Two different hip hop mixtape organizations have come out with releases that have attracted the attention of music critics across the blogosphere. Much like "Dante's Peak" versus "Volcano" in 1997, or "Antz"' versus "A Bug's Life" in 1998, the simultaneous release of similar material causes confusion, so we at EADJ will break down the main differences for you here:
"Coochie, Cash & Cougars" is presented by No Line Gang, featuring rapper Levi Leer. "Paper, Pussy & Purp," however, is brought to you by DJ Winn, DJ Shure Fire & DJ Smallz, featuring rapper Skroodle.
Although the titles of the two mixtapes are similar, there is a difference in emphasis. Levi Leer chose to start off with Coochie, mention Cash second, and then finish with Cougars. Skroodle took a different approach by mentioning finances first (Paper) then quickly mentioning Pussy and ending with the all-important Purp. What's interesting in the former is that one assumes "Coochie" to mean "women," but when there is mention of "Cougars," you suddenly have to reevaluate what "Coochie" means: Drugs? Respect? Luckily, Levi Leer clarifies this confusion at 1:03 in his intro, wherein he states outright, "I love coochie/ I love cash/ and I love old bitches." This means Leer has foregone the mention of dealing with drugs entirely, opting instead to mention women and older women as two different quantities. Ostensibly, this is to present Leer as a shrewd businessman as well as a ladies man versus being a common street hustler.
It's already very clear what Skroodle is talking about in his mixtape title, but he cleverly adds ghosted texture within the letterforms themselves to remove any lingering doubt; even the most inexperienced hip-hop listener can now tell that Paper means dollars and that Purp refers to marijuana. And to tie it all together, he has designated the ampersand to contain his likeness. Skroodle is no stranger to playing with type– his name on the cover is simply the House Industries Playhouse font with a pair of handcuffs as the O's and a pistol for the L.
"Coochie Cash & Cougars" posts a warning at the bottom that the content within is "For Bad Bitches Only," further reinforcing Levi Leer's preference for women (perhaps too much?). "Paper Pussy & Purp" simply displays a stamp at the bottom: "Certified Hood Entertainment," letting potential listeners know that this mixtape has been officially endorsed by 'hood regulators.
Final Analysis: Even though both mixtapes are free to download here and here, respectively, you'll be hard pressed to find worse Lil' Wayne-wannabe autotuning than "CC&C" and meandering bush-league southern slangin' than "PP&P."
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