Following their underground hit Lets Get Free and turn off the radio the mixtape vol.1 dead prez has gone through some stuff. With their new album R.B.G. Revolutionary But Gangsta) set to come out on Columbia, they were dropped and left to put the album out themselves.

While it wasn't said, dead prez lyrical content probably had a lot to do with the decision. Dead prez's talks about the education system, the government, police situation and being poor and discriminated against in a capitalist society. Not exactly what some want distributed to the masses.

With that said the dp'z had to find themsleves a home to get out thier messages and took the increasingly popular independant route, signing a distribution deal with Landspeed Records.

Mixtape vol. 2 Get Free Or Die Tryin brings the troubled streets to the frontlines with personal stories, songs for inspiration and songs to educate. They also have a little fun.

"Fuck The Law" produced by Black Jeruz features Stic, and the RBG Family letting off steam about why they say f--- the law. The time is now they cry out in the chorus.

"Coming of Age" is a slow track with Stic and N.I.M.R.O.D. laying game on a Teak Underdue beat. It's all about what we do and did coming up to live, coming of age.

"Tallahassee Days" produced by Aaron Harris brings Stic back to Florida to relive some of his struggles in the capital city. From hustling to just trying to eat this song lets you know the struggle is real everywhere just not New York, Los Angeles, or Miami.

"Paper, Paper" with a Tahir beat seemingly meant for the club, Mr. Bugman shows why most feel the need to get that paper by any means and the traps of the game called life that aren't easily traveled.

"Scared To Die" phat and fast beats with quick tongued lyrics fill this track. Ashari X, a Oakland political MC who was recently locked up, tells what he is willing to do and why he's willing to put it all on the line.

"When Mama Cries" features dead prez with Umi and Jamila and they tell the story of one man's struggle with addiction and the family that watches the process. The guitar laced beat by Sol Messiah lets you know of the pain felt and imparts an image when you hear it.

"Window To My Soul" produced and performed by Stic asks you to listen and feel some of the situations and predicaments he went through and conquered. Personal drug abuse, dropping out of school are just some of the topics.

"Last Dayz Reloaded" produced by Onyz is a remake of the ultra hot cut from Onyx's second album, Last Dayz. DP joins the bald headed team of Sticky Fingaz and Fredro as they talk about the final days with a more current and political feel. Similar but different this cut is one song that was worth revisiting.

"Hood News" brings you some happenings in the Hip Hop/Political community and their relavance to us. "It ain't all good news but it sure is hood news!"

"Real Black Girl" (Revolutionary Love) A reggae tune produced by Chad B and featuring dead prez, Jamila, and N.I.M.R.O.D.that talks what the family is looking for in a female. From the shape of the minds to the shape of their bodies.

"O.G. (Original Garvey)" produced by Aaron Harris and performed by Stic brings Marcus Garvey, as black freedom fighter in the early 1900's into the youth lives. Instead of trying to be original gangsta, we should try to be more original Garvey, down for the cause of justice and erasing inequality instead of chasing paper without regard to who it hurts.

"Afrika" produced by Burk once again refers to Garvey and his back to Africa movement. The chorus states "I wanna go to Africa instead of being pimped like a hoe in America"

This album is a smooth listen meaning I can listen and no skip any tracks. The lyrics are poignant and truthful and the beat are diverse and knock in the car. Dead prez shows that music is an important tool to bring light to subjects not often heard. It is nice to see it's power used for more than selling a product or sneaker. The music has a message and it is very powerful.

I'll give it 4 globes. A mixtape you can play in the car as well as a in political meeting and analyze. Can't wait for that new R.B.G. album to come out!