#Bestof2013 – Top 10 Eps [List]

In addition to the normal “Best Free Albums” & “Best For Sale Albums” lists, which are coming over the next few days, and yesterday’s “Best of #DaWhatisHipHop“, we are adding a Top 10 EPs.  Some of these you can download below, the others are definitely worth the money.  It seems that the EP is being used more and more by today’s artists.  Whether as a freebie or a retail project, the 3-7 track range seemed to fit a wide range of needs for artists and fans.  In addition to the Top 10, I have to mention Jeezy’s It’s Tha World for being exactly what I expected with some real bangers.   Xzibit teamed up with B Real & Demrick for Serial Killers.  After announcing his induction to the Jamla squad, Add-2 & Khrysis put out one of the best EPs this year in Between Heaven & Hell. And after numerous delays and sample issues, we finally got the follow-up to How Fly.  Curren$y & Wiz Khalifa gave us Live in Concert and it is great to vibe to.  Always good to hear Spitta and Wiz on the same track.  Hit the jump to see the Top 10 EPs of 2013.

 

10. Blitz the Ambassador – The Warm Up

From the first single, “Dikembe”, I had high hopes for Blitz’s The Warm Up EP and it did not disappoint.  A crazy blend of sounds, killer features from Fashawn, Nneka, Sakodie and more plus Blitz being Blitz.

9. Sol – Eyes Open

After 9 months of traveling the world, Sol is back in Seattle and he has quite a story to tell.  With new experiences opening Sol up to different schools of thought, his music reflects his growth and diverse sources of inspiration.

8. Skyzoo & Antman Wonder – An Ode to Reasonable Doubt

Skyzoo released his Jay-Z tribute on the latter’s birthday this month.  The Philly producer and Brooklyn emcee do this tribute more than justice.

7. Raz Simone – Solomon Samuel Simone

This is a perfect, succinct EP.  It is so cohesive, fits so well, that the first time I heard it I let it run through at least 4 times.  The Seattle emcee’s vivid lyrics make it easy to understand exactly where he’s at.

6. Willie the Kid & Alchemist – Masterpiece Theatre

After the fire that Willie the Kid put out this year, we have very high hopes for his 2014.  The highlight was when he linked up with Alchemist for the gritty and grimy Masterpiece Theater.  Action Bronson & Roc Marciano lend the lone features to the EP’s best “Medusa” to cap off the stellar collaboration.

5. Shad & Skratch Bastid – The Spring Up

People still sleep on Shad and Shad still makes amazing music.  This time he and Skratch Bastid give us The Spring Up with off the wall production and Shad killing it.  Also throwing a loosie on here because everyone needs to hear Shad rap over “Bound 2”.

4. Freddie Gibbs & Madlib – Deeper

With next year’s full length Cocaine Piñata fixing to land on 2014 year end lists, this year’s preview Deeper by Gangsta Gibbs and Madlib takes the #4 spot on ours.  Freddie Gibbs is on a hot streak with his recent releases and the one with Madlib production gets an edge as our favorite. Short but very sweet.

3. Curren$y, Smoke Dza & Harry Fraud – The Stage

I don’t know if anyone is making as consistently great of beats as Harry Fraud.  He seems to bring out the best in every artist he works with.  He has great chemistry with the Jet Life as they’ve shown time and time again.  4 tracks of audio dope. 

2. Action Bronson & Harry Fraud – Saaab Stories

That cover.

1. Eddie B. & Harry Fraud – The Johnny Utah Story

I was surprised myself but The Johnny Utah Story with Eddie B. was actually my favorite EP of 2013.  All of the tracks have replayability and the whole thing works together.