Top 10 Hottest EPs, and Mixtapes of the year

Nigeria possesses a rich mixtape culture with largely underground acts dropping EPs to push their craft.

Mixtapes are traditionally the proving ground for many new acts, where up-and-comers turn to spread their material and introduce themselves to new fans and older guys unleash unreleased material or freestyles over some of the best beats in the land.

This year, we have had over a hundred mixtapes released, with many failing to capture mainstream success. Only a few have had their buzz right, with mainstream acts having both the funding and star power to promote them.

Pulse Music presents the 10 best Nigerian mixtapes of 2013 based on quality of sounds, and critical performance among the specific target .

1. Ice Prince – “Trash Can EP”

The Chocolate City rapper began the year in high fashion, announcing and releasing this mixtape.

The 6-track EP contains a number of songs with commercial appeal, produced by TMXO, Monstar, Drey Beatz, and T-Sleek. Notable tracks include ‘Mutumina’, ‘Elegushi’ and ‘Marry you’.

The rapper tops this list due to star power and promotion given to the project.

2. Boogey, Charlie X – “This Is Not An Acronym”

Highly Talented lyricist and rapper, Boogey teamed up with Charlie X to drop this remarkable project titled (T.I.N.A.A) which is for true hip hop fans.

Without a doubt, Boogey is one of the best lyricist of the new age. T.I.N.A.A explains it all, and he’s currently working on another one.

3. Blackmagic, Kid Konnect – “Black Friday” EP

“Black Friday” is a further exhibition of Blackmagic’s skill. It has the full spectrum of his Blackmagic’s versatility. It kicks off with ‘100’, a mid-tempo song, and flows through

“Black Friday” hosts Kid Konnect’s arrangements which are generally pretty faithful to Blackmagic’s alternative oration. But when he affords himself some licence, as we see on ‘Peace Sign’, the result becomes pure magic, that underlines Blackmagic’s greatest strengths, where as a singer or rapper: his chameleonic sense of adaptability.

4. Aina More - "For People With Short Attention Spans'"(FPWSAS)

British female Hip-hop artist and 'The Big Music Project' winner Aina More debuted her long awaited new EP titled 'For People With Short Attention Spans' (FPWSAS) following on the back of the critical acclaim of her single ‘5th Seven’.

Including previously released fan favourites ‘Layback’, which won her this year’s The Big Music Project as presented by Capital FM and the BRIT Awards, and ‘Hustler’ which landed her a support slot for Professor Green on the London leg of his latest UK nationwide tour, the 10-track 'For People With Short Attention Spans' EP features Aina More at her best and most mature yet, and sees her taking the driver seat from start to end, keeping guest appearances to the bare minimum.

From the EP’s introduction ‘FPWSAS (Intro)’, where she lays down the gauntlet and sets the tone for the rest of EP, with its unconventional arrangement, provocative nature and direct address to listeners, to ‘Work Rate’ which was inspired by the hustle of Lagos, one the busiest cities in the world, and sees her paying special homage to the work rate of women, Aina More stands tall throughout this record, showcasing her lyrical prowess, confident flow and knack for crafting great songs.

5. Charly X, Paybac - 'The Other Side of the Radio'

The duo of PayBac and Charlie X returned with another brilliant project titled "The Other Side Of The Radio".

The project is basically a stylized take on radio music by both artists boasting a wide range of collaborators like Christine Ben-Ameh, Rexx, Tamaraebi, Eazy Plus, Yung Soss, Maka P, Sizzle Proand Black Intel.

The other side of the radio also comes with PayBac's Book When You Enter a New World.

This is the perfect pleasant alternate Radio experience.

6. Omotayo - "Heartbreak And Love Songs" EP

Arguably one of the finest R&B singers to emerge in the contemporary Nigerian music industry, Omotayo returns. This time with a remarkable debut EP titled "

The Airtel/Trace music star stages a flawless mix of an entire lifetime of experiences carved in Western tunes and African rhythms, touching different areas of love life.

Although it features some already released songs, the collection is richly expressive in lyrical strength and vocal dexterity, showcasing a style and confidence that presents an insightful as well as an entertaining appeal.

features Ace female rapper Eva Alordiah and Gray Jonz. The EP was produced by soul singer/producer Omo of Native music Productions.

7.Ric Hassani - "Acoustic EP"

Impressive singer Ric Hassani dropped "The Acoustic EP"; A never been done before, first of its kind in the Nigerian music industry.

The live acoustic performance recording features five of his pre-recorded singles including sonorous singles 'Joy', 'Stay', 'Love me', 'Lead me home', and 'Depression'.

This EP establishes Ric Hassani as an act to watch out for. All he needs is that one song.

8. Hayo Niel - "Free Spirit"

Ayooluwa Daniel Abraham known as Hayo Niel is an singer, songwriter & producer from Lagos, Nigeria. He has won the hearts of many with his smooth vocals and catchy lyrics.

‘Free Spirit EP‘ , his debut offering, is a fusion of various genres, both vocal delivery and production stand out to create a unique listening experience.

"Free Spirit EP" truly stands out, leaving you eager for even more amazing music, something Hayo Niel without a doubt will constantly deliver.

Currently unsigned, he released his first single ‘If I Fall’ and was featured on Gray Jones ‘Mi O Ran Yan’ with cameo appearances by M.I, Eva, Ice Prince, Dipp, Morachi and a few others. He is currently working on his debut album ‘Electonic Tribe’, and it is definitely one to look out for.

9. T.R - 'G.O.D' EP

The “G.O.D EP” by respected Nigerian rapper T.R was released late it still has enough power to make this list. The EP contains 13 blazing tracks, and it features artistes such as Cyclone, Aina More, Sarah Katona, Overdose, Pherowshuz and Mode 9.

This work contains some of the best of T.R's work in recent years as he delivers his trademark lyrical style on new sounds with a fresh pop twist.

The Headies nominated song 'G.O.D' (Remix) featuring VeeDee and Mode 9 is on the E.P as well as pre-released singles 'Gamusu', 'Anything For Your Boy', 'Jegede', and 'Your Best Rapper Is A Lie (Y.B.R.I.A.L)'.

Producers who contributed to the 'G.O.D EP' are S.T.O, Jimmy Wheeler (Butta), Pherowshuz, Choco Jay, Sinister Beats, Night Blaze and Mode 9.

The E.P art cover was painted by fine artist Patience Onali. He created the concept for the cover. The painting is titled "The evolution of a rap-man."

10. Mandee - 'Spring Sailin' EP

The long-awaited EP from super-talented Màndee was released this year.

The title represents her journey into music and reflects a lot of positive energy. This EP is filled with a lot of good vibes and uplifting songs.

This Afrobeat artist has really shown effort and diversity in this EP by revealing different sides of her personality. Màndee previously released a single from this EP titled OMO- ‘Wetin You Dey Do’ which gained loads of buzz, masssive downloads and good airplay.

The E.P contains 5 brand new singles. Màndee features the likes of Morell, Aquilla and Charles Nkanga. She also worked with four different producers such as Eminik who produced and mastered three tracks for this project, Emzo who produced a track and mixed the songs in this project, 2Kriss and Def Starz. Màndee wrote all the songs for this EP.