The latest mixtape from Buffalo rapper L-Biz, Ya Heard Dat, is yet another solid addition to the impressive year that the local hip-hop scene has been having with releases from EVC affiliates Cove, Short Moscato, Mic Excel, and The Bermuda Triangle as well as newcomers Network. The tape's opening title track is a confident first statement delivered over a jazzy beat that feels effortlessly smooth. With clever wordplay and infectious flows, L-Biz presents himself as an artist comfortable with his style, never having to press or resort to gimmicky hooks for attention, instead relying on a well-crafted, soulful sound that quite simply speaks for itself.

Other standout tracks from the mixtape include "What Must I Say," which features one of the more memorable, soul-sampling instrumentals. It's a sound that the genre has seen more than its fair share of, but still manages to sound timeless when carried out with the authenticity that makes this tape such a rewarding listen. "Cuffin Season" includes one of the more memorable choruses along with "Be My Lady," which together display a keen melodic pop sensibility made possible by incredibly close attention to detail. You can purchase the mixtape for $5 at the artist's Bandcamp page along with Ya Heard Dat, the album.