Laws, Yesterday’s Future

Florida based MC Laws returns with his first mixtape of 2011, offering a fresh take on Paul McCartney’s music as he teams with J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League to continue telling his story…

The tribute mixtape can be a dicey proposition. Most attempts suffer from a clear ignorance of their subject’s work and weak production. Yesterday’s Future, though—Laws’ dedication to Paul McCartney—does it right.

The effort is produced entirely by the J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League and Feb 9, lending it a cohesion most mixtapes lack. The production is masterful, hitting everything from upbeat piano on “Say Say Say” to the grooving organs of “Fly,” without obvious sample choices. The Florida rapper’s agile flow and light voice adapt well to the diverse production. Clever skits manipulate Sir Paul’s interviews and studio chatter to create the illusion of the Beatle and Laws collaborating. “Knocking at the Door” retells Laws’ travails in the music industry, while our host later preaches motivation and belief in self on “Rinse,” over thunderous organ and electric guitar. “Must Be Wrong” is basically a duet: Laws kicks it double-time over pounding piano and guitar peals while McCartney’s sampled voice compliments his punch lines. The centerpiece of the project is a three-part suite take on Sir Paul’s “Mr. Bellamy,” which brings the listener through Laws’ come-up, successes and the road to this tape, done over three vastly different beats.

Future has a few snoozers, but applaud Laws for his ambition and execution. There’s enough bangers here to give Paul McCartney the screwface. —Aaron Matthews

Share
10 Comments Leave a Comment »
  1. Ch*l*z  | June 14, 2011 8:00 am

    R U Kidding?

  2. Stro  | June 14, 2011 3:03 pm

    This Tape Is genius. Classic. Props to LAWS

  3. LegitFigurez  | June 14, 2011 8:29 pm

    This should be XXL!!!! Flawless mixtape all the way through! Laws went beast mode on this shit!

  4. XXL  | June 14, 2011 11:10 pm

    Very dope mixtape. Laws is your future favorite rapper. 813 Stand up!

  5. Whodat  | June 14, 2011 11:12 pm

    This was lyrically impressive also. Laws can paint a picture and not just throwing words on a track. We need more cats breaking thru like this.

  6. sexy asian bobs massage video  | January 22, 2012 2:55 pm

    I think this is among the most vital information for me. And i am glad reading your article. But should remark on few general things, The site style is wonderful, the articles is really excellent : D. Good job, cheers

  7. sexy asina girl massage  | January 25, 2012 8:06 pm

    Just want to say your article is as amazing. The clarity in your post is just great and i could assume you are an expert on this subject. Well with your permission let me to grab your RSS feed to keep up to date with forthcoming post. Thanks a million and please continue the rewarding work.

  8. sexy girl massage  | January 26, 2012 5:15 am

    Great goods from you, man. I have understand your stuff previous to and you’re just too magnificent. I actually like what you’ve acquired here, really like what you are stating and the way in which you say it. You make it entertaining and you still take care of to keep it smart. I can’t wait to read far more from you. This is really a wonderful site.

  9. sexy japanise massage  | January 28, 2012 5:13 am

    Excellent goods from you, man. I have understand your stuff previous to and you are just extremely magnificent. I really like what you have acquired here, really like what you are saying and the way in which you say it. You make it entertaining and you still take care of to keep it smart. I can’t wait to read far more from you. This is actually a terrific site.

  10. Nga Fido  | February 15, 2012 6:11 am

    Just wish to say your article is as amazing. The clarity in your post is simply cool and i can assume you’re an expert on this subject. Well with your permission let me to grab your RSS feed to keep up to date with forthcoming post. Thanks a million and please carry on the enjoyable work.

Leave A Comment

*

Subscribe to XXL news

Get The Latest Hip-Hop News Delivered Daily!
Follow XXL