I was going to post this in a general that fit, but catalog isn't showing anything I wanna post in so I'll start a new thread for discussion.
I wan't to get everybodies take on defining mixtapes versus albums.
Obviously the definition of mixtape has changed over the years. As of now, I think most people can agree it is a "free" compilation of music.
To me, if it is less than 8 songs, I call it an EP and usually just leave it at that.
If I got it off a free mixtape source, or wherever they may have given it for "free" I can consider it a mixtape,
but what if it gets put on a streaming service officially that is earning revenue? Is it then an album? I consider an album to be a compilation of music I pay for. I use Spotify primarily, but if it is on that, Youtube, Apple Music, Tidal, etc, the artist should then be making money of their 'album'
As a follower of hip-hop, I've seen several mixtapes drop to be put on streaming services months later.
Is anybody connecting with this and wondering if a mixtape can become an album with the way it is published over time?
Rappers are lazy, if they make a good mixtape then realize it after it starts getting attention. Rappers can just remove it from free sources and put it straight on itunes, Spotify and Tidal. Rappers like getting paid just like everyone else.
Hence drake calling "If You're Reading this..." as a paid for mixtape.
>>64163875
>as a paid for mixtape.
Its that exactly making these definitions useless.
Are other generes like this? I listen to other genres, but don't follow new releases like I do for hip-hop.
the way i see it is:
a collection of various songs an artist has made = mixtape
a cohesive project that has a recognizable sound, feel, or atmosphere that an artist works hard on = album
this is a little flawed in theory since rappers now put hard work into making a cohesive mixtape but i think it works as a good definition
>>64165559
>this is a little flawed in theory since rappers now put hard work into making a cohesive mixtape
This, Chance The Rapper and Denzel Curry come to mind
If they say it's a mixtape it's a mixtape, if they say it's an album it's an album. There's no real full definition.
That being said, some artists put more time and effort into albums, while mixtapes are just collections of songs like >>64165559 said.
Also, mixtapes tend to be free.
But there's no real definition because the lines are so blurred. So basically just go with what the artist tells everyone it is.
it's arbitrary, completely up to the artist, to the point where reviewers will sometimes say "now this is [artist's] second mixtape, but honestly, it feels more like an album or atleast an ep"
it's completely weightless
at best, it's about how confident the artist is in their product, most artists really like their albums more than their mixtapes
Thanks boys, it seems around consensus that in this digital age the lines are just a bit too blurry, and theres not much to be done about it.
