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Slap-Boxing With Jesus

Mixtapes > Albums

So, dig this: I'm taking a sort-of backseat for the next two days, as a couple of my brethren wanted to share their thoughts with you all. Kicking things off is the proprietor of the best blog you humps should be adding to your bookmarks, Dah Shyt's own Belize...

Aside from a list I made previously, I have never properly introduced myself to you. The name I go by is Belize (a), proudly representing the immaculate country I was raised in. I am quite humble to be able to post on not only HipHopDx, but especially Meka’s section – gotta respect his grind. So before I proceed I wanna send a short kite to any blogger, commenter or anybody else that has given me any form of respect in the past - respect is given back homie.

Ok, now that I got that out of the way, I want to pre-warn you that this post may be a lil long - but smoke with me and follow my lead (no Boo-Boo).

When I state that mixtapes > albums, I am not saying that I won’t purchase a CD, shyyyyyt, I’m bout to go buy that new UGK right now (b). What I’m saying is that the substance and importance in Hip Hop music has been lost and now CD’s are not a source for food right now. You see, the industry has changed so much that many people forget that adapting to your environment is a necessary tactic. Before MP3’s were able to be sent via the internet, most artists were able to show their skills through mixtapes, but their ability to make an album was usually evaluated through an EP (c). With the spark of the digital age, many artists turned to mixtapes, especially after many witnessed how Fifty was able to use it to his advantage. Now presently, yes there is an over saturation  of mixtapes, but if you isolate the average “mixtape” that contains a conglomerate of underground and mainstream artists, you will see that the freedom in hip hop is now seen in artist developed mixtapes.

One of the first arguments I get from people is: “I’ve heard that beat before.” Ummm…so? If an artist is able recreate a piece of work and make it into something better (d), then does that not make you appreciate their craft? If they do it for no profit, that should make you love Hip-Hop.

The second argument I get is production. Ok I understand, but learn to pick mixtapes. If you got a mixtape from an unnamed/unsigned artist, of course its not gonna be the best quality- that why their trying to get signed! Advance money is for you to create the best product possible (under a budget), not for you to show the world how to ball. Do you want to be the next Cap-One? Didn’t think so. If you want quality mixtapes, look at the DJ and the Artist. If its DJ ImGonnaBlow, his “best of” tape is probably hosted by the artist; however if it’s a Green Lantern, Clinton Sparks, etc...etc.., chances are that they don’t want to be seen in the realm of bad production (e). Basically, be a smart shopper.

A downside to albums, for me, is the lack of creativity. Many artists do not have the freedom to say or develop a song the they want to, after all it’s a job, and if your employer wants you to do something required in your job (in this case, selling cd’s), making a corny song may be the only way to keep food on your baby’s plate. Unfortunately, I am not a sucker. Days of me buying a CD based on singles, are over- I am going back to “word of  mouth“ (nhjic). If you go buy something and you’re getting less than your value every time – what do you do? You scratch that spot off your list. Going back to the store to get hustled is not cool – its called being a crackhead – and nobody wants your cheeseburgers. On the flip side, on the mixtape scene you can be as political (f), gangsta (g), or you can just teach these company’s how to run their shyt (h). Sometimes it’s the only album we get(i).

Now before I head out and let Mek get back to what he does best, I want to say that if you see an unknown artist’s mixtape – don’t ignore it. Usually they are free and just a hungry artist trying to survive in a game that can appear to be a maze. You never know you may find a gem, just imagine if nobody picked up Infinity by Eminem. (j)

(a)  I didn’t not chose the name, if that is your first perception, but since us Belizeans are rare to find in any state other that MIA, NYC, LA and TX, my friends could never remember any other name but the place I rep. Contrary to popular belief I am not ignorant, I just smoke a lot.

(b) And I think that’s it this year unless I get that new Wu…I don’t trust you artists no more.

(c) While I’m on that subject... remember those singles in the stores that you would buy before the CD? Yup, those are ring tones.

(d) Better lyrics, better hook, better delivery. Nuff said.

(e) Some of them are trying to be producers themselves.

(f) Imagine if Immortal Technique didn’t have mixtapes?

(g) Imagine if Children Of the Corn never had a mixtape?

(h)  Rap Phenomenon 1 > Any BIG posthumous CD.

(i) R.I.P.  Stack Bundles, BIG L.

(j) Remember, Mixtapes are the new EP’s

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