Mixtape, album or just a platform for practice/feedback?

[TRU_G]

there's no mixing on mix CDs, no DJs and they've mostly abandoned vocalling US r&b/rap tunes. so mixtapes are basically independent grime albums, where the artists dont try as hard as they might if they were signed to a major, but then dont get pushed into unlistenable colaborations with acts like kate nash either...

I read this on some other site, Blackdown (pitchfork journalist for Grime and Dubstep) And it really got me thinking and i would be interested as to what other people are saying to this.

Have times moved on?

Has the lack of radio/raves forced artist to use CD's as a platform for recieving feedback and practice/mastering their skills? (think about how many CD's have fillers)

Everyone will have a different opinion on this, but IN MY OPINION, Blackdown is talking realness here

Your thoughts

[Jay]

Ide like to see mixtapes actually being mixtapes, as in an mc hooks up with a dj and freestyles over some beats, put it out in low volume and shot them like 2/3quid

then do street albums and ep's with actually songs and good content, quality control, remove the filler tracks

['nuum general]

I generally agree, mixtapes have are effectively independant albums nowadays and are the main focus of emcees efforts

[Anonymous]

I agree with that Blackdown thing.
I also feel mixtapes have been the main reason for grime staying relevant, forcing the sound to become more professional, help the music reach new ears etc.

[Jay05]

there are so many ideas artists could do with mixtapes

blackdown's view seems pretty accurate excluding a few mc's

[adidasgrandad]

they are just independent albums now i.e. Freedom Of Speech. grimewave. would like to see more ep's though where the emphasis is on quality rather than quantity.
the word ep has more professional connotations than the word mixtape does too. labels are more likely to be impressed by selling 3000 ep's than 3000 mixtapes i think

[Master Jagan]

Yeah E.P.'s all the way :D