When it comes to producing a solid mixtape, Sway knows a thing or two about this specific field. Entering the game with two smashing compilations (This Is My Promo volumes 1 and 2) and recently having his second entry hailed as Mixtape of the Decade at the Official Mixtape Awards, each Sway mixtape should be held in high estimation due to the quality of his portfolio. In anticipation of his Signature part 2 album, the DCypha squadron gets back into the mixtape driving seat to provide more quick witted teasers to set the pace for his forthcoming release.
Amidst claims that his flow was stolen on the “How Low” freestyle, what is most refreshing and invigorating from The Delivery is Sway’s newly crafted flow, which adds much character to this 27-track compilation. An aggressive, faster flow causes havoc on the track and takes aim at the perpetrators who he claims to have swaggerjacked his style;
“Ruthless but I’m not a homeless kid /
I’m a Prime Minister you’re on the voters list /
I set the President – Olympics /
but i never ever meddle with them ol’ limp pricks…”
Whilst the humorous skits from past mixtapes are sadly omitted, musically, The Delivery makes up for it with scorching verses over Dirty Danger’s “Hard Bodied” and Snoop‘s “I Wanna Rock” instrumentals. One of the highlights sees Sway collaborate with the street’s favourite rapper Giggs on “Back 2 Basics” where Sway’s rapid lyrics are balanced by a chorus from Giggs’ patented vocal style.
We also find that his international credits continue to rise. Rhyming alongside Kardinal Offishall and Sway on “True Stories” shows the north London spitter is not too far off from his Atlantic counterparts whilst the summer skanking “Feeling Funky 3” sees him alongside Konvict Muzik signee and fellow Ghana man Sarkodie, further highlighting the tight bond between Africa and Akon’s growing empire. Sway also gives us a preview of his upcoming projects with some snippets, with the reflective “Life” standing out of the bunch.
Although its duration pushes way past the hour mark, there are more than enough favourites to ensure that Sway’s new mixtape delivers. A definite enhancement can be heard in Sway’s lyrics and the wit remains, even if they may have cooled down in comparison to his older stuff. If provided by the right production (not to mention the now “mandatory” chart record) Sway could be the talk of the town for the duration of 2010.
–Henry Yanney
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