What Is 1st of the Month Vol. 1

Overview

1st of the Month Vol. 1 is a mixtape by American rapper Lil B, released on January 1, 2017, marking the beginning of an ambitious monthly music project. The release was part of a larger creative initiative where Lil B committed to dropping a new project on the first day of each month throughout 2017.

The mixtape showcases Lil B's signature style—unconventional flows, introspective lyrics, and genre-blurring production. It was well-received by fans for its authenticity and raw expression, continuing his reputation as a prolific and boundary-pushing artist.

• Release date: The project dropped on January 1, 2017, aligning with the '1st of the Month' naming theme and setting the tone for the year-long series.
• Track count: It features 13 tracks, including introspective raps, spoken word poetry, and experimental instrumentals that highlight Lil B’s artistic range.
• Label: Released independently through BasedWorld Records, the mixtape exemplifies Lil B’s commitment to artistic freedom and self-distribution.
• Runtime: The total duration is approximately 45 minutes, offering a concise yet immersive listening experience packed with personal reflections and social commentary.
• Artistic style: The mixtape blends cloud rap, lo-fi beats, and spoken word, creating a meditative and emotionally resonant atmosphere.

How It Works

The '1st of the Month' series was designed as a year-long creative experiment, with each volume released digitally at the start of the month. Volume 1 set the precedent for the format, tone, and distribution strategy of the entire series.

• Monthly commitment: Lil B pledged to release a new project every month in 2017, totaling 12 volumes, each reflecting his evolving thoughts and musical ideas.
• Digital distribution: Each volume was made available for free online, primarily through DatPiff and Bandcamp, maximizing accessibility and fan engagement.
• Content variety: While Vol. 1 is a rap mixtape, later volumes included instrumentals, freestyles, and live recordings, showcasing versatility.
• Production style: The beats are primarily lo-fi and atmospheric, often layered with ambient sounds, emphasizing mood over traditional hip-hop structures.
• Fan interaction: Lil B encouraged feedback and discussion on social media, using #1stOfTheMonth to build community around the project.
• Artistic freedom: By avoiding major label constraints, Lil B maintained full creative control, allowing for unfiltered expression across all 12 volumes.

Comparison at a Glance

The following table compares 1st of the Month Vol. 1 with later volumes and similar projects in Lil B’s discography:

While Vol. 1 established the template, later entries varied in length and focus. The series as a whole demonstrated Lil B’s unmatched work ethic and dedication to constant creation, distinguishing it from traditional album cycles.

Why It Matters

The release of 1st of the Month Vol. 1 was significant not only as a musical work but as a cultural statement about independence and artistic consistency in the digital age. It reinforced Lil B’s status as a pioneer of internet-era hip-hop and DIY distribution.

• Inspired fan projects: The monthly format encouraged other independent artists to adopt similar release strategies, promoting consistency over perfection.
• Proved viability of free releases: Despite being free, the mixtape garnered hundreds of thousands of downloads, challenging traditional monetization models.
• Boosted online presence: The series kept Lil B constantly in the public conversation throughout 2017, increasing social media engagement.
• Documented personal growth: The evolving themes across volumes offer a real-time diary of emotional and artistic development.
• Preserved creative freedom: By avoiding label interference, Lil B maintained authenticity and creative control over his output.
• Legacy in internet rap: The project is now cited as a landmark in digital-era hip-hop, influencing how artists release music online.

The success of Vol. 1 laid the foundation for one of the most prolific years in Lil B’s career, proving that volume and vision can coexist in modern music.