For those of you who are not in the know, a mixtape is a
compilation of songs, tracks, drops, skits, and rap freestyles recorded onto a compact
audio cassette or compact audio disc. Mixtapes originated in the 70’s by
popular Disc Jockeys (DJ’s) based in New York City.
Pioneering DJ’s such as Kool Herc, Hollywood,
Afrika Bambaataa and Grandmaster Flash would perform at clubs, parties and
parks throughout the city and at the same time they would record these events
onto audio cassettes. These popular audio cassettes were initially called
“party tapes" then as time went on they later became known as “mixtapes".
As hip-hop music progressed mixtapes became a sub culture of
the whole hip-hop movement. During the 80’s and 90’s mixtapes gained popularity
throughout major cities and small towns within the United
States and eventually throughout the world.
Mixtapes have grown more popular over the years mainly
due to the internet. I can recall only a couple of years ago there were only
about ten or so major mixtape websites on the net, now there are literally
several hundred. Some have popped up over night & have disappeared just as
quickly. If you take the opportunity to google the word mixtapes you'll see
exactly what I mean.
There was a time when you could log onto a mixtape website and only purchase
the "sticker or cover" of a mixtape in order to receive the actual
physical mixtape(s). Now there are websites that allow you to download entire
mixtapes for a membership fee. This method is cheaper and a quicker way of
getting access to the hot music you want to hear, mainly because you won't have
to pay for shipping fees and wait for the mixtapes to be delivered. But the
original method of obtaining mixtapes via online and having them shipped to
your door or P.O. Box may still be the most popular.
I'm not too sure how long this online mixtape game will last, but for now enjoy
it!
Disclaimer: All information on this site is provided for informational purposes only! By no means is any
information presented herein intended to substitute for the advice provided to you by any health care or other professional
or organization.
