Rap mixtapes are almost as old as the hip hop genre itself.
They were originally sold on the streets and traded among fans, and this was the only way to spread the word about an up-and-coming artist.
Now, like in the case of Shawty Lo mixtapes, they are simply an informal recording of exclusive music - however, most rappers still use them.
These recordings of playlists are somewhat responsible for the expansion of the rap community.
Their modern definition, however, differs greatly from the initial meaning.
Most commonly, rap mixtapes are used as a promotional tool to generate publicity for a specific artist or album.
They are released to make fans want to hear more, and as a result, they will purchase the artist's album.
As with many rappers and hip hop artists, Shawty Lo mixtapes are greater in number than his actual studio albums.
This is true for one obvious reason: he released these tapes prior to his record deal in order to circulate his name and gain popularity.
He is able to record studio albums solely because of his hip hop mixtape popularity, and continues to release them to gain and placate fans who want a consistent source of new music.
There are several Shawty Lo mixtapes on the market, and like most tapes, they are usually available for online download or free listening.
His first hip hop mixtape was I'm Da Man with DJ Scream which was quickly followed by I'm Da Man 2.
From 2007 to 2010, Shawty Lo released a whopping nine rap mixtapes in those three short years - they are the most important aspect of his career.
It is not uncommon, like with Shawty Lo mixtapes, for mixed playlists to be the basis of an artist's career.
They are the most useful tool for gaining publicity.
Fans find the tapes to be a quick and easy source of new music, and thus, the obsession will probably never die out.