Killer Mike — R.A.P Music

Potentially my AOTY of 2012, KM puts out a nearly flawless album which feels very nostalgic and fresh at the same time. Heavy beats, sharp lyrics with gigantic flow, and an admirable conscience make this album a must hear for 2012.

Big K.R.I.T — Live From The Underground

While not giving as much effort as much as his previous mixtapes did, Krizzle still gives us a worthwhile addition to his near perfect discography. And the final 4 tracks just prove how Justin Scott is one of our greatest rappers of this era.

Kendrick Lamar — Good Kid, MAAD City

What is there needed to be said for this one? K.Dot takes us to the grimy city of Compton, flooded with classic bangers, ghetto tales brought in the form of Sing About Me, I’m Dying of Thirst, and the power of Dr. Dre under the Compton natives hands. Truly a phenomenal album.

El-P—Cancer 4 Cure

The other member of Run The Jewels (alongside Killer Mike) released his album this year as well (and so far latest), and it’s as more of an effort, if not more than Killer Mike’s own album. El-P is in peak form as a rapper and producer, his collaborators are potent and used to the best of their abilities and there is not a single bad song on here. If only P dropped another joint…only we hope.

Nas—Life Is Good

Life is Good proves Nas is still the undoubtable King of N.Y. It features some of Nas' most powerful songs to date, however, also includes one of the worst songs from him in Summer On Smash. Besides that, a great addition for Nas' collection.

Ab-Soul—Control System

Soulo alone deserves more credit than he gets alone, but this album is something else. It’s abstract, introspective, and unique, but most accurately captures the lyrical mastery that Ab-Soul demonstrates throughout Control System. Such as what The Book of Soul can bring to us, CS is a masterpiece in its own right, though vastly overshadowed by Kendrick’s album.

Death Grips—The Money Store

“Unusual” is probably the best word I’d use for this album. Don’t take that in a bad way, this is one of the most impressive albums I’ve heard that year. I originally never heard of Death Grips, until a specific fruit gave it a 10, I just had to listen at that point. Why the hell would he give this a 10? Oh, what I’d gotten myself into. The intensity, brashness, loved every bit of it.

Frank Ocean—Channel Orange

Yes, I know this is an R&B album. I still don’t care about putting this here. There is an fine amount of substance and immense replay value for this entire album as a whole, alongside great preferences from Tyler & Earl, alongside others.

ScHoolboy Q—Habits & Contradictions

Q may not be as talented on the mic as Soulo and K.Dot are, but he replaces that by being real fun to listen to. The features are on point for this one, and it’s production might be the strongest of the 3. Just an enjoyable listen all around.

Lil Ugly Mane—Mista Thug Isolation

This pick might throw a couple of people off, but honestly I love it. Only thing I can say for this is that, if you love that old Memphis sound, this is a must have for you.

The albums for this year were damn good, honestly wish I should’ve put more. Anyway, onto the 10 mixtapes for my year.

Joey Bada$$ —1999

1999 is the definitive term of a classic mixtapes if there was any. Joey really transports us back to the NY 90s this time around, and delivers his best effort, which honestly, I think he put too much of an effort, because he never really matched up to this release.

Capital Steez—Amerikkkan Koruption

Another Pro Era tape, this time from the late Steelo. Really put the cards on the table with his wordplay and impressive skills as an MC. Shame we’d never hear another project from him again, until King Steelo comes out (never).

Big K.R.I.T—4eva N A Day

If Live From The Underground was the prototype, this was it’s successor. 4NAD improves much on L4TU, and then adds more. Being a mixtape, Krizzle had more freedom and put up a classic in many eyes, including mine. Quite possibly his greatest work so far.

Rick Ross — Rich Forever

Rozay sets the bar up again for his projects with his Rich Forever mixtape. I feel like Ross has consistently gotten better with each release as the times go by. However, I feel like RF has that extra sauce that will never get matched up to. Features Rozay’s most intense bangers to this day.

Ransom—Winter’s Coming

Many probably won’t know about this one, but I really like it. While it isn’t on the Pain & Glory side of Ran projects, it’s still a great project for it’s time. Duffle Bag Ran might have fell off soon after this tape, but I feel like he still has some hope left.

Captain Murphy — Duality

Captain Murphy (the alter ego of producer Flying Lotus), named after the Sealab character of the same name, put out one of the most appealing tapes, probably this whole decade. What sets this apart from the others, is it’s visuals involved. Seriously, if there were any album to do acid to, put some Duality, and watch the videos. You won’t regret it.

Action Bronson—Rare Chandeliers

Being a big Alchemist fan, as well as having a grown interest in Bronson’s music, this did not disappoint at all. Obviously, Big Alc’s beats are incredible, and Bronson really stepped up his A game here.

Freddie Gibbs—Baby Face Killa

Gangsta Gibbs returns from A Cold Day In Hell, with an even more impressive tape. Really sick production all around, and Gibbs puts on a show that’ll be worth your time. Features do their thing as well, and included the street banger of 2012, Still Livin. Need I say more? Just bump it. Thank me later.

Dom Kennedy—Yellow Album

Dom K’s mixtape run for his Get Home Safely album is nothing but flawless, and this tape has to be the greatest of them all. Just a great tape for cruising, or doing whatever the hell you want. Really been snoozed on Dom as of lately, so I’d probably get back to his shit in a bit.

Curren$y & Harry Fraud — Cigarette Boats

A Spitta & Fraud project was long overdue, and this was well worth the wait. Spitta really just nails hard with Fraud beats, given his slick flow. Only one main problem, which might sound very cliche, it’s too short. It really should have been more than an EP.

There goes the 2012 list. What did you think? Did I miss anything? Just let me know down below. If you do, that is…