While co-hosting a podcast not too long ago, the host asked if I felt mixtapes helped or hurt an artist. I said it then and I’ll say it again, I whole heartedly believe they help in more ways than one. Not only is the hunger there, but it’s apparent in every single lyric they spit. Underground artist’s produce the best music in my personal opinion. Why? Because their work is unlike any other. There’s no pressure or influence from a record label, and no particular sound they are contracted to have. The music you’re hearing? A project of an artist and his producer that consists of time, sweat, and passion for weeks on end.

Exercises in Style Vol.1, produced by EyeJayTheBoy, is unlike any other mixtape that I’ve heard in a long time. The instrumental selection was extremely versatile and honestly a positive aspect to attract a bigger fan base. It has modern day instrumentals from songs such as Ace Hood‘s Hustle Hard, to old school the LOX‘s Ride or Die Chick. One thing that was consistent throughout the entire mixtape was that boy A-Roy can spit. 2011 is the year of upcoming lyricist, and lyrics, he definitely has. Features included on this mixtape were from Dru B Shinin, Wrex Washington, Cuddy Lo, J. Quest, J.Kush, RLC tha R.O.D., and E.I..

Fort Worth underground is definitely on the come up. We see ya, and YSA is here to support y’all all the way.

For a free download and rotation of the mixtape, check out A-Roy’s bandcamp page, and be sure to follow him on Twitter.