Mixtape review – Fashawn’s Higher Learning 2

Posted at February 17, 2011 by Julie J 1 Comment

I could have guessed that I would like this mixtape because the cover artwork is clever and dope, and it is hosted by DJ Ill Will and DJ Rockstar, whose projects I typically tend to like. And, yes, Fashawn doesn’t disappoint, either.

Higher Learning 2 might start off slow with that “We Are The Champions” song, but don’t let that trick you because at the :36 mark of the first track, off he goes. While most, if not all, the songs are of quality, I especially like “Weed Nap” with GLC, the J Cole produced and featured song “Not for the Radio,” the deeper “Catch Me When I Fall,” and his version of “Higher” (Kanye’s “Dark Fantasy”). I also appreciate the multitude of meanings that “Higher” can take: higher from smoking, higher (learning) from education, higher or better than the rest, etc. We all how much I love puns and clever wordplay.

I think also that Fashawn did an excellent job of thematically tying this tape together. If you’re paying attention while listening, you will notice that all of the songs somehow relate to the “Higher Learning” theme, even if they do so subtly. Normally, I’m not a fan of skits, but I think they add to the tape in this case. Most mxtapes I listen to don’t seem so unified, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but that is one of the elements that makes Higher Learning 2 stand out, in my humble opinion.

Higher Learning 2 dropped yesterday (download here) and make sure you check out his tour dates.