By Sarah Godfrey
D.C.-based rapper Tabi Bonney has never needed to rely on mix tapes as promotional tools — the legions of cool kids rocking pieces from his clothing line have been advertisement enough.
So it's only now -- years into the MC's career -- that Bonney has released his first mix tape, "Mick Boogie presents: A Place Called Stardom." The free download contains enough of Bonney's successes to stand as a solid primer for the uninitiated, and there's plenty of newer material, so those who've followed Bonney's career from day one should have no problem allowing him to reintroduce himself.
Many of the 24 tracks on "Stardom" already appear on Bonney's studio albums, "Dope" and "A Fly Guy's Theme," including the Kokayi-produced "Jet Setter." Even "The Pocket," Bonney's best-known track, appears here, but he justifies its inclusion by setting it up with a little introduction that explains the influence go-go has on D.C. hip-hop, and where he was when inspiration for the track's infectious hook hit him (that would be at the intersection of Florida and New York Avenues).
Newer tracks feature Bonney's adroit rhymes and plentiful brand-name dropping, including "Killer People," "Get Me," "The Feeling" with Buckshot and GZA, and "Bonafide," a Wale-assisted gem from Bonney's vaults. And for the go-go heads, there is a remix of "Rich Kids," with Reaction Band -- a track that would would fit in just as well on a PA tape as it does on the mix tape.
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