Thad Reid - Target Practice

This is a really dope mixtape - like, as in actually mixed by a dope DJ mixtape. If you are a fan of real hip hop (you know, solid rhymes and head nodding beats) you will enjoy this tape!

Like Z said, "This is a really dope mixtape - like, as in actually mixed by a dope DJ mixtape."

I'm loving the project, not cause I have 2 tracks on here, but because it shows you can be progressive with your music, and still maintain a hip-hop presence. Beats, rhymes, and and a dj all in harmony on this. Thad's versatility as an artist definitely shines.

My 3 fav's in rotation of the project: Owww, Fresh, and Stratosphere.

Good production on this mixtape. The DJ's and this emcee compliment each other so well. Good versatility on this mixtape and worth the download.

You already know.

So far, the consensus on this mixtape is pretty much that it's hot, and I can't disagree.

Owww was featured a few days ago and I enjoyed the upbeat beat and the easy flow.

When I heard Same As We Ever Was , I wasn't disappointed, but i agreed with richard and DJ Z on that Owww was a lil better.

After listening to more of the mixtape though, any doubts that Owww didn't get rid of were gone. Thad Reid is straight fire, and I wouldn't ve surprised if his popularity skyrockets after this release.

Keep up the good work!

Really dope mixtape I recommend yall hear it.

Song by song breakdown of Target Practice by The Voice of the Commonwealth a.k.a. Thad Reid.

1. Owww (Produced by Don S.)

The mixtape starts out kicking a seemingly simple, uptempo beat, until the strings kick in and it hits you like this a little more epic then first lead on. All the while Thad Reid spits unrelenting fire on the mic for about 2 and a half minutes about various topics from his dreams to his day to day life, a good way to start the mixtape and show what the immensely talented MC is capable of.

2. Put Your Hands Together ft. Starr Nyce (Produced by David Owen)

A strong track, it's lyrically a decent swag anthem, but the production is unexpected and pleasantly surprising. With a nice drum line, and an alluring piano riff.
The production gives the song a second level of sophistication, while still allowing the artists to appear fresh and hard at the same time, a very difficult balance to capture.
We see a nice albeit short feature from Starr Nyce who has a rough sounding voice reminiscent of a higher pitched Jeezy. Both MC's talk themselves up and with apparently good reason, when you can spit like this, why not?

3. Things Change (Produced by Dichter 2 Productions)

Immediately as track number 3 begins your hit with a soft and enjoyable throwback production. Thad Reid spits a smooth verse on this one packed with some subtle pop culture references as he touches on things like woman, cars, and his ability to stand up to stupid trends (High five for the skinny jean bashing?)

4. Get Gone ft Don Suave (Produced by Don S.)

Get Gone begins a track that borders between ok and just decent, and builds in to a track that borders decent and good. With a production that builds on itself, and flow that improves throughout the song, you can't judge this one by its cover.

5. We Wont Stop (Produced by Antagonist)

We Wont Stop is essentially a hood anthem, and a well done one at that. A hard track through and through. Tough production from Antagonist that does its job well and plays Reid up as he dares listeners to test him. A solid track, but not the best on this mixtape.

6. I'm a Be Me (Produced by B-Keyz)

HUGE props to an amazing production from B-Keyz. I like to call tracks like this progress tracks. I say this because you can see the improvement Reid underwent throughout the creation of this mixtape. Strong verses from Reid and an amazing production from Keyz turns this one in to an album ready track.

7. Same As We Ever Was ft. K-Beta & RAtheMC (Produced by Don S.)

The verses here lead the multi-instrumented production on this one. Solid contributions from each artist leave no one artist standing above the other. As with Get Gone (another Don S. production) the production seems to build on itself with instruments then reverts back to the original percussion & horn combo from the beginning.

8. Fresh (Produced by Antagonist)

The second song on the mixtape produced by Antagonist, only confirming he is a solid and consistent producer, with both beats being reminiscent of earlier hip-hop.
Lyrics heavily laced with simile's, Reid gives a solid contribution as he hits on his own lyrical prowess.

9. Its On (Produced by Ologist)
Reid decides to subtly display his storytelling ability with this one. He spits about his newly found fame, critics, and various struggles hes faced in the game. As far as production goes, I'm not sure if I'd say Its On but I'd definitely say Its Interesting (Hah, pun). Its an out of this world production with some soul. To me the production is like a Kanye beat, with a Cudi beat, then pushed back like 20 years.

10. On the Line ft. Sketch

Definitely a standout track on this mixtape. The production helps play up the heat and emotion in both the verses. Sketch comes hard, but Reid comes harder, commanding respect and showing why this is his track. Seperately, I'm a big fine of the chorus. The vocals were impressive for a rapper.

11. Stratosphere (Produced by B-Keyz)

B-Keyz does it again on this one. A very inspiring and thought provoking production, and thought provoking is an appreciated aspect for the rappers, because if the production makes you think, then your thinking about the lyrics. Following this thought provoking (redundant) trend, Reid spits a story fused with emotion about the reason he makes music, which is definitely an important topic to the artist themselves as well as the fans. Maybe not the strongest track on the mixtape, but definitely the best.

12. Once More ft. Soulstice (Produced by Don S.)

Read the last line of my review for the song above... Done? Good. So here we have the strongest track on the mixtape. The production is difficult to categorize. The synth tells of a club beat, but the percussion points to a harder, grittier beat. While I don't hear this in the club, I do hear it on a lot of personal play lists. And on to the guest feature, topping off the song is an amazing verse from Soulstice. With a great flow and strong lyrics Soulstice makes this song his own.

13. Dare Not Walk Alone (Produced by Ologist)

A solid track to finish the mixtape. Ologist gives a subtle production that plays up the other aspects of the song and is ideal for storytelling. And storytelling he does, he spits some of the realest bars heard throughout the mixtape, and you can hear the emotion and sincerity.

14. Bonus??

A hard track to help quell the thirst of anyone wanting more after the official conclusion track Dare Not Walk Alone. Reid spits some tough bars over a strong yet repetitive production.

Overview

In conclusion, you hear Reid show off his versatility with his ability to spit straight anger on one track, to mellow and cool the next. Both of which he does very well. Thad Reid shows why he deserves to be a freshmen, while outlining his struggle to fight his way into this game. Strong guest features, most notably Soulstice, help keep the mixtape fresh and up for repeat listens. As far as productions go I feel that the strongest contributions came from B. Keyz, whereas the consistency trophy would have to go to Don S. for strong productions throughout the entire mixtape. Overall, we're left with more then just a strong effort, but a strong product. And in result, we credit Mr. Thad Reid for a very dope mixtape.

Damn homie that may be the best comment I've ever read. Much appreciated!

This is a good mixtape, I can't say anything about that'll even come close to what @THE5JAY13 posted. This is definitely worth a download.

Nothing else can be said after The5JAY13. He laid it out for everyone.

real hip hop , real production , real lyricisim