Divine Minds x Soulklap Pay Tribute To 16-bit Games With ‘Give Up The Sticks’ Mixtape

Before Def Jam: Rapstar, DJ Hero and artists providing the soundtrack to games, Hip Hop and gaming were two separate entities, but had always had a strong bond. Whether referenced by rappers or being characters in their own game what Hip Hop hadn’t done was to fully use the soundtracks which accompanied the games.

But going back to the days of Super Nintendo and Sega Genesis are the Cleveland rap click Divine Minds. Made up of MC Black J and producer Mike A, the duo have won props from bloggers and their fellow peers in the rap circuit for their material which channels the spirit of rap’s golden years.

Teaming up with up-and-coming producer Soulklap, Divine Minds pay tribute to 16 bit graphics, extra lives and power ups on this latest mixtape hosted by Mick Boogie and Terry Urban.

A conceptual mixtape based entirely on video games, Give Up The Sticks is stacked with samples from vintage games such as Mario Brothers, Street Fighter and many more which will delight all geeks around the world. Of course these tracks are given an upgrade for the new millennium as kicking beats are mixed with the various blaring, clinking sound effects from the games.

On “Mario Sticks” Black J uses the popular title as a metaphor for life, which is pulled off with much wit and cleverness. But it’s the simple, nostalgic raps which really pull the mixtape together as tales of saving up to buy consoles, game obsessions and parents getting mad will resonate with anyone growing up in the game crazed period.

“Grounded (Punishment Revisited)” is a vivid depiction of the various scenarios which daydreaming/obsessing about game can get you into whilst the dope “Superpowers” (which samples the great underwater Donkey Kong Country stage) and “Superpowers II” are fantasy filled stories wishing for powers akin to the heroes of the small screen.

It’s not all fun and games however, as “Killing Dream Killers” puts on blast those who try to repress anyone with a creative mind and “Who’s Fault” looks at the issue linking violence to video games.

A unique project in which Hip Hop isn’t the main focus, Give Up The Sticks’ ode to the days of button smashing games is done with much style and exuberance. Even when looking past the numerous samples, the combination of Divine Minds and Soulklap add enough Hip Hop merits for backpackers to give a nod of approval to.

Non-gamers may skip this project entirely, and a few tracks notably “Let Go” and “Mega Power” could have been reduced as 21 songs drags the mixtape on for longer than necessary. But in paying homage to growing up, Divine Minds hit everything from all night gaming sessions to unlocking levels. Give Up The Sticks is a must for anyone who misses the days of blowing cartridges and throwing joypads in frustration.

DOWNLOAD: Divine Minds x Soulklap – Give Up The Sticks

giveupthesticks.bandcamp.com