1. Drake – So Far Gone
When a comparatively bad retail-version of your CD sells 73,000 copies in the first week, while a very good mixtape-version is available online for free, your album is #1 in my book. Also, props for songs featuring Sweden’s Lykke Li and Peter Bjorn & John. Everyone better already have at least some version of this mixtape in their library, and get ready for ‘Thank Me Later‘ in 2010.
[Featured artists: Lil Wayne, Trey Songz, Bun B, Omarion, Lloyd, Lykke Li, Santogold & Peter Bjorn & John]
2. Wiz Khalifa – Flight School
I still listen to this CD pretty regularly. ‘Flight School’ showcases Wiz better than any of his other CD’s in 2009 by far.
[Featured artists: Kev Da Hustla & John Record]
3. Kid Cudi – Dat Kid From Cleveland
Kid Cudi had a big year, and this is his best mixtape effort for 2009.
[Featured artists: Kanye West, Common, Wale, Chip Tha Ripper, Consequence, Kevin Rudolf, Jackie Chain, 88-Keys & Sharam]
4. Big Sean – UKnowBigSean Vol. 2
I really wish Big Sean would release another mixtape, but this one will have to satisfy until that happens. This tape is solid throughout.
[Featured artists: Mike Posner, Santigold, Jay K, Earlly MacMillion, Dusty McFly, Keely & Pat Piff]
5. Lil Wayne – No Ceilings
Lil Wayne proves he is still ridiculously creative and has unlimited punch lines… gives me flashbacks to his mixtape haydays a few years ago.
[Featured artists: Birdman, Tyga, Jae Millz, Gudda Gudda, Nicki Minaj, Short Dawg, Shanell & Lucci Lou]
6. The Cool Kids – Gone Fishing
The Cool Kids drop another solid mixtape. I wish these guys came out with more music overall, but you can’t knock their consistent quality.
[Featured artists: Ryan Leslie, Shorty K, Jahda & Tennille]
7. Gucci Mane – Gucci Land
Gucci is the most popular rapper right now; I can see ‘The State vs. Radric Davis‘ selling between 250K & 500K this week… it’s a good CD. I had this mixtape, ‘Gucci Land’, on replay more than any of his others in the past year.
[Featured artists: OJ Da Juiceman, The Game, Timbaland, Fabolous, Nicki Minaj, Chip Tha Ripper, Dem Franchise Boyz, Yung L.A., Gorilla Zoe, Shawty Lo, Freeky Zekey & more]
8. B.o.B. – B.o.B. vs. Bobby Ray
B.o.B./Bobby Ray/This guy is definitely one of the most talented of the new artists with his versatility rapping and producing.
[Featured artists: Kanye West, T.I., Charles Hamilton, Asher Roth, OJ Da Juiceman, Bun B, Mickey Factz, Big Kuntry, Mac Boney, Playboy Tre & Killa Mike]
9. Mike Posner – One Foot Out The Door
My only non-rap mixtape for the year, and it is Mike Posner for a reason. The songs featuring Big Sean are the highlights for me.
[Featured artists: Kid Cudi, Big Sean, Saigon, Bun B, Clinton Sparks, Freddie Gibbs, GLC & XV]
10. Wale – Back to the Feature
Another rapper that had a big year; this is Wale’s best overall mixtape effort in 2009.
[Featured artists: Big Sean, Talib Kweli, Mike Posner, Bun B, Joell Ortiz, Lady Gaga, Currensy, Memphis Bleek, Peter Bjorn & John, Young Chris, J Cole, Royce Da 5’9, Joe Budden & more]
11. Tyga – The Free Album
Yeah, I couldn’t narrow my list to 10 selections, and I even had a hard time deciding between this mixtape and Tyga’s more recent, ‘The Potential‘.
[Featured artists: Lil Wayne, Gata & Short Dawg]
Enliten | WithaK 