Dough and Dro

Hosted by DJ Meek, Dough and Dro is the long-awaited first mixtape from up-and-coming Fresno emcee/singer/producer Baeza. A compelling mix of hypnotic slow jams, rowdy ratchet raps, vivid storytelling, and dreamy smoke anthems, the vibe varies from track to track, while the mostly self-produced beats tie it all together into one easily digestible package. From the melancholy, piano-laced single "Far from Ready" to the electro bounce of "Back It Up" and the jazzy, laid-back "Goin' Nowhere," Baeza brings forth a likeable ladies'-man steez instead of the usual trying too hard to prove what a thug/kingpin he is. He's got serious lyrical skills but doesn't overdo it with a million big words; it's paired with a mellow flow and element of sincerity that's increasingly hard to come by in most new hip-hop. The limited guest list includes Baby Bash on "Racks" and John Hart on "You're My Baby," either one of which could easily be a hit. You may not be up on Baeza yet, but he's got everything it takes to become a serious star.