HOW TO MAKE IT IN AMERICA: THE MIXTAPE VOLUME 2

Following last year's success of HOW TO MAKE IT IN AMERICA: THE MIXTAPE, HBO just dropped Volume 2 to celebrate the launch of the new season. Presented by Broke Mogul (Scott Vener, music supervisor for the show) and Mick Boogie, the mixtape is inspired by the show, which follows characters in their twenties, as they hustle their way through New York City to achieve the American Dream on their own terms.

The style of music on this tape spans across various genres from hip-hop and house, to edgy alternative bands, singer/songwriters and music producers. Featured artists, that you may or may not have heard of, include Theophilus London, M83, Blood Orange, Meek Mill, Little Dragon, Buddy, The Joy Formidable, Future Islands and many more. Either way, it is an amazing collection of songs to add to your iPod.

Although this tape does not include any new songs, it has a great mix of rap and indie, a blend of flavors to fit any individual style and mood. It even includes Avicii’s very popular club hit “Levels.” It seems as though Broke Mogul and Mick Boogie complement one another rather well, not only selecting and mixing tracks that they believe people want to hear, but tracks that contain sounds from all over the world and end up in the heart of New York.

The paths of the characters in the show likely bears a resemblance to these artists’ musical journeys. For me, the greatest aspect of this tape is that many of the actors and artists have had a real life experience with New York, coinciding with the characters on the show (i.e. Theophilus London is from Brooklyn, New York). I think that one of the hardest things when creating a soundtrack is choosing music that not only directly connects with the characters and the theme of the movie or show, but that directly connects with the listeners. The show itself is one that young people today can personally relate to -- especially during a time of economic hardship -- and the meaning behind this tape achieves that same goal.

The tape embodies such eccentricity and diversity, but each artist somehow manages to link their track with either the beauty of the show or of New York. The tape opens up with Scott "Kid Cudi" Mescudi expressing what makes NYC special -- having all ambitions and some way to figure out how to achieve it, no matter what it is. Similarly, the recurrent main line in Future Island’s “Balance” is ‘It just takes time.’ The first thing that struck me about that line was how it subtly spoke to reaching your goals and achieving your dreams—something that I myself can relate to. What’s more, their dance rhythm and array of melodies make it rewarding to listen to the line’s repetition.

I found myself instantly and easily lost in the music of the M83 track, “Midnight City.” Their wistful ‘80s meets electronic house sound created by an assortment of heavy synthesizers, live percussion, laser beam sound effects and complementary up-tempo and slow rhythms somehow unites perfectly. Additionally, Blood Orange’s “Sutphin Boulevard,” has a seamless balance of pop/hip hop beats meshed with Devonté Hynes’ soulful tone. Not to mention, Hynes is becoming one of Brooklyn’s most dynamic acts, achieving his own American Dream in New York. On a lighter note, Duck Tails’s track “Killin’ The Vibe” has a catchy tune accompanying its laid back rock sound and vocals, but the length of the track could have benefitted from being cut down.

The specific use of transition from one track to another is one that is very eloquent and refreshing. It’s the sound of a record scratching along with the dulled voice of an actor as he/she shares their personal experiences on and off the show. The illustration of the passion that these actors have for their characters and the openness that they create with viewers of the show, both current and potential, is daringly prominent.

One actor’s account that stood out for me in particular was the voice of Victor Rasuk, who plays Cam Calderon, the character Ben’s best friend and the “fuel to the pair’s hustle:” ‘I was born and raised in New York, so it’s a show that portrays characters and people I’ve either grown up with or come across throughout most of my life and I think it does it in a very true, non-sensitized way.’

Overall, the combination of genres and dialogue that surge throughout this tape make it extremely unique and offer listeners an opportunity to engage with the music and show on a different level. In my opinion, this is one of the best in terms of versatility and consistency.

HOW TO MAKE IT IN AMERICA stars Bryan Greenberg, Victor Rasuk, Luis Guzman, Lake Bell, Eddie Kaye Thomas and hit recording artist Kid Cudi. The show airs every Sunday, starting October 2nd at 10:30pm, only on HBO.

Please see below for entire track list. Enjoy!

1. Kid Cudi – The New York Intro
2. Future Islands – Balance
3. Theophilus London – I Stand Alone; symbolizes strength.
4. Mugison – I Want You
5. Blood Orange – Sutphin Boulevard
6. M83 – Midnight City
7. Soul Searcher – Can’t Get Enough (DJ Theory Remix)
8. Agoria – Heart Beating (feat. Kid A)
9. Avicii – Levels (Original Mix)
10. Oliver Koletzki & Fran – Hypnotized
11. The Joy Formidable – Austere
12. Little Dragon – Crystalfilm
13. Meek Mill – House Party (feat. Young Chris)
14. Buddy – Awesome, Awesome
15. Summer Camp – I Want You
16. Duck Tails – Killin’ The Vib
17. Catcall – Swimming Pool