Rich Kidd & Dj Nana

Given that Toronto producer/MC Rich Kidd has been putting in work behind the boards for upcoming albums by Kendrick Lamar and Jay Electronica, now might be a good time to get acquainted with this prolific beatsmith, if you haven't done so already. Luckily, established Toronto DJ Nana has done the hard work, putting together this mixtape featuring a selection of tracks from the five volumes of Rich Kidd's We On Some Rich Kidd Shit free mixtape series while adding a few new tracks. Whether the tracks are old or new though, Rich Kidd's raw, unvarnished approach to beats and rhymes is a constant element. Established Rich Kidd tracks like "Take it Slow" and "Ridin' Solo" are lined up against more recent efforts like "Back in the Day" and "Confusion 2," featuring DJ Nana, who rhymes on a few cuts alongside Rich Kidd himself, underlining their tight bond. There's also an effort to bring the talents of cohorts like the fast-rising Arthur McArthur and scene veteran DJ Scam to your attention. Basically, Rich Kidd vs. DJ Nana 2 does what it sets out to, showcasing Rich Kidd's track record and ample abilities as a producer, MC and collaborator. Clocking in at over 77 minutes, it's a timely reminder of the consistency that's firmly put him at the forefront of the newfound attention Toronto is gaining from its hip-hop scene.