Joey Bada$$, ‘1999’ – Best Mixtapes of 2012

Joey Bada$$, leader of the Brooklyn rap group Pro Era, emerged last year channelling the early East Coast boom bap era. His '1999' mixtape caught on quickly and his track 'Waves' led him to perform on 'Late Night With Jimmy Fallon' in late December.

On the tape, he rhymes about his hood, upbringing and future dreams, showing the 17-year-old is already clear on his destiny. Verses from members of his Pro Era team include the late Capital STEEZ and CJ Fly while there's production from their own Chuck Strangers as well as the legendary MF Doom and late J. Dilla.

When '1999' dropped in June, it landed Joey on many "next to watch" lists. What gave the project most of its allure was its standout approach to the golden era of hip-hop from '90s babies who were barely crawling at that time.

Listen to Joey Bada$$' '1999' Mixtape