By now you’ve probably digested a Top 10 list or two. Seen the headline “Best of” and realized that Christmas and New Years must be on the way, because every critic and blogger has all of a sudden started numerically ranking their Tops with either nostalgic glee or cliche induced annoyance. So forgive me if you’ve reached your limit, but in a way, don’t even think of this as a Best List, think of it as one rap fan’s mixtape of the passing year. The 10 tracks that will remind me most of 2011. I picked a middle ground of semi-singles popular in one way or another, trying to represent the artists and albums that also composed this year in music.

10. “Mr. Nice Watch” – J. Cole feat. Jay-Z

Cole’s long awaited debut album finally hit shelves this year, and it was the thought out, comprehensive disc we were promised it would be. None of his singles registered that loudly, but this dubstep influenced cut featuring Cole’s mentor slows up and speeds down as Cole recites one of his many memorable hooks and Jay absolutely rips his guest spot apart. From dropping Tebow punchlines well before they were in vogue, to spelling out some of the most menacing threats imaginable, to a complex web of flipping the meaning of “back,” Jay’s verse is venomous and will continue to hype me up beyond 2011.

9. “Nasty” – Nas

When curating these lists, you have to look at the legends and what mark they’ve left in the past 12 months. In 2011 Nas teamed up with Damian Marley to release a reggae/hip-hop ode to Africa that was mildly received and felt more Marley than Nas. This year, he released few samplings, but “Nasty” is vicious in it’s simplicity and flow. The video above only helps its cause as a track of the year.

8. “Yonkers” – Tyler, the Creator

A recap of hip-hop in 2011 would be incomplete without mentioning Odd Future. The rowdy LA rooted collective emerged onto the scene with force, leaving viral videos, raucous shows and sensitive critics in their wake. Tyler, OF’s leader, made the most notable mark with his major debut “Goblin” featuring the above single. The video adds to Tyler’s ability to offer stirring pieces prone to starting conversation.

7. “Fast Lane” – Bad Meets Evil

Fresh off a huge year with “Recovery,” Eminem turned in a joint disc with fellow Detroit MC Royce Da 5’9 that see’s Em return his high octane maniacal Slim Shady self. “Fast Lane” is a much better representation of this than their other single, the painfully cheesy “Lighters.” Seeing some of Em and Royce’s twisted rhymes animated enhances the songs diabolical feel that lets us know Em is back to form.

6. “N*ggas in Paris” – Jay-Z and Kanye West

The superstar duo known as The Throne impacted hip-hop in a big way this year. Jay-Z and Kanye West teamed up to release “Watch the Throne” a roaring celebration of fame and influence which they then took on tour, rocking stadiums all across North America. The two lead singles, “Otis” and “N*ggas in Paris” could be interchangeable at this spot, depending on your preference. I chose to go with the one they’ve been repeating at the end of their shows. You know, the one song they’re permitted to skate to.

5. “Novacane” – Frank Ocean

Beyond genre legends like Kayne, Jay-Z, Nas, and Eminem, stands an R&B newcomer who ignited this year’s conversation with one, free album release. With ties to both Odd Future and The Throne, this was Frank Ocean’s year. “Nostalgia, Ultra” is packed with remixes of classic alternative songs and heartfelt narrative. “American Wedding” is my personal favorite, but “Novacane” surely touched more headphones and radio waves and represented Ocean’s larger introduction to the mainstream.

4. “Round of Applause” (Remix) – Waka Flocka feat. Drake

I admit I was late to realize Waka’s niche, but “Round of Applause” made me a believer. The ode to pole dancers floats along as Waka muses and claps stacks together for his girl. Drake adds an effortless verse (strippers are a common source of content) to make this much more than a strip club anthem. It fits while rolling, while pregaming, and whatever activity you please.

3. “I’ma Boss” – Meek Mill feat. Rick Ross

I remember riding around the streets of Delaware, listening to Philly radio stations playing a new artist named Meek Mill. Now, in 2011, there is no track bigger, badder, more capable of hyping you up than “I’ma Boss.” The beat smashes the block and Meek Milli’s opening lines are flame in thrown form. Meek has come a long way from “Rozay Red” and we’re all thankful for it.

2. “I’m On One” – DJ Khaled feat. Drake, Lil Wayne, and Rick Ross

It was the song of the summer. It has 3 of the genre’s biggest names. It has a memorable catchphrase at it’s center. And despite the amount of time played on the radio this year, it’s a killer. I was at a concert recently and of all the songs the DJ played to get the crowd active beforehand, this did the best job. The beat is major. Drake’s opening line is, too. And then there’s Khaled drinking a 4Loko overlooking Miami from a balcony suite. This song is 2011 for a lot of people, and is only topped by a track I found to be just that much more encapsulating.

1. “The Race” – Wiz Khalifa

Picture me rollin. And that’s both senses of the word. Wiz released his major label debut this year, and while it was diluted by mind numbing pop confections, it also had him in his element, hazy, wavy, synths the Pittsburgh stoner could glide across with ease. “The Race” may be Wiz’s best example of this. The best song he could possible make. It’s over 5 minutes of Wiz bliss and my favorite song of 2011