2012, Mixtapes. Top 10.

Thought I'd go for a RR feel to this, do some lists and the like.

Firstly mixtapes.

'This ain't a mix tape but the tapes mixed' - Jeezy 

All these projects are available for free, so have a listen.

10. Freddie Gibbs - 'BFK: Baby Faced Killa'

Gangsta Gibbs put out his final project under the helm of Jeezy, shame these two couldn't make it work.

9. Trinidad James - 'Don't Be S.A.F.E'

The Deacon, raps 10 months. 1 big song, signs to Def Jam. "Woooo".

8. Wiley - 'It's All Fun And Games Vol. 1'

The originator of grime put out classic grime with a collection of freestyles from various producers. great project.

7. Big Sean - 'Detriot'

I never liked or rated Big Sean, until this project emerged. Oh Gawd.

6. Slaughterhouse - 'On The House'

The Uber talented rap machine emerged with 2 projects in a week. Amazing body of work, All parts working.

5. Young Jeezy - 'It's Tha World'

Jizzle and DJ Drama combine to make another timeless project, Just like an album. Flawless and Jeezy at his best.

4. Rick Ross - 'Rich Forever'

This was meant to be the 'God Forgives I Don't Album', we all know it Ricky. This was far better than the album, and may even have had the best verse of the year on it had Jay-Z not taken to the mic.

3. Joe Budden - 'A Loose Quarter'

One quarter of the slaughter released his self proclaimed happy album. It was happy, was nice to hear an artist who has been so honest in his music previously battling numerous demons being different and uplifted but still telling stories, but of success.

2. Fabolous - 'Soul Tape 2'

Loso, enlisted help from friends old and new. He took to beats, old and new. Delivered some great verses, some very memorable. Lots very quotable. Used features, brought the best out of artists, arguably made better versions of other peoples tracks. No one listens to the original of 'Diced Pineapples' now that they have heard Cassie sing so soulfully "...and we f*ck all night till things get right".

1. 360 - 'Everywhere And Back'

The artist 360, a year ago. I hadn't heard of. I imagine most of you still haven't. He put out a 10 track project, with no large collaborations nor exclusive beats. All brand new and unknown, the only notable help on the project came from Carolina rapper J. Cole. The project was articulate, honest and very listenable. It catered to every need, had the track we would all love to hear "Lovin' You Tonight" on it. Big things are sure for the artist 360. Work with Freddie Gibb$ and Jadakiss on his latest Remix will no doubt catapult him to stardom.