That bold independence frightened the Recording Industry Association of America and its members prompted the police to arrest and raid DJ Drama’s office in 2007. It was a way for hip-hop artists to reclaim their art and reach fans without the help of a major label. (In Da Streets) are all artists who gained prominence during the early 2000s after teaming up with DJ Drama to release a Gangsta Grillz mixtape.Įventually, mixtapes became a rite of passage for any rapper or DJ looking to build a buzz, remain relevant or rejuvenate a stalled career. Young Jeezy (Trap or Die), Lil Wayne (Dedication), and T.I. His Gangsta Grillz brand changed how rappers promoted themselves to the public. ”īut when it comes to the origins of how the mixtape gained prominence, DJ Drama’s name should be at the top of the list. It got to a point where people were paying a lot more attention to what I do outside of Atlanta. Everything I do, I want it to make sense. “So with the latest mixtape, I felt like the only thing that was missing was me going overseas. “I realized the power of the mixtape game after Codeine Cowboy dropped last February,” 2 Chainz says. REALigion rejuvenated his career and gave him worldwide recognition. The release of two outstanding mixtapes, Codeine Cowboy and T.R.U. Two years after leaving a major label to strike out on his own as a solo artist, 2 Chainz’s investment in himself is paying off. Their most important tool of the trade happens to be the mixtape. 2 Chainz and DJ Drama are perfect examples of hip-hop artists who achieved major success without depending on a major label.

2 chainz mixtape 2012 playlist