Negative Mixtape by Mesa & Pox: A Czech Hip-Hop Gem That Still Slaps in 2023
Let’s get one thing straight—Czech hip-hop isn’t exactly the first thing you think of when scrolling through Spotify playlists. But Negative Mixtape, dropped back in 2014 by Mesa & Pox under Omega Records, is a gritty, raw ride that deserves way more shine than it gets. This ain’t your polished, radio-friendly rap; it’s real talk over beats that hit like a punch to the gut.
First off, props to Pox for pulling double duty as both executive producer and main beatmaker on most tracks. Dude clearly didn’t sleep during this project—he produced everything except track 9 (shoutout DJ Puuu) and track 12 (big up Sasa). And let’s not forget Redy, who mastered AND recorded this beast. The whole crew brought their A-game here.
Now, onto the goods. If I had to pick two standout tracks, they’d be “Hudba” and “Lež.” Why? Because these cuts stick with ya long after the album ends.
“Hudba” feels like the soundtrack to some late-night existential crisis—it’s got this hypnotic flow where Mesa spits bars about life, art, and all the messy stuff in between. The beat? Smooth but sharp, kinda like a well-sharpened pencil stabbing you in the brain. You know what I mean? It’s one of those songs that makes you nod your head while silently questioning all your life choices. Classic combo.
Then there’s “Lež,” which hits different because it’s brutally honest. Like, "I-can’t-believe-they-said-that" levels of honesty. Pox lays down a grimy instrumental that perfectly matches the vibe of Mesa’s lyrics. There’s no sugarcoating here—just cold truths served over a bassline so thick you could spread it on toast. Every time I hear this track, I’m reminded why lying is bad… or maybe just how good Mesa is at calling people out.
The rest of the album keeps the energy high too. Tracks like “Bomberman” bring the heat with aggressive flows, while “Proč?” slows things down enough to make you actually think. Even the intro track sets the tone without trying too hard—a rarity in today’s oversaturated music scene.
What really stands out though is how personal this project feels. Mesa writes lyrics that read like diary entries scribbled in the dark, and Pox backs them up with production that’s equal parts moody and fire. Together, they create something authentic—a rare find in an era where algorithms often dictate what sounds “good.”
So yeah, Negative Mixtape might fly under the radar for most folks outside the Czech Republic, but trust me, it’s worth a listen. In fact, if aliens ever invade Earth and demand we hand over our best hip-hop albums, I’d slip this one into the pile. Not saying it’ll save humanity, but hey, at least we’d go out with style.
Random thought before I sign off: If Mesa and Pox ever decide to drop a sequel, I hope they call it Positive Playlist. Or maybe Neutral Naptime. Either way, count me in.
