Hip-Hop's 12 Winners of Summer 2012

A look at which rappers owned the hottest season of the year.

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Complex Original

Image via Complex Original

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Summer 2012 was an eventful few months, and with only a week officially left in the season, it's time to evaluate who racked up the most wins. Between the huge album releases and massive music festivals, we witnessed everything from Nas getting his swag back to Mike Will taking the spot as rap's most in-demand young producer. Who really made the competition tuck their summer in? We've ranked hip-hop's top 12 winners of summer 2012. Continue reading for the definitive word on who owned the conversation surrounding rap during the hottest months of the year.

Written by Lauren Nostro (@LAURENcynthia), Benjamin Chesna (@bmched), and Daniel Troisi (@DanTroisi).

12. Riff Raff Trolls His Way To Relevance

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11. Mike Will Made Hits

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10. Juicy J "Bands" Together A Smash Record

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9. Wiz Khalifa's Controversial Album Cover

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8. YMCMB Keeps Going Strong

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7. Maybach Music Takes Over

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6. 2 Chainz Debuts at No. 1

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5. Nas Hits His Creative, Commercial Stride

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4. G.O.O.D. Is Good Enough

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3. Jay-Z Is Still A Business, Man

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2. Dr. Dre Gets Richer Off Headphones

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1. Def Jam Back

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