Hip Hop Mixtapes: The OG UGC

As August draws to a close so too does the 50^th anniversary celebration of hip hop. Among the tributes was this NY Times feature on the mixtape and the question of how to preserve a part of “history that isn’t necessarily legal.”  

Beyond its profound impact on the music industry, the mixtape also represents the origins of user-generated content. Before the era of streaming services and viral videos, hip hop artists had to find innovative ways to share their music and connect with their fans. 

Enter the mixtape culture – personal messages from artists to the streets, bypassing traditional record labels and radio stations. They were shared, traded, and passed around like wildfire, creating a sense of community and unity among hip hop enthusiasts worldwide. They allowed artists to address social issues, share personal stories, and voice their opinions – unfiltered.  

We take for granted that ability in the age of instant gratification, but it’s important to reflect on the traditional platforms that paved the way. 

The views expressed herein are those of the author(s) and not necessarily the views of FTI Consulting, Inc., its management, its subsidiaries, its affiliates, or its other professionals.

FTI Consulting, Inc., including its subsidiaries and affiliates, is a consulting firm and is not a certified public accounting firm or a law firm.