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Walter Bell's Mixtape Inc. is an interesting and timely documentary about the history, culture, and business of illegal hip-hop mixtapes. The film, set to be released on May 22 on DVD, investigates how mixtapes are used to great benefit by major labels to market music and break new artists, but are also reviled in some corners of the industry for their lack of regulation and for what is seen by many execs as rampant copyright infringement.
Although the doc was finished before the recent arrests of mixtape kings DJ Drama and Don Cannon, it does focus a bit on the RIAA's antipiracy raids – particularly by examining the cases of Alan Berry, an Indianapolis-based mixtape retailer, and Mr. Merc, who started the first online mixtape store. Both men's operations were raided by police last year.
Mixtape Inc. features scores of interviews with rappers, DJs, and music execs. Look for appearances by Kanye West, Chuck D., Lil’ Jon, Danger Mouse, Xzibit, Kool DJ Red Alert,
DJ Clue, and even RIAA president Carey Sherman.
