The Mixtape Era Ain’t Over: Dom Kennedy’s Timeless Run Revisited

Dom Kennedy is back outside. After more than five years away from the road, the Leimert Park rapper is launching his "Class of '95" tour and reigniting interest in the early catalog that helped define his laid-back West Coast sound.

While some fans are lining up to hear new material, longtime supporters know that the heart of Dom's legacy lives in his mixtape era — a time when his storytelling, charisma, and ear for soulful production set him apart in the blog-era boom. And even though not all of those classics are available on streaming platforms, their impact still rings out.

Take "In Memory Of," for example. The track is a standout from From the Westside With Love, and it showcases everything Dom does best: understated reflection, nostalgic chords, and that unmistakable L.A. cool. But when it comes to impact, few tapes hit like the Yellow Album. Released in 2012, it wasn't just a vibe — it was a moment. With features from Rick Ross, Kendrick Lamar, Too Short, and Freddie Gibbs, it played like an all-star mixtape but still felt local, like something made for and by the culture. Every track hits, and for many, it's a certified entry in the Underground Hall of Fame.

Before DSPs became the norm, Dom Kennedy's mixtapes moved hand to hand, blog to blog. Tapes like From the Westside With Love, The Original Dom Kennedy, and Best After Bobby built his reputation brick by brick. These weren’t just warm-up laps — they were the foundation of a career rooted in independence and cultural authenticity.

As Dom steps back onstage, there’s a sense of full-circle pride in seeing fans still rock with the early joints. His tour is more than a comeback; it’s a celebration of a catalog that deserves its flowers, streaming or not.

So if you’re catching a show this time around, dig back into those tapes. There’s gold in the archive, and Dom Kennedy's mixtape era is still undefeated.