20 of the Most Influential Mixtapes Ever

Get Well Soon... was released as a compilation album shortly before the release of Kanye West's 2004 debut LP, The College Dropout. The album was an introduction to West the rapper, as many in the industry only knew him as a producer. He used many of the connections he established as a producer to line the project with star-studded guests.

Kanye West is one of the most divisive celebrities on the planet, but before he was diving head first into politics, Kanye's career was built of a steady stream of high-profile, record-breaking releases. Before his emergence, though, Kanye made a name for himself on the Chicago mixtape circuit.

Writing on the Wall was released in 2009 at the peak of Gucci's mixtape prowess. The album's tracklist features a ton of stars, which speaks to Gucci's power in Atlanta. Juelz Santana and Big Boi make appearances, as do 2 Chainz and Nicki Minaj. 

Before Gucci Mane re-emerged from jail as a six-pack toting superstar, he was a hustler in Atlanta, slinging early mixtapes on a near-weekly basis. He built a devoted audience thanks to his sticky flow and ability to move in and out of many styles.

Young Thug released 1017 Thug in 2013, somewhere between Gucci's takeover and the rise of the next generation of Atlanta superstars, like Future and Migos. Thug immediately stood out from a crowded scene thanks to his inimitable delivery and vocal dexterity. Even from his earliest days, Thug defined himself through his differences. 1017 Thug is the beginning of that origin story.

Like so many Atlanta superstars, Young Thug got his start making mixtapes. Once you found a circle of fellow MCs, it was easier to get connections to bigger stars. From there, the path to success, especially in ATL, was a straight shot. Before he became a global sensation, Thug was testing out his signature warble on tape after tape.

Depending on who you ask, Wale's either a global superstar or a decent MC pushed by commercial influences who never lived up to his potential. He probably lands somewhere in the middle, but he was poised to be a bonafide rap icon in his early days. He's still a star, but his early tapes hinted at an MC both skilled and versatile, more critically viable than the rapper he eventually became.

It's hard to forget 50 Cent's massive rise to critical and commercial acclaim. His 2003 debut studio album, Get Rich or Die Tryin', was an instant number one hit. But for diehard NYC rap fans, the success wasn't particularly surprising. For years, 50 was making noise thanks to a string of mixtapes. Alongside his G-Unit crew, 50 was up next long before most people had heard him rap.

It's easy to forget that Drake became a star on the strength of his early mixtapes. Before he was the biggest, most reliable rapper on the planet, he was a Toronto kid with a penchant for wordplay and catchy hooks. Those days seem like eras ago, but Drake has the mixtape to thank for his staggering success.

Before T.I. was a mogul, he was an early participant in the first era of Atlanta rap mixtapes. Alongside DJ Drama, whose Gangsta Grillz series was making waves in the city, T.I. and other ATL mainstays like Jeezy became household names thanks to their mixtape hustle.

Each member of the Diplomats is likely more well known as a solo artist, but their group ran New York City in the early 2000s. The first edition of their mixtape series, The Diplomats Vol. 1, was an instant classic and immediately established the crew as a new force in rap music.

Pusha T and Malice are one of the best blood-related hip-hop duos of all-time. At their peak, the brothers melded together in a subtle yet perfect way. They were a brilliant pair, with Pusha T the braggadocious, swaggering menace and Malice the quiet assassin you don't want to cross. While Malice has moved on to other projects, their impact on rap is eternal.