When artists put out mixtapes it’s usually better lyrically and in terms of production value (over other artists’ beats) and that is because it’s ultimately their decision as to what is put on that mixtape and what they actually record. When it comes to albums though, there is just too much record label politicking with the pressure of meeting their demands in terms of album sales and making commercially appealing music. I’m sure that a lot of artists want to display the talent and skill level on albums that they do on albums, but quite frankly since it wouldn’t be accepted by the public they have to go with what will be (read: commercial/mainstream songs).

As you stated I don’t think mixtapes nowadays hold the same weight and purpose that they did in the past like with 50 Cent’s mixtapes before ‘Get Rich Or Die Tryin’. In the example of 50’s mixtapes during that period (‘50 Cent Is The Future’, ‘No Mercy, No Fear’, ‘God’s Plan’, etc.) he was already in the position of having a record deal and could really use his mixtapes for the purpose of promotion as they were intended. But nowadays a majority of artists aren’t signed to record deals and these mixtapes are their way of obtaining one and getting the interests of record labels. Until that time comes for them that they’re able to sign a deal they’re going to keep releasing mixtapes because it’s the only way they are going to get their music out to the public. That’s really the reason why artists steadily release mixtapes and think that the more people hear them and their music the more they will be accepted and be on the public’s mind… which is wrong as you stated.

Ultimately I think mixtapes have more way beyond the purpose they had back during the early 00’s with 50 Cent and they’re moving into the area of being seen as albums instead. “Mixalbum” is a term that is starting to be used more and more in regards to artists’ mixtapes and I think that’s mostly because artists are releasing album quality matter on their mixtapes. This really started with Drake’s ‘So Far Gone’ mixtape as it had the quality level of an album and has received the accolades and praise of one. In reality I think artists have faced facts and understand that the music industry isn’t how it was in the past in terms of sales and they are going to start putting their best effort forward on their mixtapes. From Drake’s success of a mixtape, I think mixtapes are eventually going to turn into albums without needed the major labels’ support and dollars. They’re going to be something that the artist can release independently and be received the same as an album. This happening is going to further show the major record labels how their being replaced in the equation and hopefully make them change their ways in how they handle artists’ careers and the freedom that they allow them to have with their work.

the movie = album, doesnt that mean preview = snippets of albums

mixtape is more like a straight to dvd prequel

SO YOU DO THE MATH.

FACE IT.

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