5. Mac Miller – "Macadelic"

With a major album release under his belt and having been named one of the top indie acts, Mac Miller is on a permanent, cloud 9 high. With all of his accomplishments in view, Miller dropped Macadelic with classic production from Big Jerm, ID Labs, and Cardo and he even recruited Clams Casino for a couple tracks. Guest features from Kendrick Lamar, Juicy J, Casey Veggies and Lil’ Wayne add to Mac’s new laid back persona as he raps about the major changes his life has taken since his indie rap takeover.

Standout track: Mac Miller - Lucky Ass Bitch f. Juicy J (prod. Lex Luger)

4.  Meek Mill – "Dreamchasers 2"

MMG’s wonder kid dropped his heavily awaited mixtape, Dreamchasers 2, picking up right where he left off the original tape. Guest features from Jeremih, Drake, Big Sean, Rick Ross, Fabolous and more  caused many fans to think this mixtape had “album potential”. Meek’s intense and riveting flow allow him to stay connected with the streets, while also being commercially successful. This guy is one of Rick Ross’s best acquisitions, and this tape proves it.

Standout track: Meek Mill - Lean Wit It (prod. Cardiak)

3. Rick Ross – "Rich Forever"Having started one of the most successful labels in hip-hop, Rick Ross returned to the mixtape game triumphantly with Rich Forever. A bold display of his brash lyricism and quality beat selection, Rich Forever chronicles Rick’s rise to success and all it encompasses. With  features from Styles P, John Legend, 2 Chainz, Pharrell and many many more -- Rozay proves that he’s here to stay.

Standout track: Rick Ross - MMG The World Is Ours f. Pharrell, Meek Mill & Stalley (Prod. Boi-1da)

2. Big K.R.I.T. – "4Neva N A Day"Who said the South can’t still rap? Big KRIT, one of the most consistent newcomers to the game, dropped his highly anticipated 4Neva N A Day mixtape this year. With minimal features from others and production from only himself -- Big KRIT exemplifies his versatility as an artist while straddling the line between producer and rapper. Highly entertaining and with a Southern swag, 4Neva N A Day is set to please true hip-hop fans.

Standout track: Big K.R.I.T. - Sky Club

1.  Wiz Khalifa – "Taylor Allderdice"After enduring the harsh and somewhat negative criticism surrounding his debut album Rolling Papers, Wiz Khalifa turned around and dropped off Taylor Allderdice just for the fans. Returning to his long time producer friends and Taylor Gang members such as Cardo, Sledgren, I.D. Labs, and Big Jerm -- Khalifa was able to retain that sound we all fell in love with on Kush & Orange Juce and earlier. The addition of Juicy J to the Taylor Gang crew adds a hype, ‘trippy’ energy that we’ve yet to see from Khalifa.

Standout track: Wiz Khalifa - Brainstorm (prod. Cardo)