While over at XXL.com, I spotted an editorial by Karen Civil on whether mixtapes or albums were better in today's hip hop scene. This is an argument that's raised every other day in hardcore hip hop circles and forums. Personally, I've been saying Mixtapes > Albums for the better half of the last decade. Here's an excerpt from Civil's post over at XXL.

As it stands, I know albums are supposed to cater to a wide demographic. But unless you’re Jay-Z, T.I., Lil Wayne, Kanye or Jeezy, chances you’re not going to do crazy numbers. At least not in this day and age. An artist stands more to gain from carefully planning a mixtape (with a thorough and creative marketing process) by attacking his hardcore audience and gaining a following from there. Look at Cam’ron and the Diplomats. Their albums were successful, but it’s their mixtape following as to why they’re generally held in such high regard. Remember Diplomats Vol. 1-5 and Juelz’s Back Like Cooked Crack series?

I know I agree (because I've been saying it for the last couple years) but what y'all think? Read the rest here.