I love a good mixtape, and this year has been one of the best as far as pushing the envelope with creativity goes but also in redefining what a mixtape actually is.  For this reason, I have broken the mixtape category into three sections:  dj-based, emcee-based, and production-based.  Ratings are based purely on what has caught my attention the most and what hasn’t left the CD deck in the whip.



PopularLemonade’s best dj-based mixtape of 2009:



LARD + Dj Amen :: Never Trust Robots :: download here

This has been one of the most listened to mixtapes in my collection all year due to the skill and diversity that Amen brings to the table.  Daft Punk? Check.  The Misfits?  Check. Kanye West?  Check.  Big ups to the homies at LARD.

Full track listing is located here.








PopularLemonade’s best emcee-based mixtape of 2009:



TiRon :: Ketchup (mixed by Dj Low Key) :: download here

In a lot of ways, I think 2009 was the return of the dj and a bit of a step back for the emcee… However, TiRon and Dj Low Key have found a balance of sorts within Ketchup.  The more that I hear from TiRon, the more I become a fangirl about his shit.










PopularLemonade’s best producer-based mixtape of 2009:



Cook Classics :: The New Classics (mixed by Dj Inka One) :: download here

I would venture to say that this is probably my most listened to mixtape so far this year (in fact, it’s still in heavy rotation at the office).  Featuring a variety of different sounds production-wise by Cook Classics and guests such as Amanda Diva, Miguel, Emilio Rojas, Pac Div, and a plethora of members of the 2009 freshman class, this mixtape truly has something everyone will like.







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