Zaytoven and Shanell Drop ’88 Keyz’ Mixtape

Despite being part of the Young Money imprint for more than half a decade now, Shanell has yet to secure herself a proper release date. Fortunately, the mixtape circuit is still there to let artists like her bypass the corporate red tape; today (Jan. 20), she pulls back the curtain on 88 Keyz, her full-length collaboration with the Atlanta producer Zaytoven.

The tape is hosted by her longtime label boss and mentor, Lil Wayne, and features guest turns from the likes of T-Pain and Bankroll Fresh--as well as intermissions where the floor is ceded to Wayne himself. Way back in 2010, Shanell forged a name for herself by penning "Prom Queen," the lead single from Wayne's Rebirth, the album that marked his divisive foray into rock music.

Zaytoven became a star for his work with Gucci Mane in the latter half of the 2000s. Known for his distinctive drum kits and his mastery of synth-based production, he has gone on to work with a variety of the world's best and biggest rappers, particularly those from his home town. His January 2015 joint project with Future, Beast Mode, was a major part of the run that carried the latter to his #1 album, Dirty Sprite 2. More recently, he teamed up with the talented Washington, D.C. rapper Shy Glizzy for For Trappers Only. Here, he and Shanell find a sound that employs softer edges, but a firm, driving engine. Stream the tape in its entirety below:

See New Music Releases for January 2016