This site started in 2002 because somebody had to document what was happening.
DJ Drama, Don Cannon, and DJ Sense moved to Atlanta for college in the late 1990s. Three DJs from Philadelphia who ended up at Clark Atlanta University by coincidence, found each other, and built something no one has duplicated since. They called themselves the Aphilliates: Atlanta, Philly, affiliates.
What they built was Gangsta Grillz, and the hosted mixtape format has never been the same.
Before Jeezy had a deal, Drama hosted Trap or Die in 2005. Mostly original music produced by Shawty Redd and Don Cannon. Basically a debut album released before any label had officially signed off on it. By the time Let's Get It: Thug Motivation 101 hit stores, the streets already knew every word. That was the move: build an audience so loud the industry cannot ignore it.
They did it for Lil Wayne too. Dedication 2 in 2006 made year-end top-ten lists from the New Yorker and the New York Times. For a street tape, that had never happened before.
Read the full story at the link below.
From the Crate
"Before Jeezy had a deal, Drama hosted Trap or Die. Mostly original music. Basically a debut album released before any label had officially signed off on it. By the time Thug Motivation 101 hit stores, the streets already knew every word."
One More Thing
The physical catalog that made the Gangsta Grillz era possible is in the shop. The Carter Series covers Wayne's run from II through VI. Every title chosen with a reason behind it.
Experience the culture at mixtapekings.com
— Diony C.