So this is amazing: an has compiled an unofficial, 66-track trilogy of mixtapes cataloging the entire post-2006 output of beloved, under-released R&B singer Cassie—three hours of unreleased songs, Japanese-only tracks, collaborations, skits and sketches. Taking cues from The Weeknd's new album and a, Cassie's involves three separate mixtapes, organized by subgenre: Velvet Night, which is 'minimalist R&B'; Dope 'N Diamonds, showcasing her 'dark electro-style'; and Supermodel, 'pure pop.' Download below while they're still around.

R&B is an ever-expanding and changing genre, especially in 2012 if you’re a man. Frank Ocean, Migeul, and The Weeknd all rose to higher notoriety and famethanks, in part, to their minimalist beats and crisp falsettos. They brought fresh sounds and perspectives and reinvigorated the likes of Usher, with being a direct result of the Weeknd and Drake. The women that once ruled R&B, sparking new trends and sounds have mellowed down to the traditional tracks of love, sex and empowerment. There is a void in the world of R&B, or maybe Alt-R&B, where women do not seem to be sparking a new and creative voice. I would like to argue that Cassie, yes Cassie that one-hit wonder and Diddy-lover, may just be what R&B needs right now.

The three mixtapes – ‘Velvet Night’, ‘Dope ‘n’ Diamonds’ and ‘Supermodel’ – are loosely divided on genre lines, and testament to the ease with which Cassie morphs between spaced-out r’n‘b, dirty club-ready electro and sugary, shiny pop. Trilogy of Unofficial Cassie Mixtapes. And Supermodel, a “pure pop” mix. Click the images to download the mixes. Cassie mixtapes The Weeknd.

That one hit, sounds just as fresh in 2012 as it did in 2006. Since that debut, when Cassie was 20, there has been a continuous interest by fans and DJs for her next album, which has yet to come. What has come is a steady leaking of tracks that have proven Cassie to fill a niche that has yet to be touched, the woman who can softly reflect on love, on sex, and a variety of topics with the swagger of Drake, and the icy synths of Boi-1da, 40, or Clams Casino. Other acts, most acclaimed being Drake, also became masters of the slow stark beats that were reminiscent of something new, but simultaniously something that could be heard in the later half of the Nineties when artists like TLC and Aaliyah were making something sleek, cool, and sexy. A song like, by TLC, captures the solidarity with lines like “I get lonely too.” “Fanmail” acknowledges something modern, with stark and rolling digital beats and an overall atmosphere that be found in Drake’s,, or. Since then, there has yet to be a counterpart to the feminine aspect of this music: there is no more; no scrubs; Alicia Keys may attempt, with with Jamie XX and Miguel, but still seems too traditional; can, well, when she chooses (but that’s not often anymore); and simply can not find a niche outside of the States. Cassie is the only other minimalist R&B artist left who is able to conquer an elegant and simple track with ease and comfort.

The problem, and benefit, with Cassie is she is the urban legend of the music world. Cassie can be everywhere and no-where. She is in a relationship with Diddy, she gets by Kanye West, she models ( well), and is critically acclaimed when releasing a track. Yet, her tracks don’t reach heights of success that critics would like to see, instead her music does not reach the audience it should. She is an urban legend because she is loved by some, and practically unknown by others, she is an artist who has been attempting to release a sophomore album for 6 years without results. In the meantime, she has gained a devoted cult of trendsetters that remixes the hypnotic beats and smooth vocals into gooey and seducing UK postdup and electronica. Her most aggressively strong love being by the Guardian who’s articles discussing base and have been some of the best on the artist, dissecting the strangely quiet and oddly publicized celebrity.