Rapper Dee-1 hosts a mixtape release party Wednesday for "The Focus Tape."

Later this morning, I'm recording a Spilt Milk podcast with rapper Dee-1. Next week, he'll release a new mixtape, The Focus Tape, the follow-up to his acclaimed I Hope They Hear Me Vol. 2. Here are a couple of downloadable previews, the modestly titled "The Very Best," cut with Mannie Fresh and Yasiin Bey (formerly known as Mos Def), and a remix of "Never Clockin Out" featuring Killer Mike.