If you are a fan of New York hip hop then you are undoubtedly a CNN fan.  The highly anticipated War Report 2 comes out July 13th, and until then we have The Camouflage Season Mixtape to hold us over (free download here).  Hosted by The Evil Genius Green Lantern and presented by Beast Music, the tape includes a bunch of bangers, including “Kick It 2 Em Man” produced by my man Vin Tha Chin (pictured above far right, with the homey Scram Jones and NORE).  If you haven’t already, check my post on Vin’s track with Raekwon The Chef.

CNN ft. Tragedy Khadafi and Imam T.H.U.G. – Kick It 2 Em Man (prod. Vin Tha Chin)

Kevin Casey Music Presents Live From New York has been nominated for 2009 Mixtape of the Year at Get Right Music.  Unlike the other top candidates, I am a producer not an artist.  Despite being a completely different project than the other leading mixtapes, I am currently in a tight race for 2nd in votes, and amongst great company.  I am flattered to even be in contention with such great artists … artists that I draw inspiration from regularly.

J. Cole shines throughout The Warm Up.  This kid can take his career wherever he chooses, he’s just that nice (highly recommended download)  I have spent time with J. Cole in the past and I can assure you he has earned everything he has today.  Shoutout to my dude!  Lights Please. 

Lil’ Wayne’s consistency and work ethic are going to land him at the top of every list, every year, until he decides otherwise.  Not to mention an effortless flow that is 15 years in the making.  No Ceilings features all the attitude and quotables you expect from Weezy’s World.

At the top of the votes for all the right reasons, Drake’s So Far Gone.  In this case we are no longer talking about just 2009, but instead an unprecedented mixtape and a game-changer.  Multiple hit records are not expected from mixtapes … are they now? What about a grammy nod?  One thing that will be expected is continued success from Drizzy. Looking forward to the next chapter.

To download all these mixtapes for free and to cast your vote, visit the illest mixtape website on the planet, Get Right Music (shotout to Jesse).  Respect to the other tapes on the list, and anyone planning on making their mark in 2010.

When preparing to release this mixtape, I had a goal to get it posted on at least one of the two major hip hop blogs on the planet, 2 Dope Boyz and Nah Right.  I was fortunate enough to have Live From New York featured on both, accompanied by some very positive feedback.  Spreading NY hip hop… its all for the love.

 AZ ft. Raekwon, Ghostface Killah – New York

This is the first in depth article discussing Live From New York, and also my first interview.  Very well written article, hope you enjoy… 

“Bloggers and media agree. After an initial write-up on BirthplaceMag.com, a flurry of hip-hop blogs picked up on his release, issuing overwhelmingly positive co-signs. Those commenting almost unanimously agreed, a response Casey humbly enjoys, giving most of the credit to the influence provided by his personal history surrounded by music.”

Sedition: a term of law which refers to overt conduct, such as speech and organization, that is deemed by the legal authority as tending toward rebellion against the established order.

Among other things, legal authority included, this CD is a rebellion against the common place production that plagues today’s mixtapes… and airways.  The Deluxe Sedition is brought to you by Deluxe-NY.com and veteran Dub Sonata, who recorded and produced the entire project.  Among the artists featured on this compilation are Rhymefest, Cormega, Queen Latifah, Nature, Sadat X, and many more.  Roughly 30 rappers and singers appear on The Deluxe Sedition, but the real star is Dub himself, whose quality beats bump throughout and keep you guessing what he’ll do next.

I have had the privilege of working side by side with Dub for a few years now, and as a result have grown as a producer.  If you do not know about Dub Sonata yet, you might as well get familiar, because his music is here to stay.  With a seemingly endless amount of talent and ideas, there is no telling what genre Dub’s sound will pop up in next.  

Rhymefest, Queen Latifah, & Haffa – Goin’ In

Tim Kiely & Skinny Joints – F%ck It I’m Nauseous

Welcome to KevinCaseyMusic.com. This site will be my platform to share musical ideas and interests, as well as future projects. My first post is Live From New York, a compilation that brings together 46 classic New York hip hop songs into one seamless mixtape.  To learn more about Live From New York, including track list and related albums, click here. Enjoy.

Want to burn the mixtape to a CD? Download the high quality Wav files here.

Please read important download tips here.             

Listen to the Intro…