For now, Black Cobain has an odd place in DMV hip-hop. As a member of Wale‘s boutique Board Administration label, the Alexandria rapper certainly has some chops, yet his low-key persona seems to have kept him somewhat under the radar. Over the past year, Cobain has seen his former labelmate Fat Trel garner mass acclaim and ascend to the forefront of the local scene, while his mentor Wale has enjoyed a brighter mainstream spotlight with Rick Ross‘ Maybach Music Group.
Released today, the Cheers mixtape finds Cobain searching for his own shine atop an assortment of hulking beats, the likes of which are sure to rattle your trunk. I’ll have a review in this Thursday’s paper. Until then, you can judge the tape for yourself.