Biggest Mix Tapes of 2010!

December 31st, 2010

Mixtape work is the rawest form of artistry, because every aspect of it’s product belongs to the artist and perhaps the best way for them to experiment. Mixtapes showcase talent, and the ones released in 2010 were no exception. Unfortunately, my compilation of the best Abba songs did not make the cut (they had some serious flow!), but in any case, we compiled a list of some of the best mixtapes that we heard over the past year.

J Cole Friday Night Lights

If there’s ever a point that you should start paying attention to an artist … well, clue in, friends: this is the point for J.Cole. He’s the kind of artist who brings it on every line of every verse of every song and even more impressively, is equally as strong on the production side. Working as a sort of prelude to his debut album, Friday Night Lights is a flawless collection of tracks, showcasing his undeniable talent in a series of complex verses and smooth, but essentially hip-hop sound. If you haven’t given Cole a chance, do it now – cause this dude’s about to blow up!

B.o.B. No Genre

B.o.B. had a pretty tremendous year with the success of his debut, The Adventures of Bobby Ray. The album easily appeals to the masses, so it’s nice to hear B.o.B. spit more raw material on his mixtapes. No Genre is a great way to wrap up 2010, because not only does it reflect on his commercial success, but it demonstrates why B.o.B. has the potential to stay in the limelight. His versatility, as seen on tracks like Not Lost, Higher, and even Batman Flow, really shows that the only genre B.o.B. can be confined to is his own.

Jojo Can’t Take That Away From Me

Little pop star no more, Jojo had the internet buzzing when she released her mix tape back in September. Jojo stated that this tape doesn’t necessarily reflect the material on her upcoming album, but she was happy she got to explore various sounds and themes. R&B and pop at its finest, Jojo proved that ladies can go hard too.

Young Jeezy Trap or Die 2

Jeezy, Jeezy, Jeezy. Trap or Die 2 goes hard on the production and lyrical work, and is arguably some of Jeezy’s strongest work to date. Although repetitive at times, Jeezy takes it back to the streets and commands your respect with his hard-hitting verses and infectious sound, creating a mix tape that makes it easy to lose yourself in the music.

Wiz Khalifa Kush & Orange Juice

It’s easy to like Khalifa, because despite all of his oddities and this tape going everywhere and back, he somehow always seems to make sense! Kush & Orange Juice sounds like a direct translation of the inner workings of Khalifa’s mind, not just in lyricism, but also in its chilled out sound. Although he is not the most intricate rapper, Khalifa reels you in with his catchy, memorable one-liners and demonstrates his commercial appeal, one that is similar to that of Kid Cudi’s. And come on, anyone who can sample Frou Frou and Demi Lovato on a tape with style deserves some attention, right?

Rick Ross The Albert Anastasia EP

We would’ve been in huge trouble had we not mentioned the Teflon Don’s 2010 effort, The Albert Anastasia EP. Many argue that Rick Ross is an MC that has shown considerable growth throughout his career, and this mixtape only takes him even further. Check out tracks MC Hammer, Blowin Money Fast, and Money Maker. What.a.boss.

Honorable Mentions:

Kanye West G.O.O.D. Fridays
B.o.B. May 27th
Chris Brown In My Zone, Fan of a Fan, In My Zone 2
Wale More About Nothing
Fabolous The Funeral Service: There is No Competition 2
Waka Flocka Flame LeBrown Flocka James 2