# DatPiff transferring the “world’s largest” collection of rap mixtapes to the Internet Archive

- Link: https://exclusiveaccess.net/datpiff-transferring-worlds-largest-collection-rap-mixtapes-internet-archive/
- Published: 2024-01-10T10:15:38-05:00
- Author: EAN

![](https://nagqfi.infiniteuploads.cloud/2024/01/maxresdefault_live.jpg)

[Internet Archive](https://archive.org/) has recently become home to what is claimed
to be the world’s largest collection of rap mixtapes, courtesy of DatPiff, an audio
platform.

In the preceding month, DatPiff initiated the process of transferring its extensive
rap mixtape catalog, comprising over 366,420 items, to Internet Archive, as reported
by _Rolling Stone_.

During the spring of 2023, speculations circulated about the potential shutdown 
of the DatPiff app and website. However, _Rolling Stone_ clarifies that the platform
faced a critical challenge when a hard drive crash jeopardized its archive. In response
to this threat, DatPiff has been diligently moving its expansive collection to the
secure environment of Internet Archive.

In light of these developments, DatPiff’s website now carries a message encouraging
users to “EMBRACE THE NEXT GENERATION OF DATPIFF!” and emphasizes the platform’s
evolution beyond its traditional website and app. The announcement states that while
they are actively working on the next iteration of DatPiff, they have partnered 
with Archive.org to ensure continued accessibility to the library.

DatPiff gained prominence in the 2010s, serving as a significant platform for rap
artists like Meek Mill and Lil Wayne to establish their presence. Now, the transfer
to the Internet Archive opens up the opportunity for users to stream works from 
iconic artists such as MF DOOM, Dr. Dre, [Snoop Dogg](https://ticketmaster.evyy.net/c/4256257/264167/4272?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ticketmaster.com%2Fsnoop-dogg-tickets%2Fartist%2F763942),
and many more.

With this move, Internet Archive not only preserves a vast cultural legacy but also
provides a new platform for users to explore and enjoy the extensive collection 
of rap mixtapes curated by DatPiff.

Check out the much of the archive [here](https://archive.org/details/audio?query=rap).