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.

The final chapter. Shouts to Karen Civil.

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3

One more part left.

J.Cole 'A Star Is Born' Documentary Part 2 from Chris Knotti on Vimeo.

In what will be a four-part series, Knotti chronicles the rise to stardom of a future legend, Jermaine Cole. You happen to know him as J. Cole. This episode features footage from an interview earlier this year and a performance of “Grown Simba” at his “The Warm Up” mixtape release party on June 15, 2009.

via Karen Civil

J Cole - A Star Is Born Documentary Part 1 from Chris Knotti on Vimeo.

Looks like my time spent with one of Hip-Hop’s most promising names will be put to good use. In what will be a four-part series, the homie Knotti chronicles the rise to stardom of a future legend, Jermaine Cole. You happen to know him as J. Cole.

-Karen Civil

At this point in his career, there isn’t much Lil’ Wayne hasn’t seen or accomplished. Well, except for one thing, record a song with Eminem. By all accounts, that streak may soon be over. Their first collaboration, entitled “Forever”, will be on the soundtrack to the highly anticipated documentary,”More Than A Game.” Aside from Wayne and Em, the song will also feature two of today’s most talked about artists, Kanye West and Drake.

While Friday has been the speculated date for its release, the record will indeed surface sometime this week. One thing that is set in stone, however, is the quality.

“The record was mastered this past weekend and honestly it sounds better than ever,” said Young Money President Mack Maine.

In other Young Money/Cash Money news, Birdman and Wayne are also expected to release their solo albums during the first quarter of 2010. Still riding high off the success to their megahit, “Every Girl“, Young Money will be in New York next week shooting the video for their second single, “Girl You Know“, found on the Young Money compilation album which is set to be released the same date as Lil’ Wayne ’s ‘Rebirth‘ LP.

- Karen Civil

Why do I doubt this is going to happen but because Karen Civil is the source, Ill try to believe it. Its just I couldn't see Em on a track with either of the other 3 MCs.

UPDATE:
RR confirmed this and there will be new verses over the track below.

KarenCivil.com:

The next installment of Civilized Talk centers around Mike Posner. With the help of his band, The Brain Trust, the crew have been creating quite the buzz around their name. Recently, I had to a chance to chop it up with Posner regarding:

His Don Cannon assisted mixtape, “A Matter of Time”
What to expect from him now and in the future
His parents feelings about him pursuing a career in music
An awkward run-in with Cam’ron

Here's a backstage pass to the AMW tour featuring Lil Wayne and Young Money. This was the first stop of the tour without Drizzy and Karen Civil got the exclusive interview with Ms. Nicki Minaj. Check it out:

-via karencivil.com

-Tori Cheyenne