DJ Rapid Ric – Whut It Dew 4 Review

Words by Karl Orts

Words by Daniel Thomason

Once again Austin, Texas', Rapid Ric is back at it, this time with the fourth installment of the "Whut It Dew" series, one of Texas's most recognized mixtape lines.

With an impressive collection of 44 tracks, this newest addition contains something for everyone, with remixes, album cuts, and flows from some of the state's finest rappers.

Due to the vast amount of material on the CD, most tracks clock in at right around the two minute mark, showcasing just one artist each for the most part. Although some do not like this format, it does help to carry the mixtape on quickly and keeps the listener from getting bored with tracks.

From the moment play is pressed and the appropriately titled "World Famous Rapid Ric Intro" plays, fans of the series will know they are in for a treat. This transitions into the longest track on the CD (clocking in at a brief 3:35), K.B. DA Kidnappa's "Woodgrain Grippin'", featuring fellow Houston rappers Trae and Z-Ro.

As the mixtape progresses, Rapid Ric blazes through tracks such as "Caprice Musik", the current single from Dallas' Tum Tum, the remix to "I'm A Fool Wit It" from Fort Worth's Twisted Black, and even a cut from the upcoming Whut It Dew Family album.

It is also important to note that some artist's tracks only have the verse from the Texas artist who was featured on it. While I have heard complaints about this, I see no problem with it, as this is a Texas mixtape after all.

Throughout the CD, Ric's skills with the turntables are on display. From the scratches to the cuts to the blends to the mixing to the brought back lines, he once again shows why he had the title of Mixtape Mechanic (which he says on the "Name Switch Break" he is now changing to Album Mechanic).

By far many of the highlights on "Whut It Dew 4" come in the form of flows by a wide range of Texas MC's.  Chamillionaire provides a classic flow to Lil Boosies' "Zoom" entitled "International Hustlin'", the ending of which has a heavenly sounding blend with DJ Khaled's "Born And Raised".

Swishahouse member Yung Redd gives a flow called "Dead Presidents" to Lil Scrappy's "Money In The Bank", while Mr. Blakes drops a flow to "I'm A Fool Wit It" cleverly titled "Cool With It". Chalie Boy, Dougie D, Wine-O, Magno, Lester Roy, Kinfolk Joe, Da Ryno, and A-3 also all bring heat to the CD with their own impressive flows.

By far, though, two artists stick out with their flows, namely Austin residents and Whut It Dew Family members Gerald G. and Black Meezy. Meezy provides a great verse and even better hook on the "Bang Bang" flow to DJ Khaled's "Born And Raised", and is easily able to hold his own on the track with Guerilla Maab veteran Dougie D. Gerald G.'s "It's Me Again" flow is a great introduction to those who haven't heard him, perfectly showcasing his angry flow and fast paced delivery.

Naturally, then, one of the best tracks is Black Meezy and Gerald G.'s "Been Known". Both go back and forth trading verses with a fast and furious delivery that proves why they are two of the top up-and-coming talents in Texas.

When it comes down to it, "Whut It Dew 4" is a great mixtape for both fans of the "Whut It Dew" series and newcomers alike. Although a handful of tracks towards the end seem like last minute add-ons, the other 40 tracks will keep listeners ears rejoicing until the next installment.