Since 2008 is wrapping up very soon, I thought I’d voice my opinion on some of the best music to come out this year. I’m starting it off with mixtapes/EP’s, the main criteria being that they were all hip hop and all offered for free download. Keep in mind these are my opinions and recommendations… feel free to agree/disagree at will.

1. Kid Cudi - A Kid Named Cudi

You already know what it is. The kid from Cleveland/The Moon dropped a mixtape that was arguably one of the best hip hop albums of the year, point blank period. If you don’t have this mix in your iPod there’s something wrong with you. Select tracks: The whole damn thing.

2. Colin Munroe - Is the Unsung Hero

This mixtape is just 100% refreshing- don’t sleep. He’s a singer who did a remix/cover of Flashing Lights earlier this year, and then dropped this mixtape featuring production from Black Milk and guest spots with Joell Ortiz, Wale, and even MIMS. Yes, he even makes MIMS sound fresh. Select Tracks: “Will I stay” ft. Wale & Dallas Austin, “What The Young Man Says” ft. Izza Kizza & MIMS, “Sunday Bloody Sunday” (U2 Cover)

3. TRV$ & DJAM - Fix Your Face

Travis Barker started it off with his video remix of “Crank Dat Souljah Boy”, DJ AM jumped in for the mixing, and then it all culminated with these 15 tracks. This mix keeps any party jumping… especially when that MIA + Rocky IV + Fat Man Scoop part hits. So dope. Select Tracks: Track 14, Track 10, Track 3, Track 8…

4. Wale - The Mixtape About Nothing

10 Deep hit another homerun by cosigning Wale’s mixtape, providing for one of the freshest ideas in a long while. A mixtape based on and featuring clips from television’s greatest sitcom, Seinfeld. Elaine even has a drop on this bad boy. Select Tracks: “The Crazy”, “The Kramer”, “The Star”

5. Murs & 9th Wonder - Sweet Lord

While not quite as enduring as the last two Murs & 9th offerings, Sweet Lord still proved to be a better effort than Murs’ full length in my opinion. Soulful beats and honest rhymes, all for the free.99. Can’t really beat that. Select Tracks: “Are you ready”, “Pushhh”, “Love the Way”

6. Mick Boogie - The Honor Roll

It wouldn’t be a top ten mixtape list without the homie Mick Boogie on it. The concept of this was fresh: New MC’s paying tribute to the VH1 Honors Legends, and MC Serch hosts. Throw in some Kickdrums and 6th Sense production, and its a deal. Select Tracks: “OPP” - Pacific Division, “Everything’s Gonna Be Alright” - Freeway & Young Chris, “Hits From the Bong” - Alchemist & Evidence

7. Beatnick & K Salaam - Common S.T.O.R.Y.

This dropped a few weeks ago featuring 10 completely new beats over classic Common songs. The beats make the songs sound so new and different, I almost got excited for Universal Mind Control. Almost. Select Tracks: “Resurrection”, “The Light”, “The 6th Sense”

8. Amp Live - Rainy Days Remixes

Another incredible remix project was from Zion I producer Amp Live, who took tracks from Radiohead’s In Rainbows and totally reinterpreted them. Zion, Charli2Na, and Too Short all make appearances. Select Tracks: “Video Tapez” ft. Del the Funkee Homosapien, “All I Need”

9. Mick Boogie and Terry Urban - Viva la Hova

This was genius and a no-brainer. After the success of the Linkin Park/Jay mash up, and the collabs Jay and Ye did with lead singer Chris Martin, it was only right that a mix of these two artists went down. I know this is probably top on most people’s list, but I’m not the biggest Coldplay stan so that’s my defense. Select Tracks: “Cold Success” (Prod. 9th Wonder), “Lost Part 1&2″, “The Reverse Fix” (prod. Mick Boogie & nVMe)

10. Illogic - One Bar Left EP

This is appealing to my backpacker steez. Illogic has been around for a minute but has been quiet for way too long. For One Bar Left Illogic hooks up with producer Ill Poetic and the result is precictable: ill. Select Tracks: “Half Man Half Viscious”, “One Bar Left”, “Soundtrack Theme”

Honorable Mentions: Tonya Morgan - The Bridge EP, Asher Roth - The Greenhouse Effect, Fly Union - Close Doors, Open Windows, Clipse - Road to Till the Casket Drops

I encourage everyone to check out these mixes and voice your opinion. Look for the Not Quite Hip Hop, and Traditional Hip Hop Albums lists coming soon.