Mixtape website DatPiff.com has responded to reports that it’s closing down, after rumors surfaced this week that the long-running site would soon be no more.
Issuing a statement on Twitter, the company clarified the website was not going anywhere. Instead, it’s working on an updated version that will include improved features and a better user experience.
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“Despite the rumors, we are happy to report that we will still be supplying you with all the mixtapes you love,” DatPiff‘s statement read.
While the site is under construction, fans will still be able to listen to the music found on DatPiff‘s official YouTube channel. The company has promised to release the updated version soon, though no specific date has been announced.
“We’re working through technical issues on our site and app, but still actively update our youtube! Thanks for all the love and concerns but we promise, we are still here.”
Prior to DatPiff‘s announcement, Andrew Barber of Fake Shore Drive, posted a goodbye message to the site, and expressed his respect for its role within the culture. “RIP Datpiff,” he wrote on Twitter Monday (March 13).
Barber continued: “Who probably has the most important archive of music from the past 10-15 years anywhere on the internet. It was a bridge between the blog era and the streaming era — and a hub for projects that will never see the light of day on DSPs. Thank you for your service.”
As one of Hip-Hop’s most pivotal platforms since its launch in 2005, DatPiff has introduced and ignited the careers of many emerging artists. But it’s not just for newcomers — the website has also been useful for more established rappers such as Meek Mill.
Meek Mill released his last project Flamerz 5 exclusively on DatPiff this past November, as opposed to major streaming services. In a series of tweets before the tape’s release, Meek explained his reasoning for keeping F5 off of streamers, saying label interference with his money was the bottom line.
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“When a label gave me a plaque I thought they was tryna trick me lol … show me the financials that my art made … that other shit a mental trick,” he explained. “Give me a plaque with how much my song made and how much I got paid … I’m shying away from that whole system it’s not for us!”
“I don’t want FLAMERZ 5 on no streaming service …. This strictly underground music … billboard can’t rate it,” he continued. “Just rate the music ….I’d bet you a million I can make the UnitedStates/world play it with one upload button .. been doing it since MySpace lol.”
