A lot of great stuff has been released this year, and over the next week, we’ll be ranking everything. First up are the top 10 mixtapes of 2012. Mixtapes have been instrumental in helping the marketing and promotional endeavors of record labels, and are utilized by those without labels to gain exposure on the bigger scene. Almost always free, they’re an awesome gift for fans regardless of their purpose.

Click the images below to learn a little more about the tape, and find the download links at the bottom. Enjoy! Let us know what you think about the order, or if you think we left anything out.

Kami de Chukwu – Light Childish Gambino – Royalty Meek Mill – Dreamchasers 2 Fabolous – The Soul Tape 2 Big K.R.I.T. – 4eva N a Day XV – Popular Culture Big Sean – Detroit Chance the Rapper – 10 Day Action Bronson – Blue Chips Joey BadA$$ – 1999

10. Kami de Chukwu – Light

9. Childish Gambino – Royalty

8. Meek Mill – Dreamchasers 2

7. Fabolous – The Soul Tape 2

6. Big K.R.I.T. – 4eva N a Day

5. XV – Popular Culture

4. Big Sean – Detroit

3. Chance the Rapper – 10 Day

2. Action Bronson – Blue Chips

1. Joey Bada$$ – 1999