Mixtape Release Dates: T.I., Rick Ross, Maino, Cocaine Mafia

We’re in Christmas week, so everyone is scrambling to finish last minute shopping. In the mixtape world, it’s more like scrambling to finish a free project to drop on either one (or both) of the holidays. While those of us who work on the internet find these holiday releases to be slightly bothersome (who wants to hang out online while you’re unwrapping gifts?), an artist’s mentality is to give the fans a treat for the season, free of charge. Fair enough, guys.

Last week gave us a few expected releases, along with some surprises along the way. Consequence announced that he’d be dropping “Curb Certified” on December 14th. And then he did. That was a pleasant delivery, considering Cons has moved dates around for past mixes (remember “Moves On Demand 3”). We also anticipated the release of Waka Flocka and French Montana’s “Lock Out,” and that happened as expected. Jon Connor though, gave us a surprise with “Season 2.” Connor made some big moves in 2011, and it’s looking like 2012 might be his.

Speaking of French Montana, it’s looking like the “Cocaine Mafia” project with Juicy J and Project Pat might actually be a mixtape. Previously, the project was being promoted as an album. However, our good friends at DatPiff have it listed as a mixtape, with the release date still being December 20th. You’ll know tomorrow if it’s a mixtape or an album if you have to pay for it. That’ll be your greatest indicator.

Ever since T.I. escaped the clink, he’s been hard at work on music. After announcing the release of Trouble Man in March 2012, Tip also announced this past week that he’ll be dropping a mixtape. This man is no fool and knows that every album coming out these days has to come with a mixtape before. So, what better way to open 2012 than with some new T.I. music? That’s right on January 1st, New Year’s Day, Tip will release “#Fuckdacityup.” So that means Raekwon’s “UnExpected Victory” on Christmas, and T.I.’s “#Fuckdacityup.” on New Year’s? Not bad for holiday music!

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Rick Ross also got hip to the mixtape/album formula. After the Bawse announced a pushback on God Forgives, I Don’t to 2012, Ross recently added that he’ll be bringing a mixtape out before then. While it presently lacks a title, it does mean that his album may be moved further than we hoped it would. Does that also mean his “Y.O.L.O.” mixtape with Drake is on the backburner? We’ll have to wait and find out.

Another limbo release comes from Maino, who will be dropping “I Am Who I Am: The Album Before The Album” at some point. Maino was supposed to drop his album The Day After Tomorrow back in November, but he delayed his to 2012 as well. Now a mixtape is coming. Sounds like rappers are using mixtapes as scaepgoats for album releases. As long as music is circulating though, does it really matter?

Late Pass

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Consequence – “Curb Certified”

Jon Connor – “Season 2”

Wais P x DJ Premier – “Premo Pimpin”

Waka Flocka Flame & French Montana – “Lock Out”

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Shad – “Besides”

50 Cent – “The Big 10”

Peedi Crakk – “Crakk Files Vol. 4”

Ace Hood – “The Statement 2”

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