape Son Of A Gun, if nothing else, proves he was born to emcee. “Outta My Mind”, “East 2 Da Westside” and “Family Like A Business” really display Gunz’ sharp delivery and wordplay. There are a few missteps though, mainly where the features are concerned. Juicy J and Uncle Murda sound completely out of place rhyming beside Cory and it really shows Gunz is in a different class of emcee. Son Of A Gun has a lot of head nod bangers. It sets up high anticipation to hear Cory showcase his songwriting ability some more. Fingers crossed — we’ll see it on his debut.  Words By. Duane Benjamin

Artist: Blake Carrington | Mixtape: Dare 2 Dream
On Repeat: “Fresh(er Than The Rest)” ft. Rich Kidd | “The Deep End” ft. Keegan Da’niro

Prepare for lift-off with Toronto’s local rap astronaut, Blake Carrington. His latest release Dare 2 Dream follows-up last year’s Love Is A Risk mixtape as a space journey that yet again demonstrates his innovative production style and imaginative rapping. Part Kanye, part Neptunes in aesthetic, Carrington bangs out tracks like “Welcome (To The Other Side)” and “Cruising On Mars” that explore a deeper side of his character. “Fresh(er Than Most)” and “Smooth Operator” are also stand outs. And, with “Cole Sweat” and “Kodak Moment” feat. Sir Michael Rocks of The Cool Kids, Carrington proves he still has his fair share of swag for the world. What’s showcased in Dare 2 Dream might have more listeners looking towards the Northern Lights.  Words By. Mark Blendheim

Artist: ASAP Rocky | Mixtape: Deep Purple
On Repeat: “Purple Swag,” | “Been Around The World”

ASAP Rocky is one of best artists you’ve never heard of. He hails from Harlem and just from the buzz of his video “Purple Swag” he’s being called the New York Rookie of the Year. The song itself is a swaggy ode to the Houston drank n’ stank, with lots of smoke-riddled introspection. Deep Purple carries in the same vain of the single: “Get High”, using back-spun records to bring fourth a sinsemilla-inspired message, “Uptown” riding the strength of a Lil Wayne sample for the chorus and “Been Around The World,” sounding like Wiz Khalifa with a few added brain cells. Coming in at 7-tracks deep, Rocky proves why you need to get at him ASAP.  Words by. Mark Blendheim