Mob mentality has always reigned supreme in hip-hop, and now more than ever, if you’re not part of a crew, chances are you’re losing out. G.O.O.D. Music's recent Complex cover is just another moment of several pointing to the current rise in rap collectives. Clearly, we're in an era where association matters just as much as talent. Some groups are stacked, and some just have a standout headliner with a bunch of friends, but there are more than a few making an impact on music right now. From A$AP Mob to YMCMB, if you need help keeping track of them all, here are 12 hip-hop crews to watch for the rest of 2012.

Written by Paul Meara