Dirty Sprite (2011) - Future

 

Released on January 11, 2011, Dirty Sprite is a mixtape by American rapper Future. This project played a significant role in establishing Future's presence in the hip-hop scene, showcasing his distinctive blend of melodic hooks and street-centric lyrics.

Tracklist:

1. "Dirty Sprite"
2. "Narcotics"
3. "We Winnin'"
4. "Watch This"
5. "We Got It"
6. "Racks" (feat. YC)
7. "Ain't No Way Around It"
8. "Freeband Gang"
9. "I’m Trippin'"
10. "Power of That P"
11. "Pop Bands"
12. "On 2 Us"
13. "Ball Forever"
14. "Deeper Than the Ocean"
15. "Take a Look"
16. "The Future Is Now"

The mixtape's title, Dirty Sprite, references a popular concoction in Southern hip-hop culture, commonly known as "lean" or "purple drank," which is a mixture of prescription-strength cough syrup containing codeine and promethazine with a soft drink, often Sprite. This theme is prevalent throughout the mixtape, both in its lyrics and overall aesthetic.

Dirty Sprite laid the groundwork for Future's subsequent projects, leading up to his third studio album, DS2 (Dirty Sprite 2), released in 2015. DS2 serves as a sequel to this mixtape, further exploring themes of excess, substance use, and the highs and lows of Future's lifestyle. 

The mixtape features collaborations with artists like YC on the track "Racks," which gained significant attention and helped propel Future into the mainstream spotlight. The production on Dirty Sprite includes contributions from various producers, providing a diverse yet cohesive sound that complements Future's autotuned vocals and melodic delivery.

Dirty Sprite is considered a pivotal release in Future's discography, marking the beginning of his rise to prominence in the hip-hop industry.