Mixtape Mayhem: Gang Land

Chevy Woods is the 29 year-old hypeman of Wiz Khalifa and long time member of the Taylor Gang, Khalifa’s diverse entourage of rappers which includes Will Dzombak, Sledgren, and Motor. Woods released his mixtape Gang Land in early June. Previously know by the stage name Kev Tha Hustla, he frequently made appearances on Khalifa’s early mixtapes, Grow Season (2008) hosted by DJ Green Lantern and Prince of the City Pt. 2 (2008). Woods and Khalifa instantly hit it off after the two met in Woods’ hometown of Pittsburgh, PA.

Woods is said to be the next rapper in the Taylor Gang to achieve success comparable to Khalifa. His persistent mixtapes allow room for improvement. Woods’ notable releases are Kev Tha Hustla, The Corner’s Correspondent, Animal, Woods, Pilot Shit, and Red Cup Music.

Woods started rapping at a young age, solely influenced by his friends and neighbors in the local scene, never grasping mainstream music. Woods has expressed his gratitude to Khalifa for getting him out of the streets and letting him tour the country.

Gang Land has 23 versatile tracks, featuring rappers like Wiz Khalifa, Juicy J, Lola Monroe, Young Jerz, and even the likes of Soulja Boy. He categorizes himself as a street rapper with a Pittsburgh edge.

He starts off his mixtape with his first track, “Speed”, which embodies the slow rhythm with relaxed beats reminiscent of Wiz Khalifa’s albums. Travolta, Mfer, and Homerun follow the same type of laidback flow and chill vibes essential for “cruising” music. The rest of his tracks, like Lott and U.S.A., pay homage to Wood’s self-proclaimed “street rap.”

Woods new mixtape, Gang Land, is worthy of listening to because it is his best mixtape yet, and contains numerous examples of his eclectic flair. His upcoming projects feature tracks with Nipsey Hussle and Big Sean.

By Stefanie Guarino