Ex-Das Racist man Heems yanks the unforgettable opening scene from Blade for his new “Desi Shoegaze Taiko” video.

If there’s one thing we’ve realized in 2012, it’s that the best music isn’t always sold in stores. With much scrutiny and even more head scratching, here we present to you our top 20 mixtapes of 2012.

It has to be said that in mid-November, with 2012 coming to a close (seriously, how fast has this year gone?!), most of the year’s biggest talking points have already been milked: Frank Ocean’s coming out party, Obama being re-elected and Kendrick Lamar altering the trajectory of hip-hop (for good, hopefully). But that doesn’t mean there isn’t plenty to look forward to in the coming months. J. Cole’s Born Sinner (which is shaping up to be a stellar effort–just lend an ear to “Miss America“), Kid Cudi’s Indicud and Pusha T’s G.O.O.D. Music debut all await us in early 2013. Oh, and not to mention the prospect of new Kanye, Jay-Z and Eminem albums (fingers crossed!) But in the meantime, hit the jump to peep some new tracks and videos from this week that will help hold the anticipation over ’til then. Shouts to Public Enemy, Hot Sugar, OverDoz., Dyme-A-Duzin and REKS.

One-third of Das Racist, Heems, today follows up on January’s impressive Nehru Jackets with his second solo project, Wild Water Kingdom.

Okay, I hold my hands high, Kendrick Lamar and his (ridiculous, incredible, game-changing) good kid, m.A.A.d city album has been the focus point of my rants for the past two weeks now, but it’s only necessary.