‘I just wanted to go in and paint the picture for the streets,’ the ‘Tony Montana’ MC tells Mixtape Daily. By Rob Markman, with reporting by James Smith Future Photo: MTV News Main Pick Headliner : Future Representing : Atlanta Mixtape : True Story Real Spit : The future is hard to predict, but the mixtape scene down South has long been a crystal ball of sorts when it comes to gauging new rap talent. And if his street buzz is any indication, Atlanta representative Future has plenty of bright days ahead. After establishing his sound on the DJ Scream-hosted 1000 and Dirty Sprite tapes and, of course, on the chorus on YC’s infectious “Racks,” Future has returned with his latest mixtape, True Story. “The mixtape True Story, everything on it from the beginning to the end is based on a very true story, and I just wanted to go in and paint the picture for the streets,” the rapper told Mixtape Daily. Raised in the infamous Zone 6 section of Atlanta, Future found musical inspiration in the form of his cousin Rico Wade of the Dungeon Family (Outkast, Goodie Mob). It was Future’s producer cousin who encouraged him to hone his writing abilities and that support ultimately led to the MC putting out local favorites like “Watch This,” “Yeah, Yeah” and the ladies anthem “Stand.” On True Story, Future puts his pen on full display, crafting catchy hooks over dirty southern bounce beats. The results are enjoyable, the subject matter varied. There’s the strip-club inspired “Magic” and the hustler’s ode, “Tony Montana.” On “Long Time Coming,” Future gets nostalgic and writes a letter to a lost love. Waka Flocka Flame and Scooter assist on the lighthearted “Annoying,” and newly signed G-Unit member Shawty Lo helps out on the lost-homey dedication “Bigger Picture.” While True Story chronicles the rapper’s sometimes difficult come-up, it does provide some hope that the days to come for Future will be worth the struggle. Joints to Check For
