Mania by Pac Div: A Hidden Gem in 2011 Hip-Hop That Still Bangs
Alright, so let’s talk about Mania, the album by Pac Div that dropped back in 2011. It’s one of those projects you might’ve slept on if you weren’t paying attention at the time, but trust me, it’s worth revisiting. Hosted by Don Cannon (you know, the guy who always brings that fire energy), this mixtape-style release was raw and unfiltered—just straight bars with minimal label interference since it came out independently under "Not On Label." The mixing credits go to Elliot Carter, Glen Gonda, and Nick Broten, which explains why everything sounds tight without feeling overproduced.
The vibe? Pure West Coast meets East Coast sensibilities. You get that gritty storytelling mixed with laid-back flows that make you wanna nod your head while thinking deep thoughts. There are 15 tracks total, but I’ll keep it simple and shout out two joints that really stuck with me.
First up is “Take Me High.” Yo, this track is smooth as hell. The beat has this hypnotic groove that feels like floating on a cloud made of weed smoke and good vibes. The lyrics hit hard too—it’s not just about getting high; it’s more like an escape from whatever’s weighing you down. Like, when they say “take me high,” it ain’t just physical—it’s spiritual. I remember bumping this late at night during a road trip once, windows down, stars above, and it felt like the universe aligned for five minutes. Cheesy? Maybe. True? Absolutely.
Then there’s “Still A Knucklehead.” This one slaps because it reminds you where these dudes come from. They don’t shy away from talking about their struggles or mistakes, and honestly, that honesty makes the song relatable AF. The production is rugged yet polished enough to let the rhymes breathe. Every time I hear it, I think about how life doesn’t give us clean resets—we’re all still figuring it out, ya feel me? Plus, the hook sticks in your brain for days.
Other bangers like “SuperNegroes” and “Anti-Freeze” show off their versatility, switching between playful wordplay and serious introspection. And then there’s “Your Fckin’ Song,” which is exactly what it sounds like—a no-holds-barred diss aimed at fake industry cats trying to stunt. Classic hip-hop energy right there.
Looking back now, Mania feels ahead of its time in some ways. Back in 2011, everyone was chasing chart-topping hits, but Pac Div stayed true to themselves, crafting something authentic instead of chasing trends. It didn’t blow up commercially, but maybe that’s part of its charm—it’s like finding an old vinyl record in a thrift store and realizing it’s gold.
Final thought? Listening to Mania today feels kinda bittersweet. On one hand, it’s nostalgic as heck, like flipping through an old photo album. On the other hand, it makes me wonder why we don’t hear more music like this anymore—music that prioritizes substance over spectacle. Or maybe I’m just trippin’. Either way, do yourself a favor and check this out. Oh, and here’s a random question to leave you with: Why don’t mixtapes get the same love as albums these days? Food for thought. Peace.
