Via ThisIsHipHop

Mash-ups are like Hansel from Zoolander, ‘so hot right now‘. The craze of The Grey Album by Danger Mouse caused everyone and their aunties to develop a remix album of their own to the not-so-rare Jay-Z a cappellas. Fact: The album was a work of genius. Fact: Many of the other remix albums that were attempted were tacky, cheesy, obvious and silly. Regardless, it led to the widely publicized and popular Collision Course done by Linkin Park with Jay’s participation and acceptance. Hova’s willingness to reach out to artists outside of hip-hop continued with his collaboration with Coldplay’s Chris Martin on the song “Beach Chair” from the Kingdom Come album.

“Beach Chair” seems to be the inspiration for the new Mick Boogie (Commissioner!) and Terry Urban mixtape, Viva La Hova. To carry on the grand tradition of putting Jay-Z’s lyrics to someone else’s beats, Viva puts Jay’s hot lines over Coldplay’s drums, guitars and vocals. Now, if you’re like me and don’t know a damn thing about Coldplay and prefer Chris E. Martin over Chris Martin, please check your apprehension at the door, because this is quite the worthy effort. Boogie and Urban gather up-and-comers (Remot, nVMe) and established vets (9th Wonder, and Cookin’ Soul) to hit the boards and merge Jay-Z and Coldplay into one cohesive sound. The result is one of the best Jay-Z remixes to hit our iPods since The Grey Album.

Overall Score: 85/100

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