I’m not a big fan of mixtapes. There’s something about uninspired verses and recycled beats that has always turned me off. But Wale’s Mixtape About Nothing, available for free since last Friday, is making me re-evaluate my skepticism.

From the onset, you can tell that the DMV (DC, Maryland, Virginia) representative has something to say; the tape is more than just self promotion with music in the background.

He starts off by taking a page from Jerry Seinfeld’s comedy book with “what’s the deal with…”-style observations about the state of hip-hop on a beat that samples the bass guitar used in the legendary sitcom’s opening sequence. Nods to the show are sprinkled throughout the mixtape: from snippets of some of the most memorable episodes to a Julia Louis-Dreyfus (Elaine) cameo to a poignant track, “The Kramer,” sparked by Michael Richard’s hateful Laugh Factory rant.

Yes, Wale, born Olubowale Folarin of Nigerian immigrants, did the damn the thing on the Mixtape About Nothing. I must admit that I didn’t always get what all the fuss was about: the magazine covers, the blogosphere ubiquity, the Mark Ronson co-sign and the numerous “next big thing” claims — all of which came without an album justifying them. I kinda understand now; his long-winded flow, wit and wordplay forced me to pay attention. He can spit and isn’t doing so because he can — he’s saying something.

Funny how much one can learn from a mixtape about nothing, huh? Download it here.

Monday, June 2, 7:00pm
McNally Robinson (52 Prince St. between Lafayette and Mulberry)

The Chelsea Hotel in Words and PicturesTwo residents of the Chelsea Hotel, Julia Calfee and Ed Hamilton, come together for a slideshow, discussion and signing today. Ed Hamilton, the author of Legends of the Chelsea Hotel: Living with Artists and Outlaws in New York’s Rebel Mecca (Da Capo), lived at the Chelsea for almost a dozen years and provides portraits of the artists who have lived there. Calfee, photographer of Inside the Chelsea Hotel (powerHouse), has had work exhibited in France, England, Italy, Belgium, Spain and the US. Her book contains photos of the Hotel and its residents and includes an intro by Milos Forman.

Thursday, June 5, 7:00pm
Barnes & Noble Union Square (33 East 17^th Street)
Salman Rushdie, The Enchantress of Florence

Salman Rushdie (The Satanic Verses, Midnight’s Children) will read from his new novel, The Enchantress of Florence, Thursday at the B&N in Union Square. The reading will feel rushed, he’ll do a Q+A, people will probably ask frustrating questions, and the line will stretch to the back to have him sign a copy (no personalization!), but it’ll be Rushdie.

Saturday, June 7, 10:00am
Housing Works Used Bookstore (126 Crosby Street)
Open Air Book Fair

Crosby Street between Prince and Houston will be covered in thousands of books, records and CDs for a dollar a piece, plus clothing, shoes, and accessories from Housing Works Thrifts Shops for $20 a bag. It’s also the monthly sale inside the store on Saturday and Sunday, so everything inside will be 30% off.