Mixtapes matter.
Year Of The Dragon: 2000 vs. 2012 The Grammy Edition
The importance of mixtapes have been deeply rooted in hip-hop since the very beginning, and recently, mixtapes have become a vital catalyst for R&B artists as well.
After much debate and a few arguments, GlobalGrind decided on the 12 best mixtapes of 2012.
Coming up with the 12 best mixtapes wasn’t the hard part, it was the order in which they land on the list that became unexpectedly tedious.
DETAILS: And the winner is…The 55th Annual Grammy Nominations List
From pleasant surprises like Big Sean’s Detroit mixtape, to undeniably great offerings like Rick Ross’ Rich Forever, GlobalGrind didn’t forget anyone.
Although we only chose 12 mixtapes for 2012, there were a few people who would have made the list if there were 15 spots.
Despite not making the list, Fabolous’ Thanksgiving gift, Soul Tape Vol. 2, Trinidad Jame$’ Don’t Be S.A.F.E., and Gucci Mane’s Trap God all receive honorable mentions.
Check out the 12 best mixtapes of 2012.
12. Mac Miller- Macadelic
Whether you love or hate Mac Miller, you have to admit, the kid delivers on his projects. What brings Mac Miller in at number 12 is his ability to focus on arrangement and composition of his tracks. Tracks like “Clarity” and “Lucky Ass Bitch” exhibit Mac’s ability to deliver 16 sonically different tracks without it feeling random and scattered.
11. Future- Astronaut Status
Future is another polarizing figure in hip-hop. You either love him or you hate him. Those who don’t mind his Auto-Tuned vocals have certainly enjoyed his top of the year mixtape, Astronaut Status. Who didn’t love “Jordan Diddy” or “Itchin?”
Download Astronaut Status Here.
10. Joey Bada$$- 1999
Joey Bada$$ is one of the new kids on the block that will be running things very soon. The 17-year-old rapper from Brooklyn dropped 1999, and basically surprised the hell out of everyone. With distinctive influences from the greatest rappers of the ’90s, Joey Bada$$’ nostalgic flow lands him in the top 10.
9. Big K.R.I.T.- 4Eva N A Day
Big K.R.I.T. released 4Eva N A Day only a few months before his Live From The Underground album. Typically it’s considered Russian Roulette to release such a solid project so close to album release time, but Big K.R.I.T managed to do so unscathed. Some would argue 4Eva N A Day was a more enjoyable project than his actual album, but we’ll leave that debate up to you.
8. Big Sean- Detroit
Big Sean’s Detroit mixtape was a pleasant surprise. After G.O.O.D Music’s “Clique” and “Mercy” rocked the radio airwaves all summer, Big Sean released his first free project since 2010, only weeks before G.O.O.D music’s compilation album, Cruel Summer, hit store shelves.
7. Wiz Khalifa- Taylor Allderdice
After releasing a disappointing debut album, Rolling Papers, Wiz Khalifa got his mojo back with Taylor Allderdice. Returning to his roots that first captured the hearts of his core fans, Wiz’s Taylor Allderdice definitely put the Pittsburgh rapper back in the conversation of being a viable rapper.
Download Taylor Allderdice Here.
6. Action Bronson- Blue Chips
What can we say? Action Bronson is funny and creative. Although people paint him as a Ghostface Killah sound-alike, the fact of the matter is, Action is a charming rapper from Queens. Between the soulful samples and witty one-liners, Action Bronson is one of those rappers who belong in the conversation of mainstream hip-hop.
5. Miguel- Art Dealer Chic Vol 1-3 series
Miguel is the one and only R&B artist to make this year’s list. Miguel’s Art Dealer Chic series offered the best R&B track of the year “Adorn.” The three part series is daring yet traditional, unabashed and seductive, catapulting the “All I Want Is You” singer to the forefront of R&B.
Download Miguel Art Dealer Chic Series Here.
4. Meek Mill- Dreamchasers 2
This mixtape is nowhere as solid as volume one of his Dreamchasers series, but with hits like “Amen” featuring Drake and “Burn” featuring Big Sean, Meek manages to deliver another solid project. The mixtape really only boasts a handful of great songs and falls short towards the end of the project, but with “Amen” and “Burn” landing on the music charts, Meek finds himself at the number four spot.
3. Dom Kennedy- Yellow Album
This project has to be a summer favorite. Dom Kennedy releases his most complete body of work with this mixtape. Although the Yellow Album is smooth, laid back, and quite relaxing, Dom Kennedy still manages to engage the listener with an energetic flow. We also can’t forget about the one of the best BBQ bangers “My Type Of Party” that dominated the airwaves in Cali all summer.
2. Chief Keef- Back From The Dead
Now, some of you all reading this list may be appalled that 17-year-old rapper Chief Keef ranks this high on the list, but think about it, who was the most talked about rapper of 2012?
Chief Keef.
It was Chief Keef’s viral video “I Don’t Like,” which received 20 million views on YouTube that landed him a deal with Jimmy Iovine’s Interscope records. The song was so likeable that Kanye West decided to remix the track and add it to G.O.O.D Music’s compilation album.
Not to mention, Chief Keef’s other hits like “3hunna,” “I Don’t Know Dem,” and “Everyday.”
Download Back From The Dead Here.
1. Rick Ross- Rich Forever
There’s nothing more to say than Rick Ross delivered the most solid mixtape of the year. Rich Forever is so thorough in its production and compilation, some would argue they enjoy this project over his actual album, God Forgives, I Don’t. Rick Ross went on to release The Black Bar Miztvah in October, but the mixtape doesn’t hit home like its predecessor.
