Rap Debate: Are Mixtapes Better Than Albums?

Go Hard or Go Home

Do you think mix tapes are better than albums? Why does it seem like mix tapes sell more than albums do? Mix tapes have been around long as hip hop has been around for the most part. DJ's such as Grandmaster Flash and DJ Breakout were putting out mix tapes every since the early 70's, however they weren't called mix tapes back then, they were known as "party tapes". Party tapes were made to display the skills of the DJ's as far as mixing techniques and special features. Most of the time, when DJ's sold their mix tapes, they charged by the minute and some mix tapes ran as long as 30 to 45 minutes. That was the mix tape game back then, let's fast forward to the mix tape game NOW.

Mix tapes now are used to promote artist before they release major albums on their label. With all the delayed release dates of albums, mix tapes are the only thing that has kept hip hop fans sane during the drought of major releases. Most of the time street mix tapes feature unheard of freestyles and songs that skip the detailed editing stages of the recording industry. DJ clue is one of the originators when it comes to the new mix tape game. Not only did Clue shout out over the songs like DJ's do, but he actually put in work and made the beats followed by doing the production. Although most DJ's don't rap, they host mix tapes featuring the hottest talent the industry and streets have to offer.