Fred the Godson, ‘Contraband’ – Mixtape Review

If you're a rap listener who favors witty worldplay and heavy-handed punchlines that'll swell your bottom lip, Fred the Godson's 'Contraband' is the mixtape for you.

Spitting over production from the Heatmakerz, the Bronx, N.Y., native shows why he shouldn't be slept on and that he is indeed a problem in the rap world.

With minimal features on 'Contraband,' Fred shines throughout, showcasing why he was on XXL's 2011 Freshman cover. On 'Shotgun,' Fred bodies the track with what may sound like double entendres to the common ear but it's actually just his pronunciation of the words. He uses San Antonio Spurs stars Manu Ginobili and Tim Duncan and New York Jets players Mark Sanchez and Tim Tebow to describe how his bars are slugs that'll put you down for the count. Those lines will make you take a second listen.

On 'The World Would Keep On,' Fred highlights the ills he sees in his hood on a regular basis. Opening up the track, he spits, "Its crazy 'cause life is supposed to be precious and it's supposed to be for a long time, but when death comes, it just occurs. It'll be like nothing happened in an hour." Fred suggests you have to do what you have to do to survive as the world won't remember you once you're gone.

Storytelling, punchlines galore and an unshakeable flow, Fred the Godson puts together a solid tape with 'Contraband.' This is one effort you have to listen to fully in order to digest Fred's thoughts and catch his bars. Definitely a must listen.

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Listen to Fred the Godson's 'Contraband' Mixtape