Paramount+ Unveils ‘MIXTAPE’: A Documentary Celebrating 50 Years of Hip Hop

Paramount+ has announced the premiere of ‘MIXTAPE’, a new documentary that delves into the transformative role of mixtapes in propelling hip hop into mainstream culture. The documentary is set to premiere on August 1 in the U.S. and Canada, and on August 2 in the U.K., Australia, Latin America, and Brazil, with other international markets to follow later in the year.

‘MIXTAPE’ is a tribute to the indomitable spirit of hip hop, a genre that refused to be sidelined. Before the advent of radio play, the internet, and social media, mixtapes were the lifeblood of the hip hop scene. DJs, the original tastemakers and trendsetters, crafted the sound that would become the most popular musical genre worldwide.

The significance of mixtapes extends far beyond the tapes themselves. They were a form of social currency, a sign that someone was tapped into the pulse of the streets. The culture was too potent to be suppressed, and the artists too talented to be overlooked. This led to the transformation of a sub-culture into the mainstream, shaping hip hop as we know it today.

Omar Acosta, the director of ‘MIXTAPE’, expressed his excitement about the project, stating, “Hip-Hop is 50 years old and I can’t think of a better way to celebrate its journey and contextualize its evolution than through the story of the mixtape.” Producer Tony Touch echoed these sentiments, expressing his honor to be part of a project that tells the authentic story of the mixtape, its origins, its impact, and its enduring relevance to the culture.

‘MIXTAPE’ boasts a star-studded lineup, featuring industry giants such as 2 Chainz, A$AP Rocky, DJ Khaled, Fat Joe, Lil Wayne, and many more. These voices have played a critical role in shaping the hip hop landscape, and their insights promise to offer a unique perspective on the genre’s evolution.

The documentary is a collaborative effort between MTV Entertainment Studios, Mercury Studios, and Saboteur Media, in association with Def Jam Recordings. The film is directed and produced by Omar Acosta, known for his work on ‘Stretch and Bobbito: Radio That Changed Lives’. The official soundtrack to ‘MIXTAPE’, titled ‘The Def Tape’, is set for an August release via Def Jam Recordings.

‘MIXTAPE’ promises to be a must-watch for all hip hop enthusiasts, offering a deep dive into the roots of the genre and the pivotal role of mixtapes in its rise to global prominence. It’s not just a celebration of hip hop’s 50-year journey, but a testament to the power of music to shape culture and society.