The Cool Kids & Don Cannon - Gone Fishing (Anniversary Edition) (Album)

I thought I would never get a chance to write about one of my favorite mixtapes, but look at god, here I am, some years later, with my own blog, about to pen my words on The Cool Kids & Don Cannon’s “Gone Fishing” mixtape.

Now, if you weren’t born under a rock, you know this mixtape already. Just the name alone should be tattooed in your musical psyche. Not only was this a pinnacle moment for The Cools Kids & Don Cannon, but it is definitely there on the Mount Rushmore of mixtapes during the blog era. Argue with your momma, not me. The Cool Kids had been teasing the monumental return of this project for a while now. I’m sure they knew fans were aching to see a vital piece of their catalog on streaming services. Hence, they began the rollout by dropping the “Pennies” remix to “Weekend Love,” where the surprise was over; fans started believing the mixtape would be next, and they were right on the money.

Now, before entering into the anniversary edition, The Cool Kids have mentioned that, all praise to the hard-working nature of Don Cannon, he cleared all the samples on the original project, except Champions, which is why it’s labeled as a remix on the tracklist. Now, don’t let that stop you from enjoying the nostalgia, because, in my opinion, even though the original was great, the new version seals it in a little better, highlighting the song's breakout moments and elevating it perfectly. The project has been on repeat this weekend, and best believe it will see its fair share of spins over the next few years. I’ve had the original downloaded from DatPiff, added to my phone every time I upgrade. That’s a fun fact about me. The Cool Kids hit out of the park in ‘09. Still, it celebrates the same feeling in ‘26, jamming “Popcorn” in the neighborhood, knocking pictures off the wall, the “Art of Noise” interlude piercing with the prestigious vibes leading into “The Light Company”, maaaaan, you can’t make moments like these anymore. Now let me break your hearts a little bit: this is the no-DJ version, so some of the Drama and Cannon tags aren't exploding throughout the album, but best believe it’s still a nice listening experience. The Cool Kids have perfectly displayed that they were extraterrestrial beings then, and now you're witnessing that same breed continuing to make the dope shit they produce out still so hot. “Broadcast Live” channeled Chuck & Mikey, seeing the world panned out the way they wanted, with the memories feeling surreal since not long ago they were hoping this music shit would change their lives, and it has, but the record is much more than that. It inspires dreamers like myself that one step closer can be it, be on top of your game, but when your opportunity calls, it can be the one to change your life. The outro of the ill famed tape, is a new record titled “Big Fish Little Pond”, now I don’t know if the track was an old single that never made its way out or if Chuck & Mikey made it for this anniversary release but let me applaud if it’s brand new because this took some of the nostalgic feeling that the tape brought and heighten which is rare to hear but if anyone could pull it off, that be The Cool Kids.

I’m hoping that with this anniversary release, they bring it out on tour. I saw it during my high school years, and I would love to see it again as I approach my unc status. They had a tour run at the end of last year for “Hi-Top Fade” that didn’t hit Texas, so I’m hoping they show love to the Lone Star State this time around. Much blessings to The Cool Kids, as said by a day-one fan, till the wheels come off. Thank you for the years of music, and may there be more in the years ahead.