Mixtapes have long played an important role in hip-hop. Often viewed as an unfiltered, more authentic alternative to the traditional album release, the mixtape format as we now know it rose to ...

*BET Networks is developing a scripted anthology series with industry vet Irv Gotti called “Tales,” which takes lyrics to classic hip hop songs and adapts them into three-act, 60 minute narratives.

Over the years, plenty of rap albums have been recognized as landmark achievements and classic albums. But rap nerds are a nit-picky bunch. Never satisfied with an album just being a great piece of ...