TBT Top 10 Mixtapes of 2016
There are blurred lines between what constitutes an album or mixtape nowadays. Basically a mixtape is free while an album you gotta spend money for. Nonetheless, we did our best to try to separate the two and decided on 10 mixtapes that we think are standouts. Check it out.
10. #12For12 – Big K.R.I.T
Big K.R.I.T is your favorite rappers favorite rapper so anytime KRIT drops a tape it’s always worth checking out. This tape is a 12 track freestyle series from KRIT.
9. Allan Kingdom – Northern Lights
Coming off a co-sign from Kanye West himself, Minnesota rapper drops his debut project “Northern Lights”. Much of the tape is co-produced from Plain Pat and Kingdom himself.
8. Vic Mensa – There’s A Lot Going On
Vic Mensa returns from a long hiatus with a politically charged and socially conscious new project. While Mensa also opens up about of a lot personal issues he’s been dealing over the years he also has pop-like tracks such as New Bae and Liquor Locker.
7. The Underachievers – It Happened in Flatbush
Issa and AK return with one of the most hard-hitting, straight beat slapping mixtapes of the year. Definitely a chance of pace from the usual mellowed socially conscious vibe.
6. Jazz Cartier – Hotel Paranoia
Toronto’s self-proclaimed Prince of the City comes through with his sophomore project and continues to show why he’s one of the best artists from the 6.
5. Vince Staples – Prima Donna
Long Beach rapper Vince Staples returns with a short but impressive EP. Vince’s personality is spread all across the EP and his ear for production shouldn’t be overlooked.
4. Lil Yatchy – Lil Boat
Born straight out the internet, Lil Yachty releases his debut mixtape Lil Boat. Say what you want about the mumble-rap generation but its hard to deny Yachty’s fun, simple and creative approach to music isn’t eye-opening. Lil Boat is a good time and should be approached as such.
3. Joey Purp – iiiDrops
Joey Purp is one of best Chicago’s upcoming emcees. This mixtape really shows Joey’s growth as an artist with tracks such as MONEY & BITCHES and KIDS sounding unlike anything we’ve heard this year yet still having a nostalgic hip-hop feel.
2. Noname – Telefone
Noname is another Chicago artist that completely took the music scene by surprise. Telefone has a spoken-word type vibe but Noname’s sweet and innocent persona makes for a listening treat.
1. Chance The Rapper – Coloring Book
There was really no other artist that would’ve gotten this spot. Chance comes through with another impressive project and solidifies himself as one of hip-hop’s most prolific and creative emcees.
In The Cut: Big Leano – Tales From The Mud, TOBi – FYi (EP), TCVXX (EP) – TCVXX
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