The History of Mixtapes Through Film.

In early-April stars from all walks of life congregated Uptown for the premiere of “Mixtape: The Movie” at The United Palace. Mixtape features many of the biggest names in hip-hop and pop culture telling the storied history of mixtape culture as it burgeoned through the 80’s, 90’s, and early 2000’s. 

The red carpet affair featured hip-hop legends like Kid Capri and Tony Touch, as well as Tribeca-founders Robert De Niro and Jane Rosenthal. This film was directed and produced by Omar Acosta, who previously made the highly lauded film “Stretch and Bobbito: Radio That Changed Lives.” Mixtape was also produced by Mercury Studios and Saboteur in association with Def Jam Recordings, Universal, and Tribeca Films. 

This film is a must-watch for real fans of hip-hop history. Artists from the mixtape era including DJ Drama, DJ Whoo Kid, Mister Cee, and Tony Touch take you through the creation and popularization of “mixtapes.” Answering the question “what is a mixtape?” is a primary theme throughout the documentary. Commentators walk the audience through the evolution of mixtapes from recording live events to selling bootleg tapes swiped from recording executives and even into the age of the internet where the term became less definable. 

Not only are legendary artists and producers featured, but also sports icons like Mike Tyson and Shaquille O’Neal talking about the impact that mixtape music had on them. Mixtape is a truly international film that follows mixtapes as they traveled from New York City through the suburbs to American cities and abroad as far and wide as Tokyo. 

Hip-hop fans will not only love learning the history of their favorite genre, but will be bobbing their heads to an incredible soundtrack that underlies the entire production. Mixtape will be premiering at the Tribeca Film Festival in June 2022 and then will be available for larger audiences in the future.