Donnis - Diary of an ATL Brave (presented by 10 Deep)

Usually, when listening to mixtapes there are a few things I look for: originality, lyrics and musicality. I look for these even more when I know that the rest of the blogosphere is raving over the artist. I look for them even moreso when the mixtape is sponsored. When I d/led the new Donnis mixtape, "Diary of an ATL Brave" presented by 10 Deep, I was expecting a lot considering their first two sponsorships (Wale and KiD CuDi) were both really successful. After listening, I can say this. In my opinion, Donnis has skills. However, at times it seems like he's trying to sound like other rappers. I got vibes from T.I. I got vibes from Andre 3000. I got vibes from Bun B and even a little from Soulja Boy. Not to say that it's a bad thing to want to emulate your favorite rapper, but in order to break into the mainstream, a rapper has to bring something new to the table for him to have any sort of longevity. In terms of beats, this mixtape is excellent. The music sounds polished and the production is great. I guess that's what happens when you get a mixtape sponsored. All in all, Donnis is going to have a future in rap, and the mixtape is okay. I just think he has a lot of work to do in terms of finding his own sound, especially coming from the South, where EVERYONE has a distinct personality on wax. Maybe your opinion is different. Whatever the case, check the mixtape download, the covers and tracklist, a loosie and of course, my picks...

Cream of the Crop:
Beginnings
Underdog
Gone

Cream of the Crap:
The Way You Are
Ticket to the Moon