[ELEVATOR PITCH]
Tale of the Tape: How the Mixtape Revolutionized Hip-Hop is a new documentary that chronicles how DJs became music giants
What We Say: Before streaming services, blogs, and file-sharing software, cassette mixtapes helped unsanctioned music spread like mayo. There’s a rich history of underground kings who paved the way, from Brucie B and Kid Capri to DJ Khaled and DJ Drama. Tale of the Tape: How the Mixtape Revolutionized Hip-Hop—a documentary more than a decade in the making—chronicles these stories, incorporating interviews with the aforementioned DJs, as well as unseen vintage footage of J. Cole, Kendrick Lamar, Mobb Deep, and Big Sean. It’s a fascinating trip down memory lane that will teach you something if you don’t have a clue.
What Malik Buie (Tale of the Tape Director/Executive Producer) Says: “It's important that we control our narratives. Tale of the Tape documents the importance of DJ culture and how its influenced everyday pop culture. You have mixtapes, comedy shows—Def Comedy Jam was a mixtape—basketball (And1 mixtapes). All this stems back from hip-hop. It's not just entertaining; it's educational. This story is for everyone from young kids to the OGs.
”Tale of the Tape: How the Mixtape Revolutionized Hip-Hop is now streaming via Prime Video, Spectrum On-Demand, and Verizon. DJ Envy and veteran journalist/reality TV producer Kim Osorio serve as executive producers.
The UpRising newsletter is a mixtape for your mind filled with information that's intellectual and irreverent—no skips. Whether it's film, music, art, food or the culture full stop, UpRising will serve as the starting point to your deep dives.