Xtatic Let Me Xplain Mixtape Review

2015 has been a great year for hip hop internationally. With album releases from heavy weights like Kendrick and Drake, it is safe to say that Hip hop is still alive.

Locally, rappers have also tried to keep hip hop alive by releasing outstanding projects. Our very own Xtatic, born Gloria Edna Mecheo joined the list by offering Let Me Xplain Mixtape which was received well by her fans, me included.

The Mixtape was uploaded to popular music sharing website, Audiomack on 27^th March 2015. It includes features and productions from both Kenyan and other African rappers and producers.

Let Me Xplain is a 9 song project that encompasses common issues in life them among them being love, self awareness and patriotism.

B.I.G.H features up and coming South African female rapper, Devour Le Kenyora. The abbreviation stands for Bitch I go Hard, a word which is encouraging. Xtatic starts off by pointing out her troubles and delivers a smooth verse focused on hope. On the second verse, Devour dedicates the song to under achievers while enlightening us on her troubled past as a teenager until she saw the light. The song typically stresses on the importance of knowing oneself and having hope in all your endeavors.

Composure is a love song produced by South African rapper and producer, Lazr Beam, who happens to also have a verse on it. Xtatic sounds love struck and points out her frustrations from her lover. She regrets being in the relationship but her feelings speak louder. Lazr Beam comes in assuring X that things will get better. He serenades his lover and at some points manages to win her over again by his charm.

Fuck a Hater is for haters who strive to bring you down, as said by Xtatic on the first verse. Timmy Tim, of Cr3w Teflon joins with hard bars. He boasts of being young, gifted and a womanizer. He also brags of getting lots of cash and the only place to be found is in the studio. Priddy Ugly, a South African rapper who was once featured on award winning Hit 'Em up, finishes up threatening any one hating. He states that he'll kill any one on his way.

Jabulani Remix is my favorite jam off of Let Me Xplain. The original version was done by Fena Gitu, a talented female Kenyan singer. It is all about rejoicing and being grateful for every achievement. Fena raps about her dreams maturing to reality and remembers our fallen soldiers. The beat is catchy and this is definitely a banger. It deserves a music video.

Let Me Xplain, a lead single featuring Iddi the Singer, is the only track with a music video. Before Xtatic lays her 16 bars, she reflects on where she has come from. She also recalls lessons from her parents and cherishes everything she learns. Iddi the Singer on the hook, emphasizes out how he tries to be the change in his life and wants you to let him explain it in detail. The album version of this song is actually extended as X raps elaborates on how she's coping up with world negatives and her future.

Means War is very gangsta. Xtatic raps about how she's the best and how much work she's put out so far. Her lyrical ability is undeniable as she goes hard telling and challenging every rapper to up their game.

Natives is flag-waving as it praises our motherland Africa. Coca cola once said “There are a billion reasons to believe in Africa.” In this song, Xtatic brings out the theme of patriotism and preaches love and unity. Spoken word artist Corinne Kahi delivers a very beautiful verse about her motherland. Despite our skin tone, we're heading to Canaan. God made Africa, it was blessed with life, beautiful nature. Poet tear drops is dissapointed by the fact that our culture has been eroded. He finishes off by saying that in Africa we live in herds, unity is our pride.

Nguruma is that song you want to listen when you are high. FemiOne Shikow goes in with a swift and tight word play claiming that she's the voice of this generation. Small Lethalz also proves why he's tough and he roars for the people. For the first time in the Mixtape, Xtatic raps a few lines in Swahili. She is stress free and the boss.

Run the Drill is like a cypher. The rappers featured deliver verses assuring fans of their greatness. This song also deserves a Cypher themed video. It also should be in black and white. It is gangsta if you ask me.

I would give it a 8/10.