I'm really feelin hip hop these days(MF Doom,Madlib,De La Soul,Common,Talib, Nas, Dan et.)

And i've never even heard a mixtape
what mixtape do you think i should start with?
[Edited 11/10/04 13:40pm]

smellmyfunk said:

Your avvie just so happens to be my favorite album in YEARS.

Anyways, there are 2 kind of mixtapes, as I see it. This may not be 100% accurate but should put you on the right track.

1. The traditional "mixtape". As I understand it, mixtapes originated in part from tapes of radio shows hosted by legendary DJs like Red Alert and Chuck Chillout. Later on, underground DJs like Funkmaster Flex, Ron G., Kid Capri and DJ Clue began putting together their own mixtapes with the hot underground tracks of the day.

Some of those DJs became mainstream stars, like Flex and Clue. Artists would then appear on those tapes to generate heat in the streets that would put them on. Tons of DJs do this today.

Where you can find them: If you live in NYC or other big cities, the mom-and-pop record stores should have them in great supply. Otherwise, check stores near black college campuses.

2. The mainstream "mixtape." These are nothing more than compilation CDs put together by labels and/or artists with deals. The Roots, Slum Village, Funk Flex, DJ Skribble, etc. Featuring those artists, folks on their label, etc.

Where you can find them: Heck, just about anywhere, and on Amazon.com. Medina Green (affiliated with Mos Def) just put out a pretty good one.