BET Gets It Right... For Once

I won't speak on the many epic FAILS of BET. For one, there are too many. Secondly, I don't have the time. Finally, we advocate here at Hip-Hop Connoisseurs. We're a diss-free zone (Unless an artist we really like needs a stern talking to. See my previous letter to Drake.)

But I digress. Because I'm supposed to be telling you what BET did correctly. Last week, BET.com released its list of 13 Must Have Mixtapes of 2009 thus far. And I have to say that the list was muy bueno. Of the thirteen recommendations, I was happy that eight of them had been in my consistent rotation. I was even happier that they inspired me to download (and then recommend) Joell Ortiz Covers the Classics. So I'm using this post as everyone's official late pass. If you have yet to add any of the following mixtapes to your collection, it's time to fix that. ASAP.

So Far Gone - Drake - Really. You're BEYOND wrong if you haven't downloaded this yet. Get your life together.

UKNOWBIGSEAN - Big Sean - Kanye's newest protege and Midwest representer teams up with Mick Boogie. While the tape is a tad lengthy, Sean's wit will remind you of an early 'Ye. Definitely worth a listen or two.

B.o.B. vs. Bobby Ray - B.o.B - 22 tracks with T.I.'s Grand Hustle signee repping his dual personalities. The rapper B.o.B. and the guitar strumming alternative hip-hopper Bobby Ray. While I stick with the rap portion mostly, the diversity of the tape is dope.

Gone Fishing - The Cool Kids - This is a personal favorite of mine because Chuck of the Cool Kids is easily one of my favorite new producers. His 80s-era bass heavy beats make me spontaneously break into the Wop whenever I hear them. This one will go hard in your whip without insulting your intelligence.

The Warm Up - J. Cole - You already know how we feel about this one. In case you don't, check it out here.

Joel Ortiz Covers the Classics - Joell Ortiz - Dee already told you why you need this in your life. Fire.

Dat Kid from Cleveland - Kid Cudi - Excuse me but I must say CLEVELAND STAND THE EFF UP!!! Okay, now that I'm done repping my city, I'll admit that while it took a minute for me to truly appreciate Cudi, I am now officially sold. Underneath his sometimes sing song delivery lie lyrics that are equally witty and soul searching. The homey is officially STAMPED.

Anticipation - Trey Songz - Trey, Trey, Trey. Whew! If you miss R. Kelly circa 2001, you will LOVE this mixtape. Certified panty dropper. Do not download unless you have condoms on deck. Real talk.

Back to the Feature - Wale - What more can we say about the homey Wale??

There you have it. Brought to you by the good folks at BET and the Hip-Hop Connoisseurs, summer listening fun. Let the downloading commence now.

Robin Monique a.k.a. Mrs Hip-Hop