As the year's winding down, I couldn't help but look back on 2009 in music and if there's one thing that I can say this year was exceptionally groundbreaking in, it was THE MIXTAPE. As a result, here at GTDS, I've compiled a list of The Top 15 Mixtapes of 2009 (with some honorable mentions). So without further ado...
15.
Big Sean | UKnowBigSean [Release: April]
Good Music representer Big Sean's 2nd Official Mixtape. Joint definitely had a healthy amount of tracks filled with unconventional loops, collaborations and "braggadocious" lyrics to compliment 'em.14.
Curren$y & Wiz Khalifa | How Fly [Release: August]
Stoners across the Hip-Hop world rejoiced when the two "Neo-Hemp lovers" Curren$y and Wiz Khalifa announced their impending collaborative project. I think they damn near broke Twitter the night this came out.13.
The Boy Illinois | Inhale Pt. 2 (Loyalty Before The Love) [Release: September]
After working closely with Illi on this project graphic & music wise, I could tell "The Boy" is genuinely ambitious about the work he puts out and the music represents that. With synth-heavy, hard-hitting drums & samples The Boy Illinois' Inhale is a breath of fresh air. (Had to use that pun, sorry.)12.
Gucci Mane | Burrprint (The Movie 3D) [Release: October]
Burr. Skurr. That pretty much sums it up.11.
Lil Wayne | No Ceilings [Release: October]
Probably the most known mixtape on this list, Lil Wayne put away the Autotune for a second and gave a reminder why the biggest name in Hip-Hop is...the biggest name in Hip-Hop.
Hit the jump to view the Top 10...
10.
Lupe Fiasco | Enemy Of The State [Release: November]
A late entry on the list but the timing was just right. Lupe Fiasco storms in with his literal mixTAPE format that left fans scratching their heads but ultimately reaffirmed why some consider him "The Best Rapper Alive."9.
Chicago's 3rd representer on the list, GoD Jewels is a newcomer that definitely isn't afraid to carry his city on his back. With his Glory Or Death debut he gives us a very cohesive tape that's filled with AMC style quote-ables and History Channel-like enlightenment.
Bangladesh | Passport Musik [Release: January]
2009 was a big year for Atlanta producer Bangladesh. With a couple chart-topping hits under his belt, it would seem he foretold his own future when he dropped this mixtape in January. Filled with 808s, "Angel Claps" and guest appearances from Muffy Cupcakes, Missy Elliot, Tom Foolery, M.I.A & more, this is a must-hear tape for "banger-enthusiasts" and is a personal favorite.
50 Cent | War Angel LP [Release: June]
In the midst of a couple beefs with "you name 'em" , cartoons and pimp skits, one could assume Curtis lost a step musically but this tape was an undeniable deliverance and a prelude to the gritty NY album that was "Before I Self Destruct".
Dom Kennedy | FutureStreet/DrugSounds [Release: April]
It would seem the West Coast got tired of waiting for one person to "bring them back" and began releasing a sh*t load of new music from a couple new artists. Amongst them is Leimert Park's Dom Kennedy. With this sophomore tape Dom reaches to his coasts traditional nudged drum loops and moog basses but also reaches out to producers Chuck Inglish (of the Cool Kids) and Brandon DeShay to create a whole new sound that is FSDS. Very dope tape with an Album-like feel.
Cam'ron & Vado | Boss Of All Bosses [Release: August]
After a year or two hiatus, old Dipset fans were left to endure Jim Jones guest appearances and were beginning to feel abandoned. But with this collaborative effort with DJ Drama and Vado, he re-demonstrated why he's so effortlessly original over Araab's sample chops.
Mike Posner | A Matter Of Time [Release: March]
An unlikely choice some would probably argue but the raspy-voice, singer/songwriter/producer recruits his Detroit neighbor Big Sean as well as Donnis, Jackie Chain and other others to create this futuristic, 808, sample-riddled concoction that is A Matter Of Time. "Losing My Mind" is literally the most played song on my iTunes.
J. Cole | The Warm Up [Release: June]
With the creation of Jay-Z's RocNation we were given J. Cole's 2nd Mixtape "The Warm Up". The rapper/producer goes in on some your favorite songs AND samples as he calms a lot of weary Hip-Hop heads and shows that the future is bright."FAYETTENAAAM!"
Boy howdy, was this my sh*t from April to... well now. Wiz exceeded his previous mixtape performances and introduced himself to whole new gate of fans. What makes this tape so exceptional is that he dropped a 22 track mixtape with little to NO weak tracks and proved that you don't need a gimmick or weird theme to make a noteworthy project, just a sh*t load of back to back hotness...
Drake | So Far Gone [Release: February]
Don't act like you didn't suspect this wasn't #1 or at least in the Top 5. I wish I could throw in a curve ball, but it's undeniable how great this tape was. Drake may have used his personal and YM connects for guest appearances to get people interested but he didn't use 'em as a crutch. The sad thing is this mixtape seems more well-thought out and all around better than ALOT of people's albums. I'm sure he realizes Thank Me Later has to be twice as good. Good luck...
Welp, there it is. GTDS' Top 15 mixtapes of 2009. Here's a small list of tapes that didn't quite make the list but were worth an honorable mention:
Are Pure | Pay Your Child Support
Wale | Back To The Feature
Pac Div | Church League Champions
IvyBetty.com Presents KanYe West : Graduation The Musical
The Cool Kids | Gone Fishing
Poe Picasso | Exhibit B: Manifest Destiny
French Montana & Max B | Coke Wave
A definite solid mixtape Top 15...AND honorable mention. You get a salute from me for this post.
DAAAMN! This list thorough...Good shit. But how you NOT gonna have Bullets have no names vol. 3 by Nipsey Hussle on here?
Very good post! Definitely gonna back track and listen to some of the stuff i didnt hear yet.
i know its hella last minute but should Chip Tha Ripper shit at least be honorable mention??
and i think u ranked the Lupe joint too high... i love him as much as the next man but it is wat it is... it sounded like he put this shit together in a weekend.... lol
@ Aviles - Ehhh, you could make the argument...I guess.
And yea, Lupe's tape sounds like it was made in a weekend and still shits on a lot peoples stuff this year, thus it's placement.
I'm only one man, lol