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Ever since the RIAA-sponsored SWAT team kicked in the door waving the four-four and shut down DJ Drama's Gangsta Grillz operation, the concept of free mixtapes has seen a resurgence. Stones Throw has been at the forefront of the movement, releasing at last count four free mixes since the start of 2007, but other major label artists have also begun to give out free music. The RIAA operates under the idea that if they can't get money then neither should anyone else, so maybe this was what they hoped to accomplish by shutting down Drama. Or maybe it just goes to show how ineffective the RIAA is at representing its own membership - artists are now resorting to free releases to avoid getting sued by their own trade association. In any event, I'm now getting for free what I used to pay $4.00 for a month ago, so who am I to complain?
The latest free mixtape comes from Philly DJ Benja Styles and current G-Unit member Freeway, in advance of Freeway's upcoming movie What We Do. The mix, What We Do: The Mixtape, is loaded with tracks from Philadelphia rappers along with a few throwbacks remixed by Benja Styles. A couple of the highlights:
Big Doom and Clipse - Ball Game (Benja Styles Remix)
Biggie - Black Republican (Benja Styles Blend)
For a link to download What We Do: The Mixtape for free, hit up The Fader.
To check out clips from the upcoming movie, due out "mid 2007," check out the What We Do MySpace page. I watched a few of the trailers and the acting, featuring Poot from The Wire along with several former Rocafella members, looks to be at about the same level as the classic Dipset movie Killa Season. In other words, while its currently being marketed as a serious drama, you'll probably enjoy it more if you go into it expecting (unintentional) comedy.
To hear more of Benja Styles' remixes, head over to his website.
2/15/2007 8:51:35 AM posted by Fresh