Difference Between Mixtapes and Albums

If you're listening to hip-hop today, you've probably been confused at least once about the term mixtape and album – and I completely understand why. ... The short version is: Mixtapes in today's music industry are basically a compilation of songs, whereas an album is *typically* a higher quality, more structured story.

1. What's the difference between a mixtape and EP and an album?
2. What qualifies as a mixtape?
3. Why do rappers release mixtapes?
4. Why are mixtapes illegal?
5. Can an EP have 7 songs?
6. Is a Mixtape an album?
7. Are mixtapes legal?
8. Who has the most mixtapes ever?
9. Are mixtapes dead?
10. Do rappers get paid for mixtapes?
11. Is using someone else's beat illegal?
12. How many songs is a mixtape?

What's the difference between a mixtape and EP and an album?

An album is collection of 8-15 unreleased materials that could go around 30-80 minutes. An EP is a collection of remixed, live, released or unreleased material that could go on around 10-25 minutes. A mixtape is a collection of remixes, unreleased and freetyled material, only prominent in hip-hop most of the time.

What qualifies as a mixtape?

A mixtape (alternatively mix-tape or mix tape) is a compilation of music, typically from multiple sources, recorded onto a medium. ... In hip hop and R&B culture, a mixtape often describes a self-produced or independently released album issued free of charge to gain publicity or avoid possible copyright infringement.

Why do rappers release mixtapes?

Established rappers release mixtapes because it earns them money beyond record sales. Rappers perform their mixtape material during their tours. They may fees from streaming music services.

Why are mixtapes illegal?

DJs don't write songs, they release mixtapes showing off their skills in music selection and blending. But since mixtapes often contain copyrighted material, they were illegal until now. What's special is that typically to do this, a DJ would have to get the rights to sell every song they play on the mixtape.

Can an EP have 7 songs?

If a product contains four to six songs, and has a total duration of 30 minutes or less, it is generally classified as an EP. Therefore, an album is typically seven songs and runs over 30 minutes. However, a three-track release can also be specified as an EP, if the artist or label nominate this as the product type.

Is a Mixtape an album?

The short version is: Mixtapes in today's music industry are basically a compilation of songs, whereas an album is *typically* a higher quality, more structured story. Hopefully the short version clears it up quickly for you, but if not, keep reading as I go into more detail as to what I define a mixtape and Album.

Are mixtapes legal?

They play on events, concerts and even house parties. DJs do not write songs. Instead, they release mixtapes showcasing their skills in music blending and selection. But since most music they use is from copyrighted materials, selling of mixtapes have become illegal until now.

Who has the most mixtapes ever?

Lil B Lil B is the patron saint of mixtapes.

He has more mixtapes than most rappers have singles. Actually, he might have more mixtapes than he has singles. The question about Lil B's music has always been consistency. One minute, he'll go absolutely out of his mind, and the next, he'll sound laughably bad.

Are mixtapes dead?

While Ty is right, the idea of a "mixtape" in 2017 by yesteryear standards is completely dead and buried, the reason has nothing to do with CD players going the way of the cassette tape player before it. Rather, the mixtape era kicked the bucket as a result of the proliferation of on-demand streaming.

Do rappers get paid for mixtapes?

New rappers will not get paid at all to do a mixtape, but they could do their own selling to make a little bit of money on it. However, if the new rapper is successful with the mixtape and does a good job, it can lead to more gigs and money down the road. Established artists may earn money on their mixtape.

Is using someone else's beat illegal?

You cannot use someone else's content without permission. Doing so is illegal copyright infringement. Any part of someone else's music that is recognizable, whether that is a beat or a sample, is protected by copyright. No, you can't circumvent copyright protections by giving credit.

How many songs is a mixtape?

Longer mixtapes have become quite common practice. Some mixtapes have over 30 – 50+ tracks, but as you can imagine a lot of the songs on there aren't full length. Some tracks may be skits, while others are songs with only a single verse and one chorus.