4 Tracks You Need To Know From Chris Brown’s Mixtape, “In My Zone”

February 17, 2010 By TJ 33 Comments

Chris Brown - In My Zone

Chris Brown‘s vow to offer his fans as much music as possible continues with the Valentine’s Day release of his mixtape, “In My Zone.”

Information about the project stayed under wraps for awhile, but when tidbits finally came out, “In My Zone” was said to be a collection of 32 tracks — some new, some takes on other artists’ hit songs — that would showcase Breezy’s ability to musically glide from the grimiest street bangers to the poppiest dance club tunes.

It’s now available for download, and it’s not exactly as promised. Without even listening to the set, the most noticeable change is the number of songs on it. It’s been cut down considerably to only 21 cuts. The overall direction of the project changed as well. Pop music is nowhere to be found. Instead, the set focuses on being a “Rhythm & Streets” assemblage. Fine, but this should be reflected in the mixtape’s intro. (Brown open’s the set by saying, “We gotta do it real big. R&B, pop, the whole nine.”)

Fans of Breezy’s pop workouts will surely be disappointed, but that’s not to say they still can’t find something they’ll like. Out of the 21 tracks — some smooth, sexy and good, others loud, ridiculous and bad — here are four we think you have to check out.

1. Too Freaky – Listen

“Too Freaky” encompasses everything “Rhythm & Streets” stands for. Chris lets his inner bad boy out to party in a major way by rapping and singing over the simmering beat. Of course he’s at his best when he’s singing. Here, it’s a seductive croon. “I will take you down if you let me do it,” he sings. But his rap flow is pretty decent — even if he’s just talking about his “long money” and his long –uh, yeah. That’s where the over 21 age warning comes in.

2. Work Wit It – Listen

Breezy’s time spent in the Caribbean (…) has obviously had a lasting effect. On “Work Wit It” he mixes some island themes (including a fake Jamaican accent) with the ever popular jerk movement for an instant winner sure to rack up spins in the clubs.

3. No Bullsh*t – Listen

You so rarely hear a shout out to safe sex in these bedroom themed songs, but Breezy is the responsible love-maker. “Reach up in that dresser to where them condoms is” — never said he was the poster-child for proper grammar. Minor butchering of the English language aside, the rest of the song is a sexy slow ride from that early morning call for loving to the steamy act, which apparently lasts “all night.” No BS.

4. Medusa – Listen

On “Medusa,” Breezy has his young life changed by a beautiful temptress he likens to the mythical creature who could turn people into stone with one eye-to-eye lock. “I call her Medusa/She the type of her that seduce ya/She the type of girl that’ll turn you into stone/Look her in the eyes and you can’t leave her alone.” This must be a good thing. Breezy is so taken with his Medusa in this summery ballad that he believes his “player days are demolished.”