We have a weak mainstream mixtape and EP culture, with many acts choosing to glorify the single over a solid body of work.

2016 though has been somewhat different with a fairly good turnout of mixtapes and EPs serenading the fans. From conceptual futuristic ideas, to conformist sounds and textures, there’s a lot of material to pick from here.

M.I Abaga – “Illegal Music 3”

The internet is currently awash with M.I Abaga’s new mixtape. The rapper has come forward with the third and final part of the loved and appreciated “Illegal Music 3” (IM3).

IM3 marks the third mixtape by the respected rapper after his previous efforts “Illegal Music 1” (2009), and “Illegal Music 2” (2012). There’s also another mixtape planned for release this year titled “Yung Denzel”.

IM3 contains an even 10 tracks, with samples on every joint. See below the tracklist with samples, artistes and features.

ILM contains samples from 18 different sources including interviews with former boxing heavyweight champion Mike Tyson, songs from Kanye West, Jay Z and Pusha T, with far-fetched sources Nina Simone, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and and Greg Hardy.

Production on the album was almost exclusively handled by M.I, with two tracks co-produced by in-house music man Ckay. Mixing of the album fell mostly on the laps of G-Plus, with M.I Abaga throwing in a few contributions.

M.I dug into his record label for features, with Ruby Gyang, Pryse and Ckay getting spots on the mixtape. Other rappers Poe and Khaligraphy Jones got guest spots too, with the most surprising collaboration coming from Rock singer, Clay. The singer had featured with M.I Abaga in a 2013 song, 'Impress you', produced by Coldflames. Three years later she does an encore on IM3.

Yung6ix – “Billionaire Ambitionz”

The KKTBM rapper had incessantly teased fans with the release of this mixtape, failing to release it 2015, but dropping singles 'Blessings', and 'Hustle don't stop'. This year he has kept good his promise.

"Billionaire Ambitions" E.P houses six tracks, two bonus songs, and features OritseFemi, Stonebwoy, Charass, Percy and Stage1ne. Production on the work came from E-Kelly, Puffy Tee and Baller Tosh.

Aimed to inspire and instill drive towards achieving your dreams, "Billionaire Ambitions" has been termed "a collector's item" by representatives of the rapper.

This new EP marks the rapper's 3rd body of work, coming on the heels of his 2011 mixtape ''Green light Green'' and  his 2014 album "6 'O Clock".

Mr 2kay – “Count It All Joy”

Mr 2kay has released his ‘Count It All Joy’ EP.

The Waterside Boy has been steady building momentum for the release of the EP, and has had the listening party for the project on Wednesday night, where he headlined Industry Nite.

'Count It All Joy' EP contains six tracks, with three bonus singles including hit songs 'Moniegram' and 'Who no like better thing'.

The Grafton Entertainment artiste sketched the cover art himself, showing another dimension of his immense artistic gift.

The photo used for the back cover was taken by Vogue Italia photographer, Iké Udé - who travelled down to photograph a select few unique African artistes. His other collections include Rihanna and other superstar fashion icons.

Eva – “Because Of The Wait”

Rapper Eva Alordiah has released a new mixtape titled ‘Because You Been Waiting’.

The rapper’s debut album “1960” is yet to arrive, but she keeps things rolling by rolling out new music.

The record consists of 5 songs, with the singer notably covering a song from DMX.’

“I’d keep on updating this playlist with recorded and unreleased material from me for as long as you have to keep waiting for 1960thealbum. I am so sorry,” the rapper said.

“I would tell you what happened and why it has taken this long. But if I told you, even you would not believe half of the story!

“I hope you enjoy these songs. Some of them are not properly engineered off the studio yet, but we recorded them over 2 years ago. I said to Tintin, Let it go. So I am letting them go.”

Scarlet – “The Scarlet Letter EP”

Knighthouse Entertainment kicks off 2016 with a 6 song E.P from brand new signee Scarlet titled ‘’The ScarletLetter’’.

23 year old Scarlet draws from different influences while delivering her unique, sultry, raspy and soulful style on this album.

Knighthouse young ace producer Echo brings production heat laced with Afro beat, EDM/House and Soul/RnB themes to put together an enjoyable 19 minutes of good music. DjKlem also provides excellent production on commercial cut ‘Legova‘.

Multi-talented Scarlet, one of the most sought-after new faces in the Nigerian movie scene, displays her love for the arts wonderfully and is surely one to look out for this year.

‘’The Scarlet Letter’’ is a celebration of love, admiration and passion.