Wired 25: The 25 Best Mixtapes/EPs Of 2014 [LISTEN]

25. Wara From the NBHD – Kidnapped EP

Wara captivatingly details the life of fictional character “Piano Lessons,” leaving no detail untold and absolutely no loose ends.

24. 2 Chainz – Freebase EP

The best case scenario for any slept on project is that fans eventually wake up and hear the dope music.

23. King Mez – Long Live the King

For the record, there should be more than one North Carolina MC in your musical archive. You know what to do next.

22. Dave East – Black Rose

Dead all talk of New York City rappers deviating from lyrical composition and hard beats.

21. A$AP Ferg – Ferg Forever

Having matured since releasing Trap Lord, Fergenstein’s sound has diversified to the point that listeners will have to remind themselves that Ferg Forever is a free release.

20. GQ – Rated Oakland

University of North Carolina hooper-turned-rapper GQ reps 9th Wonder’s Jamla clique, properly.

19. De La Soul – Smell The DA.I.S.Y. EP

The legendary De La Soul rapping over Jay Dee beats? Today, we have time cuz.

18. The Neighbourhood – #000000 & #ffffff

Rock group The Neigbourhood collaborated with a list of noteworthy rappers on this soncially experimental piece. Let’s hope there’s more to come.

17. Future – Monster

Following the lovey dovey tone of Honest, Fewcha served his core audience one street anthem after another on this release.

16. Rich Gang – Tha Tour Part 1

This mixtape convinced many naysayers to give Thugga and Quan an earnest ear. Men lie, women lie, solid records don’t.

15. Slaughterhouse – House Rules EP

Rather than a proper album, Slaughterhouse held fans over with a free mixtape. Needless to say that listeners should prepare their ears for bars.

14. OG Maco & Key! – Give Em Hell EP

Short, but sweet, Maco and Key! managed to pack this project with hits, including the viral smash “U Guessed It.” Too bad that the Atlanta duo’s relationship has since gone sour.

13. Rome Fortune – Small VVorld EP

Also representing Atlanta, Fortune flourishes over an off-kilter sound and rocks a quirkier, often-dyed beard to boot. Yes, art indeed imitates life.

12. Sean C & LV – Loud Dreams Vol. 1

The former Hitmen producers called a bevy of rap’s elite, including Pusha T, Bun B, Fabolous, and more, to rhyme over their beats. What more can one ask for?

11. Kevin Gates – Luca Brasi 2

Riveting trap tunes with stories that echo a true experiences are all listeners should expect here.

10. Ty Dolla $ign – Beach House EP

Adding brevity to the equation, Ty Dolla took his playeristic tunes to new levels on this EP.

9. Mac Miller – Faces

By now, rap fans need to accept that Miller is out here killing it. Hear proof above.

8. Migos – No Label II

“Handsome & Wealthy” and “Fight Night” were only the tip of the iceberg on the Atlanta trio’s mightiest trap opus to date.

7. Your Old Droog – Your Old Droog EP

The Brooklyn MC’s rhymes had listeners convinced that he was Nas incognito. That alone warrants him a listen.

6. Raury – Indigo Child

Raury – Indigo Child

The up and comer’s debut release affirmed that he’s one of most musically advanced artists in the so-called “New Atlanta” movement.

5. Childish Gambino – STN MTN/Kauai

Half mixtape/half EP, Bino pays homage to his native Atlanta over familiar hometown anthems. Fret not, Kauai supplies listeners with all of the original tunes they need.

4. GoldLink – The God Complex EP

Representing Washington D.C., a culturally rich city with unlimited growth potential for local rap artists, Goldlink represents a generation willing to blend genre lines. Also, he’s a damn good rapper.

3. Travi$ Scott – Days Before Rodeo

Scott’s free album is a dazzling display of what a difference a year can make. Marked by its advanced production and an undying loyalty to song composition, the rising Houston producer/rapper could have easily packaged and sold this project for profit.

2. Vince Staples – Hell Can Wait EP

Staples rolled doubles this year, trimming off the fat off the edges of his thoughtful Shyne Coldchain Vol. 2 EP, which released in the spring. His return was littered with timely commentary of gang culture, police brutality, and more.

1. Mick Jenkins – The Water[s]

Alabama born, Chicago-bred wordsmith Mick Jenkins challenges listeners to drink more of life’s elixir: water. Yes, that’s a metaphor, and it’ll take multiple listens to decipher his jargon.