Crenshaw Tracklist
Crenshaw is the eighth mixtape from Nipsey Hussle, released on October 8, 2013. The mixtape’s title is named after the city in Los Angeles, California.
Nipsey first teased the mixtape back on September 16, 2013. It was originally going to be hosted by DJ Drama.
On September 24, 2013, Nipsey Hussle revealed the first trailer for the mixtape, which features him driving around Cresnshaw, as well as talking about his upbringing in the city.
On October 3, 2013, Nipsey released a second trailer for the mixtape, as well as revealing that he would be selling 1,000 physical copies of the mixtape for $100 each. He explained his decision, saying quote:
It’s 2013. Whether we accept it or not, buying music is a choice, not a requisite. When I think of the psychology behind what makes me purchase an artist’s album, it’s always a form of reciprocation. Almost like a token of appreciation after I experience the product. The reason I chose to charge $100 dollars each copy and only start with 1000 units is because I tailor making my music for those who are listening. it’s not about stepping outside of what I’m known for in hopes of new discovery. What that means less is fans that are better served. I’m more or less focused on fully serving the ones that have connected all ready. That being said it’s a value over volume thing. if I’m goin to offer a product made with no compromise or concession to the platforms (radio, A&R opinion, label bias) ect…ect..then the way we sale it has to change
Upon the mixtape’s release, he reportedly sold out all of the copies at the pop-up shop in less than 24 hours. Notably, JAY-Z had bought 100 physical copies of the mixtape at $100 each.
“Crenshaw” Q&A
-
What has Nipsey Hussle said about the mixtape?
I recorded a lot of songs for the Victory Lap project, and I got a certain vision I’m going for with the project, and I just did a lot of work and I think I got what I was looking for with the Victory Lap album, and I still got a lot of great records. So I’m like, I don’t wanna sit on the songs, and I listened to the playlist and it kinda sounded like Crenshaw, it sounded like the environment, like my upbringing. So I went in and did a couple more records, put a couple skits and just really themed it, and I’m like I'ma give them the mixtape first just to excite the streets again and remind people what the sound is, give ‘em an idea of what the album might sound like. And really kinda like, create the question in their mind, 'if this is the mixtape, what is gunna be on the album?
-Nipsey Hussle, via HipHopDX.
-
What is the meaning for this mixtape?
This is my area. This is my home town. This is really like where I spent a lot of my time as a youth. Crenshaw is a foundation to my personality and my story. It’s where it took place at.
-Nipsey Hussle, via XXL.
-
How did this mixtape perform on the charts?
Crenshaw debuted at #63 on the Billboard 200.
