Pioneered by forefathers of hip hop such as Grandmaster Flash, Afrika Bambaata and Kool Herc, the original mixtapes were often just recordings of parties. Because of the lack of media attention, these tapes were like radio shows or albums, showcasing talents that wouldn't otherwise be exposed.

These days, even with a multi-billion dollar hip hop industry and countless radio stations devoted to the style, mix tapes are just as important to hip hop as they've ever been, if not more so. Labels such as Def Jam and Roc-a-Fella even put their logos on some new mix CDs, which are a way for established producers to test the water with new releases before they are released as much as for unsigned artists to get a showcase and make a rep for themselves.

Today, particularly in the UK, with the widespread availability of video cameras and video phones, the mix tape is alive and kicking with new formats- the DVD and website. The DVD mix tape goes further than cds and cassettes by offering a visual dimension to the showcase- video shots of MC battles, breaking, and life itself. A whole host of UK artists like Sway and have seen the potential of the DVD and have released some killer cuts on this format.

But, in many ways, the true heir to the mix tape throne is the website. If you can build a website, you can showcase not only new sounds, videos of battling and lifestyle shots, you can also mix video clips together, link to other likeminded sites, give other written info about the artists and keep the mix continuously updated with new stylz and joints- a mix tape that keeps on mixing. And instead of passing around a DVD, cd or tape, all you got to do is spread the web address.