A removable tape cartridge (14) for insertion into a carrier (12) in order to form a two-piece videocassette (10) comprises a housing (20) with a tape reel assembly (30) therein. The tape reel assembly (30) includes a length of tape (56) with a connector (64) at one end which, upon insertion of the cartridge (14), mates with an associated connector (15) in the carrier (12) to establish connection with a tape-up reel (17). The tape reel assembly (30) is supported within the housing (20) for limited floating movement between up and down positions, but is normally biased toward the down position by a hold down ring (74). A clutch (66-70) provides controlled tape slippage within the tape reel assembly (30), which is normally secured against unwinding by a brake assembly (102-116) until the cartridge (14) has been inserted into the carrier (12).