This guy ROBy is something else, in a good way. He can turn up on a beat with that wavy, feel good atmosphere; or break down the problems of society into a science like most of the Golden Era artists. Although Cartoon Summers is only considered a summer mixtape aimed to promote his upcoming album, this is probably my favorite project from him thus far.

Before I delve into the specifics of this project, I have to acknowledge the moves Rob has been putting in to put on. The 23 year old South Central native has been all over the Americas with the sounds of Cartoon Summers (CS16) in his company. Appearances in New York, Los Angeles and the Dominican Republic show that his exposure has some serious reach. The last time I heard from him he was still on the road promoting CS16 in Las Vegas.

Last year, ROBy’s debut project, The Red Carpet caught my attention. The 16 track album has an introspective theme that felt emotionally deeper than CS16. This turn up mixtape exceeded my expectations though.

ROBy has a great choice of beats; his lyrical style paints a refreshing picture regardless of the vibe. It’s very rare to see an artist reach into the best of both worlds, and apply his artistry to both sides of Hip-Hop music. His title track, Cartoon Summers is a slapper full of conscious bars with double meanings.

               “It’s either Hilary or Trump, man this s***’s too late,

                and Barack wasn’t lyin’ when he said we’ll see change” 

ROBy is having fun, but he is still aware. There’s no way I can pick a favorite song, but my top two would have to be Cartoon Summers and Get It Man. Both of those songs force your head to move with a disgusted look on your face.

All I can say is that if this mixtape is promoting his upcoming winter album, I’m anxious to hear more. ROBy’s vision has placed him up with the front runners of Portland in my book. Be on the lookout for more, and study up on his music in the mean time. Listen to Cartoon Summers below.

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