Respect All Math Or Mathematics

Cam’ron “Calm Down” – Cam’ron’s new double cd mixtape is inevitably diluted by its sprawl, but at least half of it is comprised of some truly inspired work. At first it’s like “wait, why is he wasting so many of these fantastic songs on a semi-official release?” but then it becomes clear that like a lot of the best mixtapes of the past few years, this relaxed, confident music is the direct result of the freedom that comes when you don’t have to cater to the mass market or worry about the high cost of securing hot producers or clearing top-drawer samples. The best songs on Public Enemy #1 build on the strengths of previous successes like “Oh Boy,” “Get Down,” “I.B.S.,” and his verse on Kayne West’s “Gone,” but move into a looser, more soulful zone that emphasizes the pride, humanity, and playful wit in Cam’s raps. (Click here to get it from Mixtapemonster.)

Elsewhere: I kinda love this post on Carrie Brownstein’s new blog in which she all but says “I FUCKING HATE THE DECEMBERISTS!”

Also: Which albums would you like to see covered in the next wave of 33 1/3 books?