DJ DiBiase and Singh Slim: So Far So Gucci mixtape

Drake and Gucci Mane were undoubtedly 2009's biggest breakout stars in pop rap, yet their styles could hardly be more different: Drake's the polished, smooth-talking child actor, while Gucci's the street-hardened yet sensitive thug. Mashing up their hits, as Atlanta DJs DiBiase and Singh Slim have done on their So Far So Gucci mixtape, is something of a challenge, as both artists rap and sing hooks. Seeing as Gucci is known for tailoring his flows to his original beats, he sounds disjointed on such tracks as "Every Freaky Girl in the World" and "Running Closer," although their slower tempos make it easier to understand his words. Drake comes off a bit better, though he is featured less prominently. The revamping of his hits on "Best I Ever Had (Wasted Blend)" and "EastAtlantaVegas" are imaginative and dreamy. Think of So Far So Gucci as an alternate universe greatest hits tape for the two artists. (Self-released) 3 out of 5 stars.