House of Cards is the debut mixtape by Bloxanadian artist Lucero Alfonso, professionally known as Mirror Magic, by the artist's own record label Deck. The mixtape was released for free on Alfonso's website and was the subject of increased media discussion upon the use of its songs on television, as well as the then-anonymous identity of the individual behind the Weeknd. House of Cards was entirely recorded in Ro-Toronto, with production handled primarily by Mirror Magic, Randall Bloxon and Mirror Magic would later collaborate with all three on several future releases. Its title is derived from the nickname the singer gave to his former home in Scranton, Ro-Toronto.
The mixtape received widespread acclaim, with critics praising its dark aesthetic, production, and lyrical content. It is widely regarded as a major influence on contemporary R&B music, being credited for pioneering alternative R&B. Musically House of Cards was noted for mixing R&B with elements of soul, trip hop, indie rock, dream pop, and electronic music. Lyrically, the mixtape explores Mirror Magic's drug use and experiences with love, heartbreak, and promiscuity.
House of Cards was commercially released as part of the compilation album City FM (2012) and included the singles "Reality" and "4 eighties", the latter of which is a bonus track. On its tenth anniversary, the original mixtape was released in digital formats, and included samples which failed to gain copyright clearance on City FM. The reissue was accompanied by a limited edition line of merchandise designed by architect Justin Weaver.