BEST OF 2013: MIXTAPES & EPs

Mixtapes have become a huge factor in the success of upcoming hip-hop artists careers in recent years and loads have dropped over the last 12 months.  It’s been a year full of standout mixtape releases, most of them even good enough to be albums. See what we thought were the best mixtapes and EPs of 2013 after the jump.

Stay tuned for the Best Albums of 2013 dropping tomorrow!

Here is Eclectic Relaxation’s pick for best 10 mixtapes/EP across all genres. Also, most of these are available for free download, so be sure to get them if you haven’t already.

• Chance The Rapper – Acid Rap. This was undoubtedly the best mixtape and maybe even the best hip-hop release all year. Fresh and original in all ways from the production to Chance’s unique flow and rhyming technique, this signifies big things to come from the Chicago artist. [Download]

• Joey Bada$$ – Summer Knights. Another year, another impressive release from the Pro Era leader.

• Hawk House – A Little More Elbow Room. An extremely dope project from Hawk House, the hip-hop trio straight out of London. [Download]

• PARTYNEXTDOOR – PARTYNEXTDOOR (self-titled). The debut release from Canadian artist PARTYNEXTDOOR has gone down well and catapulted PND into the limelight. 2014 is looking like a big year for the OVO Sound artist.

• Tinashe – Black Water. Her third official mixtape, Black Water is another solid entry into the R&B stunner’s already impressive discography. [Download]

• Vic Mensa – INNANETAPE. Much like Chance The Rapper, Vic Mensa is a budding MC from Chicago who is dropping some very good music, including his latest INNANETAPE. [Download]

• Bobby V – Peach Moon. Bobby V makes his comeback with the soulful, jazzy Peach Moon EP which features a new but fresh sound from the R&B singer, formerly known as Bobby Valentino.

• Jhené Aiko – Sail Out EP. It seems as though the Hawaain songstress can’t put a foot wrong as she releases another outstanding project with her Sail Out EP. Features come from Childish Gambino, Kendrick Lamar, Vince Staples and Ab-Soul.

• Casey Veggies – Life Changes. Casey Veggies’ latest release sees the 19 year old rapper grow even more as an artist. Features & production from Dom Kennedy, Harry Fraud, The Futuristiks and more. [Download]

• Kelela – Cut 4 Me. An introduction to the LA singer, Cut 4 Me is one of the latest entries into the “indie” R&B genre and is not one to be missed. [Download]

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What do you think of the list, any omissions or projects that shouldn’t be there? Let us know in the comments!