I actually think releasing this mixtape for purchase before his actual album was a smart move. Right now the anticipation for music in the hip hop spectrum is at an all time high with imminent releases from Lil Wayne, Kanye West, and Kendrick Lamar all on the horizon and potential releases from artist like frank ocean and Party Next Door who can all release singles at any time and take away any single that he may release to gain attention for Views From The 6 -- not to mention any other artist who may be having songs coming out. By releasing a full fledged have to pay to hear mixtape (unless you download illegally of course) he capitalizes on the anticipation of new music and also sets himself apart from the rest of the pack by delivering 17 songs that people can listen to and dissect which will take precedence over other new material. In the excitement, he can also remind people that Views From The 6 is on the way! The mixtape has long ago evolved from being a means to get someone names out and this is just one of the ways. In fact, remember that Drake's So Far Gone mixtape was made into an EP that was sold more than a year after it was released!
As far the mixtape. There's a lot of pretty hot songs on there. Definitely worth the listen. I have a few on repeat definitely like Company, featuring one of my favorite artist Travis Scott -- 6 Man with it's ending ode to his friend Erykah Badu -- and 10 Bands with his raucous in the streets vibe -- but also his more vulnerable tracks like You and the 6 which is dedicated to his mother. Definitely worth the buy.