I first read about the N.E.R.D. project in something like Maxim Magazine back in college around 2001. Very quickly, the UK version was on file-sharing sites (Napster, LimeWire, Kazaa), and I snapped it up. Ironically, there was no way to know the actual tracklisting, so I made a mix CD with the order that I liked. This was the OG beats version that was never released in America and remains my preferred version. In 2002, with what must be one of my first-ever purchases on Amazon, I actually managed to buy the OG UK version on CD so that I could have WAV files of this amazing debut album, though I quickly burned a CD with the order I was used to from my sketchy mp3’s. N.E.R.D.’s second album, Fly or Die, was actually really good, but at the time, I was sorta turned off by the band instrumentation on a N.E.R.D. album and didn’t keep up with them much after that. This needed to be sorted out, so I’ve gone through their discography for a mixtape. I’ve used some of my beats versions of In Search of... songs as well as the officially available versions with full instrumentation because, with fresh ears, some of them actually kinda slap. You be the judge. One thing I realized while pulling this tape together is that Fly or Die was actually freaking amazing. I love the Steely Dan-esque moments, and really, the only thing I can knock it for is being a little short. Definitely an admirable follow-up to their goat debut masterpiece, In Search of... She Wants To Move Things Are Getting Better Inside Of Clouds Don't Don't Do It Anti Matter Rock Star I've Seen The Light Hot n Fun Party People You Know What The Way She Dances Waiting For You Baby Doll Everyone Nose (All the Girls Standing in the Line for the Bathroom) Ride That Thang Am I High Thrasher Chariot Of Fire Fly Or Die Wonderful Place Maybe Stay Together Jump Spaz Brain Tape You Voilà Lapdance If you're listening on Apple Podcasts, please shoot me a quick 5-star rating, and a positive review if you're feeling generous. While you're there, remember to sub.