Mixtape Shmixtape

In the first installment of this segment last month, we mentioned a few basic points about mixtapes, including that they're mainly on CD format. For this month's edition ("Shmixtape 2: Electric Boogaloo") there's a need to slightly modify that definition: Some people are bypassing the relatively costly CD step and instead releasing digital versions of their mixtapes, as KMEL jocks Scotty Fox and Big Von have recently.

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• Scotty Fox
• T-Pain
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DJ Scotty Fox and Big Von

Hide Ya Bitch Mixtape, hosted by Bailey and J. Valentine

(Cityboyz Music)

Bailey and J. Valentine spit Bay Area-themed flows over beats from hit songs by artists such as T. Pain, Pharrell, and Three Six Mafia. Besides offering up some regional fun, like hearing Valentine shout out the Cache Creek Casino over Lil Jon's infectious production for T.I.'s "I'm the King," this mix proves that these guys could hold their own in the national arena with hit-quality beats. Of course, you'll hear a few plugs for other upcoming projects (like Bailey's The Champ and J. Valentine's Valentine's Day), but that's more of a hard-core rule than a self-promoting exception in the mixtape world. And considering the awesome price of this one, there are no complaints allowed: Download Hide Ya Bitch for free at www.bigvon.com.

Also worthy of mention:

DJ Ales One, aka Max Kane

Livin' in the Bay, Vol. 1

(4 One Funk)

On this mix, Ales One provides a handy lesson in local hip hop, serving up classics from legends like RBL Posse, the Click, Mac Dre, Rappin' 4-Tay, and E-40. He's in S.F.-based "DJ band" 4 One Funk with partners B-Cause and Mr. B; more info on the crew is available at www.4onefunk.com.

Emcee T

Hard Headed: The Mixtape

(Vishus Entertainment)

Santa Rosa-based Chinese-American rapper Emcee T (also one-half of the Chink Bros.) presents a 33-song effort that features Nate Dogg, 50 Cent, and even Makaveli -- aka the late Tupac Shakur. Is he truly the "Yay Area's rawest Asian hip hop MC," as he claims? Cop the mixtape and decide for yourself, or just watch him rap drunk at www.myspace.com/emceet.

Get in the mix! Send your mixtapes to this address, and maybe we'll review 'em:

Mixtape Shmixtape

c/o Garrett Kamps

SF Weekly

185 Berry St., Suite 3800

San Francisco, CA 94107