Tony Austin - Gangsta Grillz: The Influence (DJ Drama/Austin Entertainment/The Aphilliates)

I wrote a City Paper feature a few weeks back about Tony Austin, but I hadn't really posted about his mixtape or put up any songs from it. I definitely think Tony's story is interesting and thought it was worth talking to him and covering him, but even he'd tell you he's not the greatest rapper in the world, so you definitely have to bear that in mind going into this CD. It ain't bad, he has a few verses and hooks that come off pretty fly, but like I just listened to it back to back with the new Gucci Mane mixtape, and it's clear that while a lot of people may disagree, it does take some talent to do this kind of music really well. Gucci guests on here, as do OJ Da Juiceman, Yo Gotti and Beanie Sigel, but Tony used all Baltimore producers for this like D. Banks and Nummy, and in addition to Baltimore guests like 100 Grandman, Caddy Da Don and Jay Luv. You can download this on DatPiff or any number of other sites.

Tony Austin f/ 100 Grandman and Caddy Da Don - "Play" (mp3)
The Baltimore posse cut on here is pretty dope, great beat. Tony's been talking about starting a group with himself, 100 Grand, Comp and another artist, will be interesting to see what happens with that. Caddy's got probably my favorite verse on this one.

Labels: 100 Grandman, mixtape/album review, mp3, Tony Austin