Top 10 Mixtapes of 2011
It’s that time again, and we are glad to present our 3rd annual list of the Top 10 Mixtapes of the Year. We’ve collected, what we think, are the best free compilations of Rap and Hip-Hop music released in 2011.
With any ‘Top 10′ list, there is bound to be some controversy, snubs, and arguments. We would love for you to share your thoughts in the comment section below, tweet us @RapsLatest, or jump on our Facebook page, and let us know what you think of our list. If you like what you see, do us a solid and like this post or retweet it.
We truly appreciate our readers and would like to thank you for following us and supporting us throughout this year. Happy New Year!!
10. Pusha T – Fear of God
Download: Torrent | Direct | Hulkshare
Pusha T had one of the top albums of the year, and his Fear of God Mixtape served as a prelude to it. This tape gave us our first glimpse of the solo Push record and had street anthems on it like My God and I Still Wanna.
9. Travis Barker – Let the Drummer Get Wicked
Travis Barker dropped one of the best free tapes of the year, with features from almost everyone in the rap game. Though his full length album follow-up was mastered and sounded much better, this release was still Top 10 of the year.
The diversity of rappers featured on here include, but are not limited to: Rick Ross, Kanye, Clipse, Big Sean, Tech N9ne, The Game, Lil Wayne, Tony Yayo, Wyclef, Waka Flocka, Lupe Fiasco, and Big KRIT.
8. Gilbere Forte – Eyes of Veritas
Download: Mediafire | Bandcamp
Gilbere Forte is a budding rap star out of Philly who has dropped not one, but 2 top mixtapes this year. Eyes of Veritas edged out Some Dreams Never Sleep for our top 10.
With DJ Drama on the boards, the beats and production go without saying, and Gilbere’s passion and realness are evident in every one of his tracks. You won’t want to miss These 3 Words, one of the realest tracks on the tape.
7. Killer Mike – BangX3
Lots of people slept on this mixtape, but it had several bangers on here that are still in rotatation. Though BangX3 only included 9 songs, it’s the type of album that you can play straight through and not want to skip a track. Ups to Killer Mike and the Dungeon Fam.
6. Lupe Fiasco – Friend of the People
I’d like to open the discussion of this mixtape by saying that I thought Lasers was one of the most disappointing albums of the year. I expected much for from Lupe after his 2 year album hiatus, and I felt that Lasers was uninspired.
If memory serves me correct, with this mixtape, Lupe Fiasco is the first mainstream artist to successfully blend Rap with Electro/Dub Step beats throughout an entire album. He’s in full revolution mode as he prowls through this tape, with a sound for quality production that is impeccable. All of his R&B features sound great, and though some of his chorus’ are a little weird, the beats and production values are near-perfect.
5. BoB – EPIC
BoB is another one of those artists who always comes correct with his mixtapes. Dude makes nice music and with features from Eminem, Lil Wayne, Big KRIT, and Bun B, this was some of the hottest free music put out this year. Several of these tracks were album quality and I wouldn’t be surprised to catch them in his 2012 album Strange Clouds.
4. Wiz Khalifa – Cabin Fever
Download: Torrent | Hulkshare | Hulkshare
For some reason I feel like this mixtape was slept on by a lot of folks out there. Though there were only 9 tracks on deck, this tape was still some of the best free music of the year. After his breakthrough classic Kush and OJ last year, Wiz had big expectations for 2011 and he did not disappoint.
I’ve been waiting for the official version of Cabin Fever to come out since February 2010 and was glad that he finally released it for free. There are several radio hits on here that could have been singles on any cd, and Taylor Gang was probably one of the top 5 hardest songs this year produced by Lex Luger.
3. The Rocks Report
Mikey Rocks, one half of The Cool Kids, dropped two solo mixtapes this year, but his first was by far the standout. The Rocks Report featured top notch beats and stellar lyrics to match. Upon first listen of the tape, I immediately knew it would be a top contender for this list, and this dropped all the way back in March.
2. Paris 96
Download: Torrent | Direct | Hulkshare
Let’s just say this soulful hip-hop compilation has been on repeat for a very long time this year. Theophilus London and Jesse Boykins III are fantastic together and they make beautiful music that transcends genre. Pretty sure I recommended this to both girls and guys because there is something for everyone on this well-rounded tape.
1. Jet Life to the Next Life
Curren$y has been a mainstay in the game for a minute now, but his two homies Trademark and Young Roddy had a breakthrough year in 2011 with their release of the Jet Life to the Next Life mixtape. This mixtape is an immaculate example of Jet Life music, and while Curren$y is a beast on the mic, his counterparts sound equally as nice throughout the entire tape. Trademark also has an undeniable knack for hooks that I haven’t seen in awhile.
I fully expect this to be slept on in all of the Top 10 Mixtape Lists of the year, but this break-out tape was amazing from start to finish. If you disagree with our list, share your thoughts in the comment section below! Now for the honorable mentions…
Honorable Mentions
Kid Ink – Daydreamer
LA native Kid Ink has been steadily building a following over the past two years and this producer-turned-rapper has an amazing ear for beats. While his raps have some room for improvement, this kid has an extremely high upside for 2012.
Gilbere Forte – Some Dreams Never Sleep
Download: Hulkshare | Bandcamp
Like we mentioned earlier, Gilbere came correct with not 1 but 2 mixtapes this year. Some Dreams Never Sleep was a “free album” sponsored by LA’s own The Hundreds clothing line.
Lil Wayne – Sorry 4 the Wait
Unfortunately, since Tunechi got out tha pen, he just hasn’t been the same. This mixtape was no where near the classic Dedication 2, or even his No Ceilings release, but it is still nice to hear Weezy go in over some of the best beats of the year.
Wale – 11 one 11
Wale dropped a solid mixtape as a precursor to his Ambition album, and with electric bangers like Chain Music and Bait, this tape was hot. Since signing with Maybach Music Group earlier this year, Wale has said time and again how inspired he has been by Rick Ross and crew, and it has been evident in all the work he’s been doing lately.
CyHi da Prince – Royal Flush 2
Download: Torrent | Hulkshare | LiveMixtapes
CyHi is relatively new to the industry, but he’s off to a quick start thanks to his enrollment with the GOOD Music squad. Royal Flush 2 featured his prominent raps over knocking production, and was a solid release for the ATL native. Stay tuned for more from this firespitter in 2012.
Pac Div – Mania
LA trio Pac Div came correct with another mixtape this year. Their beats knock and their raps are dope, there is no reason why they shouldn’t have blown up by now, maybe that will happen in 2012.
That’s it folks! Thanks for reading. Your comments, likes, and retweets are much appreciated!
-danimal
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