Freestyling is an art form that is one of the most beautiful things to witness in hip-hop. The act of spitting off the top is a skill rappers need to showcase when they're on a radio show, for their fans at a concert or just kicking it with friends. There's just something about watching your favorite rapper spit witty wordplay, analogies, double entendres and slip in a diss or two. When a rapper is in the zone, crushing one of the game's most popular beats, it should get any hip-hop fan excited.

Who can forget The Diplomats or Eminem ripping the mic during BET's iconic video mixshow, Rap City: Tha Basement? Or Royce Da 5'9, Mr Porter and Slim Shady on Tim Westwood? How about Jay Z freestyling over Kanye West's "Grammy Family" on Hot 97's Funkmaster Flex show? There was the iconic The Notorious B.I.G. and Nas freestyle where Method Man introduced both of them to the masses as well. The list can go on and on.

In 2016, there's been a bunch of freestyles that prove rappers young and old still got it. From rising Brooklyn star Young M.A to West Coast veteran The Game and more, here are the best freestyles of the year so far. And don't forget to check out every artist in the 2016 XXL Freshman class freestyling below.

  • Joey Bada$$

    Where: Sway in the Morning
  • Young M.A

    Where: Hot 97's Funkmaster Flex Show
  • Mick Jenkins

    Where: Sway in the Morning
  • Meek Mill

    Where: Hot 97's Funkmaster Flex Show
  • Tsu Surf

    Where: Hot 97's Funkmaster Flex Show
  • Lil Dicky

    Where: Tim Westwood
  • The Game

    Where: Power 106's The Cruz Show
  • Charlie Clips

    Where: Hot 97's Funkmaster Flex Show
  • Vic Mensa and Joey Purp

    Where: Sway in the Morning
  • Pusha T

    Where: Sway in the Morning
  • Tory Lanez

    Where: Sway in the Morning
  • Dave East

    Where: L.A. Leakers
  • Vince Staples

    Where: Hot 97's Funkmaster Flex Show
  • Token

    Where: Sway in the Morning
  • Stro

    Where: Statik Selektah's Shade 45 Show
  • Taylor Bennett

    Where: Sway in the Morning
  • A-F-R-O

    Where: Statik Selektah's Shade 45 Show
  • Jay Electronica and Metasota

    Where: Minneapolis
  • Action Bronson and Meyhem Lauren

    Where: DJ Whoo's Kid Shade 45 Show
  • Tyler, The Creator

    Where: OFWGKTA

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