1996 was quite the memorable for fans of both Hip-Hop and Pop Culture. Just ask the members of TOOTHPASTE, Kassa Overall & TECLA. The pair are currently readying a mixtape, aptly titled 1996; It's poised to be "AN ODE TO THE PAST AND AN ODE TO THE FUTURE" (Kassa Overall) and will feature raps/hoops over beats culled from various 1996-bred hits... featuring New York's finest up-and-comers: Big Baby Gandhi, DVS, Chaz Van Queen, Tavi, and K-Bob. TOOTHPASTE's upcoming mixtape will most likely be composed of beats culled from landmark Hip-Hop albums that were originally released back in 1996: OutKast, Aaliyah, 2pac, Jay-Z, The Roots, Tribe, Busta Rhymes, De La Soul, Nas, and Lil Kim.

I really enjoyed Kassa Overall's latest commercial effort, Stargate. Skillfully apping over top of a size-able amount of current Pop Radio staples... a vein in which I figure 1996 will essentially mirror. From what I hear, TECLA is making some pretty note-worthy waves in the Indie Hip-Hop scene, herself. THANK$GIVING was quite arguably one of the bigger holiday-themed projects of 2011-12! While no official release date has been set for 1996 (mixtape), expect to hear that shit sooner than later!

"This album is going to be CLASSIC, believe me..."

- Kassa Overall