Overall solid tape, your best by far I think.
Here are my thoughts on each track.
1. Take Me Away
Man, I've heard many different MC's spit over this beat but I've got to say you do as good a job if not better than most on doing it justice.
I dig you get personal on this, some of it I find very relate able and in general it's well delivered.
However, even though the lyric is good: "I try to let it out I express it with this anger, I haven’t felt like this since gran was messin’ with the cancer", you stretch it to far over the beat which doesn't really work out and sounds clumsy, this happens a few times over the song but in more subtle ways.
2. I've Been Dead
I feel like on this tape you're expressing more personal stuff like talking about things that you are and/or have gone through but in a way as so it's not naval gazing.
I can't complain to much about this track apart from again the flow is a bit iffy occasionally but your delivery masks it pretty much through.
3. Hard Times
"Working at a job that I hate with a passion, waiting for the day that I make it in rappin’, wake up in the morning to go and do some slave work, when I should be working on features for a paid verse".
I feel ya, bruh. Real shit right there.
Recording quality could be better - maybe it's the mixing? - it's better than average obviously but it's missing something I guess. Replay value on this motherfucker is pretty high though
4. Words Can't Describe
So, recently you've been writing a lot about your ex - fair enough - and I'm curious has she heard any of these songs and how does she react?
Flow hits every time throughout this, lyrics are on point and that vocal sample...words just can't describe haha.
5. Never Change Again
Mixing and overall vocals sound tight on this, not a bad cut.
Can't think of anything else. Getting your Drake on a bit here haha it's all good though.
6. Pick Up Your Phone
The fact that you're tackling more concepts then you have been in the past is dope but - I know the mixtape is called "Hook Ups" - I'd like to hear more variety.
You can have a relationship/love song ever few songs - I'm not trying to tell you what to do - but think about the fact people might be listening to this as a complete work not just a few songs here and there so change it up more so it doesn't get to repetitive.
As much as that might be what is a big part of your life right now I wanna hear about other shit, your thoughts yada yada
7. Listen To Your Heart
My thoughts are pretty much the same here as they are on "Pick Up Your Phone".
It isn't terrible but it gets a bit boring - don't take my word for it I've got a short attention span haha.
8. Kindergarten
Yes.
Nice nostalgic vibe behind it.
Gives a good general overview of what you're dealing with in live currently, this is a "real" song not in a traditional sense but you get what I mean.
Kicking facts, dog. Digging this, some funny lyrics too
Is that a Rug Rats sample btw?
9. Superman
I cringed a bit when listening to this.
There are songs about sex/lust that are done incredibly well and great to listen to but unfortunately this isn't well one of them.
I think it was a poor choice of beat, the rhyming doesn't really stand out and you do have potential to make a joint like this but not this one.
Bit of a miss, tbh. That's my opinion.
10. The Message
Very good way to finish off this.
Enjoyed this song a lot, lyrics are entertaining, flow is there and the message is clear.
"I have yet to scratch the surface but at least I have a purpose", yo this particular line describes your music right now, you've got a good sound going, good range of songs most of the time and your flow & delivery are good but there are a few flaws here and there that don't ruin the music but could be fixed.
Cheers.