With some of the biggest names in the Dirty South involved in the Southern Smoke TV Vol. 1 Mixtape , one might assume that this mixtape would be one of the biggest ever released. Unfortunately this Southern Smoke mixtape, presented by DJ Smallz and DJ Neptune, simply went up in flames.

When I initially heard about the Southern Smoke mixtape, I was excited because I knew that it would have some of the greatest southern Hip-Hop artists to grace the album. With big names like Ludacris, Plies, Lil Wayne, Rick Ross, Birdman, Lil Boosie, Gucci Mane, Lil Scrappy, Shawty Lo, Young Jeezy, Trick Daddy, Snoop Dogg, Ace Hood, Soulja Slim, T- Pain, Gangsta Boo, and Juvenille on the mixtape, I was surprised to find that I didn’t enjoy it as much as I thought I would. In fact, I actually found that I was a bit disappointed with the outcome.

Both DJ Smallz and DJ Neptune did their thing on this mixtape; from track one to twenty-five, each song was mixed effortlessly and had a smooth transition.  However Southern Smoke lacked in substance and simply settled for catchy hooks in exchange for lackluster material and quality songs. From a production standpoint, this mixtape contained some very original and creatively produced tracks. Although I didn’t particularly enjoy this mixtape, I’m going to focus on the more positive aspects of this joint.

One of my favorite tracks on the mixtape surprisingly was a joint by Lil Wayne called “Facelift.” It had that Rock meets Hip-Hop vibe to it and really stood out as far as unique tracks included on this mixtape are concerned. This of course was a braggadocious track where Lil Wayne was really feeling himself.

Another joint that was very unique and stood out was a track called “I Get Crazy” by Lil Wayne featuring Nicki Minaj. The production on this track was bananas. It had a very 90s Club/Hip-Hop Vibe with a mixture of Rock. This song was very true to its name. As you listen, it actually makes you feel like you are listening to two crazy people just ramble on and even makes you feel a little crazy yourself. While this song is not the greatest lyrically, I love the creativity that it exudes and this is a track I could definitely see my rocking to in the car or even at the club.

Ludacris and Wyclef Jean held it down with a track called “Trippin.” This song had that Latin flavor to it. This was definitely a club track. Luda got his Boricua on; even speaking Spanish in his rhymes.  As Wyclef sang, a Latin singer wailed in the background. The guitar sounds and Spanish singing truly added that classic Latin sound which made this track truly stand out. Everyone knows that when Luda and Wyclef get on a track it’s bound to be a hit. I was actually kind of upset that it only lasted for two minutes. Not only was this track beautifully produced, but the topic was unique, and of course Ludacris is lyrically gifted.

“Dirty Money” by Clete Nigga was also a hot joint. This could truly be a hood anthem. Also on this particular track DJ Neptune mixed the infamous diss joint from Rick Ross featuring Ja Rule and Fat Joe. This diss track is speaking on none other than 50 Cent. I had never heard the song in its entirety and was baffled to find that Ja actually did his thing on it. I’m not a fan of the whole beef; however this was a well put together track that actually had me bopping to it.

As far as quality tracks, that’s about as far as it goes for me. I also felt that there could have been more quality femcees on this mixtape. Gangsta Boo had a track on Southern Smoke called “Fuc Boy,” but it was just less than impressive in my opinion. This song is definitely a hood anthem about how some dudes are just not real. Basically it’s a diss song to all the lame dudes of the world and I can dig it. Don’t get me wrong, the hook is incredibly catchy and I even found myself singing along. However, lyrically I just wasn’t impressed with her or Rich Boy who is featured on the track. I just felt like anyone with a pen could’ve sat down and come up with the same lyrics. The beat was of course on point. This was a classic Dirty South club banger. I’m not really sure what could’ve made this song better; perhaps a different female rapper.

All in all, I was quite disappointed. Would I bump a few of these joints in my I-pod, yes, but as far as calling this the hottest mixtape of the year; no.  Saying that I enjoyed this mixtape thoroughly would definitely be a stretch. Honestly, I guess I just expected more from all of these big time Hip-Hop artists to give a more quality mixtape. While Luda, and a few others held it down, the rest just sort of lacked. However on the plus side, this was only volume one and so I’m confident that they can come out with something bigger and better.