Over the weekend, the New York Times declared 23 year-old rapper Aubrey Drake Graham the “new face of hip-hop“. From fans to music heavy-hitters like Jay-Z, Kanye West, Diddy and Lil’ Wayne, there is quite a bit of anticipation for the mixtape wunderkind’s upcoming album, Thank Me Later, leaving many to wonder if the artist’s debut can meet expectations to break a million album units in sales in its first week. While we wait for the official release of the album tomorrow, it comes as no surprise that New York based record producer Chi Duly (known for his work with Nappy Roots) has released October’s Very Cold, a mixtape that blends the alternative rock style of Coldplay with the thoughtful and pensive lyrics of Drake. Not surprisingly, these tracks mesh well together – Mick Boogie and Terry Urban’s 2008 mixtape, Viva La Hova, combined Coldplay and Jay-Z. Among our favorites on October’s Very Cold: “Everlost”, “Troubles Over”, “Forever La Vida” and “Money to Fix”.

Tomorrow, Drake will be in New York City at South Street Seaport at 6pm to kick off Paper Magazine’s free Ray-Ban and Havaianas-sponsored Summer concert series with Hanson and Ninjasonik.

Click through for a listen of October’s Very Cold or download the mixtape here.

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San Francisco-based DJ/Producer, Wait What finds ways of infusing the vocals of the Notorious B.I.G (among others) with mood driven melodies of the XX, resulting in a surprisingly pleasant mix. For that reason, this one goes into the brilliant pile. Released on March 25th, the album commemorates the thirteenth anniversary of Life After Death’s release. Click here to download the mixtape or click through to listen.

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Now that it has happened, it was pretty much inevitable. Hip-hop’s rock star, Weezy (aka Lil Wayne) takes on partying with Weezer, in the style of a mash-up. With the release of “Can’t Stop Partying”, imaginable as a cross between Weezer’s “Beverly Hills” and Kevin Rudolf’s “Let It Rock”, this catchy tune may be fit for a few replays – like the  memory of a good party… or rather the good remnants of it. Check out the track below.

Weezer’s upcoming album Raditude, which hits stores on November 3rd, includes the Jermaine Dupri-produced track, ”Can’t Stop Partying”, one of many catchy songs on the band’s seventh studio album. The alternative rock (and sometimes emo) band continues to capture youthful spirit and frivolity in their music. While a bit more mainstream than their trademark style, this album delivers the fun that is synonymous with Weezer’s six prior albums.

Meanwhile, Lil Wayne just released another mixtape, No Ceilings. The guy churns these things out like he’s got an assembly line system. Borrowing from Jay-Z, Rihanna, Kanye West and others, Wayne freestyles with a barrage of lyrics to familiar tunes (without remuneration, since the album is free). His mixes are also where he unveils up-and-coming artists in the works. Typically, a Lil Wayne mixtape release is only the beginning of others to unfold, including collaborations. After all, his delayed rock album, Rebirth is set for release in December. Click here to download the mixtape (via usershare).

Weezer featuring Lil Wayne – “Cant Stop Partying”

Click here to download this track

Lil Wayne – “I Gotta Feeling”

You know if the news made it to Entertainment Weekly that this mixtape from Terry Urban and Gold Coin can’t have much longer left to live on the internet. Southerngold, which mixes Santigold’s debut album with southern rap vocals, received a cease and desist order from Santigold’s record label, Downtown Records.

While I marginally prefer Top Ranking, the official mixtape released last fall by Santigold and Diplo, Southerngold puts a great new spin on the album and is definitely worth a listen.

Update: Santigold released the following statement:
“Some kid just hit me up about this on MySpace. It was the first I ever heard about it. I’ve never heard anything about this DJ or this remix, and certainly did not send a cease and desist letter. I’m a supporter of mixtape culture and intend to get to the bottom of it.”

Check out the mixtapes’ respective versions of Santigold’s “Shove It” below:

Southerngold – Still Tippin’ It (featuring Slim Thug and Mike Jones)

Top Ranking – Shuv It (Disco D Blend)

And speaking of Santigold, we’ll be seeing her at The Roots Picnic this Saturday and again when she comes to Terminal 5 on June 9.

Track list and download link after the jump…

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