5 Core Differences Between Mixtapes and Albums

The definition of mixtape s has changed overtime. Back in the old days, mixtape were dj mixes that they played during their sets. In our days, mixtapes are also in a form of compilations by artists especially underground artists. More like demos but they should not be mistaken for albums. There are many things that differentiate between a mixtape and an album. I’m going to list 5  major differences just to give you the general idea.

Mixtapes vs Album

    1.       A mixtape is made to create buzz for an artist, to get attention but an album’s main aim is to make profit through sales.

    2.       A mixtape can contain beats from other songs since it not for sale it is not legal to sing or rap over beats of other artists, but an album has to have original beats or clearance in cases of samples or remixes.

    3.       A mixtape is an unprofessional/ informal compilation of songs, but an album is formal and professional.

    4.       There is no legal requirement that has to be followed on a mixtape like license or copyright but an album needs to be licensed and be protected under copyrights law.

    5.       Mixtapes usually have low quality recording, mixing and mastering but album are required to have high quality recording. Mixing and mastering.

For more info, you can do more research, this is just to give you some general knowledge on mixtapes/albums so that you don’t look stupid in front of your friends calling your mixtape an album. Check  this mixtape by one of our artist  here DOWNLOAD



Article by:
Mthobisi Cebolenkosi Mahendula, 2015