By Mixtape Rapper I just mean a rapper with a prolific mixtape discography. They don’t have to have only released mixtapes, or even mostly mixtapes. Just a lot of mixtapes, or just a few but their mixtapes are notably better/different from their album work.
Mixtape era Canibus. You should also revisit the DJ Tony Touch 50 mixtapes that featured freestyles from the emcees of that era.
I’m unfamiliar with these, are these two what you are talking about? I’m about half way through the one dated 1996 and it is pretty dope, but I’m not certain I’m listening to the right thing haha