Back in 2002, the mixtape was the medium of choice for the rap world. With Dipset and G-Unit running New York, it was one of the most exciting times to be a fan of hip-hop. Things felt raw, authentic, and heartfelt. Thug love was in fashion, and if your clothes fit right, it's cause they probably shrank in the dryer.
From 50 Cent Is The Future to TIP's In Da Streets Pt. 1, rap was undergoing a new world order. If you aren't old enough to remember this illustrious time, this article is more important for your consumption than any other you'll find this week.
Flip through the gallery above to see out picks for best mixtapes of 2002, and let us know your thoughts in the comments section. Did we miss any key tapes in your opinion?
[Photo credit: Amy Graves/Getty Images]
50 Cent - 50 Cent Is The Future
50 Cent - 50 Cent Is The Future
50 Cent Is The Future is the first official mixtape released by Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson, with a few placements from his crew G-Unit.The mixtape helped solidify 50's rap career, after a series of tumultuous events that included: getting shot 9 times, getting dropped from his label, and his debut album getting shelved. Many of 50's beefs are disputable, but the impact of 50 Cent Is The Future is not.
Dipset - The Diplomats Vol 1
Dipset - The Diplomats Vol 1
The Diplomats, also know as Dipset, birthed the modern mixtape formula with The Diplomats Vol. 1. It not only helped promote Cam'ron's single "Oh Boy," it revisited popular tracks like Eminem's "Stan," and "Maria, Maria," by Carlos Santana, leaving room for original music as well.
G-Unit - No Mercy, No Fear
G-Unit - No Mercy, No Fear
The buzz from 50 Cent Is The Future continued when G-Unit proper released No Mercy, No Fear in August 2002. Having just signed to Aftermath Entertainment and Shady Records, this mixtape featured the hit single "Wanksta," which went on to appear on the "8 Mile" soundtrack, as well as the classic "Banks Victory," which went on to receive a remix from The Notorious B.I.G. and Busta Rhymes. Enough said.
T.I. & P$C - In Da Streets Pt. 1
T.I. & P$C - In Da Streets Pt. 1
After the lack of success with his debut LP I'm Serious, T.I. released In Da Streets Pt. 1 with P$C which was a mix of new music and slept-on tracks from his debut.T.I. redeemed himself with cuts like"Jackin Fo Beats 2001," and the buzz from In Da Streets Pt. 1 built up to In Da Streets Pt 2, which in turn, helped put T.I.'s career back on track.
Dead Prez - Turn Off the Radio: The Mixtape Volume 1
Dead Prez - Turn Off the Radio: The Mixtape Volume 1
Dead Prez released Turn Off The Radio: The Mixtape Volume 1 in November of 2002 under the moniker DPZ due to contractual issues with their label. True to form though, Stick-Man & M-1 used their culture-jamming strategy to subvert tracks like Aaliyah's "We Need A Resolution," into "We Need A Revolution," also pulling samples from The Notorious B.I.G., Damien Marley & more.