First of all this whole “it’s not a album it’s a mixtape “ trend is jist a loophole from labels so they don’t gotta pay producers among other things

To me it just cheapens the music , like for example , Trippie Redds OFFICAL last album was “ ! “ but somehow the other projects are mixtapes , how are you really suppose to know which is which

Music is music bruh

it aint that deep bro

Hey guys I'm Chance the Rapper, my debut album is coming this October 2020, my last project was a mixtape! Time to go make love to my wife, bye!

If it's on DSP's you have to pay producers now.

They just say that for the sake of marketing to fans. Maybe the label also puts less dollars in pushing the project.