Oh man does DJ Smallz got beef. The size of Texas cattle. One DJ pretty much dedicated full tapes to his downfall, while this critic right here got a quick card to pull. Despite being the Boston sniper as I may, Smallz tapes always have intrigued me. A lot of artists he showcased on the 16th edition of the highly successful Southern Smoke series were artists I was not necessarily aware of or too excited about. But I came in with an open-mind nonetheless. The tape was highly enjoyable from start to finish, only flailing when songs got a little too crunk for my likings or became yesterday's news with different tracklist titles. Well dook is known for mixing in true exclusives-his connections are unquestioned-with older tracks that have been on other such DJ's tapes. J-Love, one of the most admired exclusive mixtape DJ's in all the game mixes the old with the new, so what. The problem with Smallz is in his not being able to take constructive criticism, when in fact the rating on his last mixtape received a Must Buy. Attention all DJ's: not all of your stuff is classic, get over it. I have the utmost respect for all the DJ's grinding and hustling, doing they thing, being able to attain and shell out music that we, the heads, all enjoy, cherish, criticize, and bash. It's because of the mixtape heads like us, as to why mixtape DJ's like you, are successful. While I had to get that off my chest (cuz certainly Smallz don't want none in the ring with Loose), let's get on to the music. The Texas Massacre is not about the rise and fall of DJ 31 Degrees but rather about Bun B & The Mddlfngz crew, who are supposedly ready to release No Apologies come April. Their drops on the tape are very cinematic, setting the mood to such hot wax as "Gangsta Music," which features a Hollywood-strapping Bun B tackling some names in the entertainment industry. Even more impressive are Mddlfngz joining the likes of Face over Havoc's "Don't Need Your Love" instrumental. But really, Chamillionaire only croons the hook? At least he shows up on Bun B/Mddlfngz' "Deep Off in the Game" covering you guessed it, while "Dreams" completes the full hand of Game covers.

So, I'm not really impressed with The Mddlfngz, as the Bun B lines are the only ones I can recall from said cuts. With that, what does the rest of SS 17 have to offer? Well, if you've been lurking under a rock for the past few weeks, C-Murder just dropped a long awaited LP that is getting some good word, and Smallz showcases his verbal glock on Akon's "Locked Up (Remix)". A creative blend that makes sense, as C-Murder's presence on the hook and verses from the cellblock make it all the more chilling. A Morgan Freeman snippet from Shawshank Redemption even appears on its closing. Corey Miller returns with Soulja Slim later on the first official song featuring a rapper in jail and a dead rapper. Speaking of jail, Pimp C's "Comin' Up" with Flip and Z-Ro is an excellent funky track, reminding me of some of that ol' classic Rap-A-Lot shit is known for dropping. Gotta peep them Sweet James Jones Stories ASAP. More Houston hotness comes from Koopa on the mixtape-everywhere connection with Balance and Stat Quo on "Roll With Me," not all that impressive on the beat but engaging enough due to the vocalists involved; as "I'm A Houston Hustla" spotlights Chamillionaire at his flowing finest. And when you peep a DJ Smallz tape, you now Swishahouse is in the hizzow. Paul Wall is joined by Bun B (punchlines galore) and Webbie over the forever-banging "G-Code," while his current "Sittin Sidewayz" with Big Pokey is currently rocking Sirius airwaves to no avail. Slim Thug and Boss Hogg Outlawz, the next to blow, go for epic over stampeding synths, sub box booms, and rat-a-tat effects on "Dem Boyz." Another interesting addition comes from Nappy Roots on the exotically-laced "Take It To The Woods." One thing you can't deny with Smallz is variety, as son makes sure he covers the south as best as he can. Shady or not, kid got it on lock and aside from maybe Drama, he remains on top. One example is the addition of the new Fat Joe burner "Plenty Niggas" featuring the Crown of the South and the People's Champ. Dope flute-tuned production and great mic presences make this SS 17's gem. With all the whathaveyou, the tape is ill, and spotlights the efforts of the South's finest at all edges of the blade.

- Straight Crack

RATING SYSTEM
	Trash
	Step Ya Game Up
	Diehards only
	In the Deck
	Straight Crack
	Among Year's Best
	Mixtape Classic