The key question today is, what
is a mixtape versus a street
album versus an EP? I will
attempt to now classify these
projects separately to give each
the proper platform and inform
the listener/reader what they’re
about to hear when they see the
various titles on a project.
MIXTAPES
Before and outside of hip-hop,
mixtapes were a combination of
various songs put together by
listeners, often for friends to get
different songs. When hip-hop
caught on in the ’80s, DJs, who
were then often bigger than the
artists, showcased their skills and
taste by cutting up music,
blending songs, and featuring
new music.
In the ’90s, mixtapes primarily
shifted into two categories. Blend
tapes, which would take a
capellas and verses and put
them against different
instrumentals (DJs like Dirty
Harry killed it). Or standard
mixtapes, which were the
definitive way to introduce new
music and artists, and most
lacked any technical DJ skills.
Stars were made like DJ Clue,
who Def Jam signed and went
platinum just playing new
unreleased music. Well, when he
wasn ’t hiding from Biggie after
stalking his records early—I’m
kidding, Clue. Kinda.
The Internet killed the ’90s
definition of mixtapes. Blogs
became the new DJs by
becoming the sources for
premiering new music, and many
mixtape DJs at the time were
forced into early retirement. A
few stood at the end of the day,
and became stars in their own
rights, releasing projects formed
entirely of original music with
one specific artist/crew (and
often original production). Now,
these were always called
mixtapes, yet often didn ’t have
any mixing or outside artists, and
sometimes were better than
artist ’s official album releases.
My personal opinion on what
should be considered a mixtape
is a project that a DJ actually
masterminds and controls in an
obvious way for a listener. For
example, mashing up records,
taking various songs and mixing
them together, or doing
something else creative the same
way. This will help clarify what
“ mixtapes” really are, and help
the outside world better
understand what DJs do
creatively. Basically, I feel a
mixtape should be a creative
project derived from a DJ. (i.e.
“ mixed”).
SIDE NOTE: Should we still call it
a tape? That ’s a whole other
debate… ha!
STREET ALBUMS
Many street albums are
incorrectly called mixtapes. Thus,
when certain consumers listen to
them, they ’re often surprised at
the quality of original studio
music and lack of DJ skills shown
(other than DJs smashing the
drop buttons). Although they ’re
distributed virally and
organically, they aren’t really a
mix of anything other than that
artist ’s original music (i.e. an
album).
I propose everyone to call these
projects a street album, to clarify
that it ’s an original body of work
unofficially released without
sample clearances, record label
interference, or anything else.
DJs can still host these (as can
ANYONE on projects that aren ’t
mixed together) as it’s often just
talking/drops over the records,
but not a true “mix” of music
together or even of various
artists/songs.
EP’s
With artists needing music
released in the marketplace, but
not wanting to “officially” drop
an album, EP’s have become the
current “it” thing to do in hip-
hop. Many artists are planning to
release EP ’s this year as a way to
officially get out and monetize
original music while building their
buzz, without having the
pressures of putting out a true
album.
In addition, artists are also
releasing street albums/EP ’s at
the same time, so they can
provide physical distribution in
stores (and when people search
for that artist in the world ’s
biggest music store, iTunes),
while still giving away the music
to the true hip-hop heads, blogs,
and growing their buzz
organically.
Now, you may wonder why a
category matters. It may not to
many. But to purists and fans, I
think it can help clarify and
differentiate the rolls of each,
and help all categories excel by
not confusing consumers. Just
my two cents after being in this
game for a minute.
On another side note (ha!),
thanks to everyone for the
amazing reaction to all my blogs
this week, and to XXL for giving
me the outlet. I tried to provide
a relatively unbiased opinion on
all the subjects that I discussed.
Agree or not, I hope it at least
raised some ideas or thoughts in
your head. I ’ll be back soon…
Fin?