Jim Jones, DJ Clue & More Examine The Legacy & Future Of Mixtape Culture

The way music fans obtain new music may have changed over the years, but the legacy of the mixtape will live on forever.

On Wednesday, June 28, Roc Nation and PUMA debuted its new "Mixtape Roundtable" featuring former Roc-A-Fella Records A&R Wayne “Wayno” Clark, Dipset rapper Jim Jones, Power 105.1's DJ Clue and Nyla Symone, Roc Nation’s Senior Vice President Lenny “Lenny S.” Santiago, and mixtape veterans DJ OG Ron C and DJ Holiday. The special discussion is deep dive into the origins of the mixtape, how they have evolved and what the future holds for mixtape culture.

"I feel like the Internet changed that," Clue said about the mixtape's evolution. "The Internet changed the whole perspective of the mixtape, how you can download it and this and that. Before you had to get it on a cassette or CD."

"When the CD was obsolete, that really changed the mixtape game because it was something about that CD," Jones added.

The roundtable discussion is the first of many initiatives Roc Nation and PUMA plan to roll out in celebration of the 50th anniversary of Hip-Hop. JAY-Z's label and the sneaker brand will launch a new limited series that digs even deeper into mixtape culture featuring more prominent figures in rap. They also plan to release the second installment of their exclusive mixtape series featuring the Roc's thriving roster and the hottest producers, and a new collaborative sneaker celebrating mixtape culture designed by Alexander John.

“My job is to always help open doors for those around me,” said the project's executive producer Emory Jones. “I feel like the young talent we have on this Mixtape are part of the future but more importantly they are all humble souls. Being humble sometimes helps you find that greatness within. It helped me put myself in this position to be able to do this project. It’s an honor and a pleasure to now call this our Mixtape!“

The mixtape, docuseries and the sneaker drops later this summer. Check out the trailer below.