DECEMBER 23RD REVISITED: 15 years since a Triple Threat MIXTAPE drop
Author: Rasha Sensei
December 23, 2010, was a powerhouse date for the mixtape circuit. Exactly 15 years ago, three distinct forces in the game — Tech N9ne, Webbie, and Plies — all released projects that showcased the diversity of the era’s underground landscape. Blackout Hip Hop looks back at this triple threat anniversary.
First up, Tech N9ne delivered “Bad Season“, a collaborative mixtape with DJ Whoo Kid and DJ Scream. This was a pivotal release for the Strange Music founder as it saw him stepping out of his typical independent bubble to collaborate with mainstream heavyweight DJs. Across 15 tracks, Tech proved that his signature rapid-fire flow could dominate any production style, bridging the gap between underground technicality and the mixtape circuit’s energy.
Down South, Baton Rouge icon Webbie dropped “New King of B.R.“, hosted by DJ Rell. At a time when Boosie Badazz was incarcerated, Webbie carried the Trill Ent. torch solo. The project was a raw, unfiltered display of Louisiana street music, filled with the aggressive energy and local narratives that made Webbie a legend in the South. It was a clear statement that his grip on the streets of B.R. remained unshakable.
Simultaneously, Plies teamed up with DJ Scream for “No Chaser.” Following the success of his studio albums, Plies used this mixtape to return to his “Goon” roots. It was a straight-to-the-streets release, devoid of radio-friendly hooks, focusing instead on the gritty Florida trap sound. “No Chaser” served as a reminder of Plies ability to dominate the mixtape market with raw street anthems.
Fifteen years later, these three releases represent a unique moment in Hip Hop history—a single day that catered to the technical heads, the Southern bounce fans, and the trap loyalists. As we hit the 15-year mark, we salute the grind of these artists who kept the culture moving during the golden era of digital mixtapes
