In 2020, with so much uncertainty in the world, music fans are in search of a simpler time. Nothing brings back early 2000’s nostalgia like the idea of mixtapes. In April Smino dropped an amazing tape onto Soundcloud reminding listeners that mixtapes still exist and DJ Critical Hype blended J. Cole vocals with beats from The Neptunes for a Hip Hop lover’s fantasy collab-tape.
The distinction between albums, mixtapes and EPs seems to get blurred more and with each year that passes. Some artists claim they released a mixtape despite it being a studio LP and others will label a 15-track project an EP. Simply put, there’s not much rhyme or reason anymore.
But whether it’s just a label or artists releasing mixtapes and EPs in the traditional sense, plenty of these projects are still being delivered despite the ambiguity. HipHopDX has complied the best of the best in an effort to help fans keep track of what’s dropped in 2020. You can also check out our album lists below:
Here are the Best Mixtapes and EPs of 2020 …(so far). This list includes projects that dropped between January 1 – April 21, 2020.
[Albums released between April 22 – 30 will be included in next month’s updates].
Best Mixtapes and EPs Of May 2020
Already Decided – Smino
On Already Decided Smino switches effortlessly between smooth, melodic flows and straight bars over soul samples. The St. Louis-bred MC displays his versatility, rapping over beats of all kinds, and the 16-track tape includes features from the likes of Sevyn Streeter and T-Pain. One of the standout songs is “Blac Soda (Freestyle)” which sees Smino flowing over Baby Keem’s cult classic “ORANGE SODA” instrumental. This feels like a warmup before his next official album.
Quarantine: Social Distancing – Z-Ro
I Don’t Wear Suits – SaxKixAve
Be Right Back – Tanya Morgan
Moment of Change – Raw Poetic & Damu The Fudgemunk
For You – Babyface Ray
T3RMINAL 4 – Eric North
In Search of … Cole – DJ Critical Hype
Check out the best tapes and EPs from other months: