Chayne Japal and Aaron Zorgel break down the biggest beats from the best hip-hop and R&B producers in 2012, in what they refer to affectionately as The First Annual Turnt Up Awards. Agree/disagree? Let ’em know in the comments section below.

Rookie Of The Year
Young Chop (Chief Keef, “I Don’t Like” feat. Lil Reese)

When Young Chop slammed Kanye West over his “I Don’t Like” remix, it looked like he was kissing a promising career goodbye. Instead, in 2012, he played a pivotal role in the rise of Chief Keef, and produced beats for Gucci Mane, French Montana, Big Sean, Birdman, Ace Hood, and many more genre staples. I guess a little beef isn’t a bad thing, when you’ve got the beats to back it up. (AZ)

Greatest Gainer
Mike Will (Future, “Turn On The Lights”)

Mike Will broke through in 2011, producing “Tupac Back” for Maybach Music Group, but 2012 has been his year, as he served up beats for artists at the highest level, including Kanye West and Rihanna. You can’t name a more interesting sounding rap beat than “Turn On The Lights” by Future. You just can’t. Don’t even try. (AZ)

Song Of The Year
Lifted (Kanye West, “Mercy” feat. Big Sean, Pusha T, and 2 Chainz)

Put “Mercy” on, and the mood in the room changes. People turn into animals. Watching people try to sing along with the Super Beagle sample is always hilarious, but who can blame them? That shit’s infectious. (AZ)

Best Work On A Full Album
Malay (Frank Ocean, Channel Orange, “Thinkin’ Bout You”)

Channel Orange wouldn’t have been your favourite album this year if it wasn’t for Malay. We’re all waiting to see what his next project will be, and without any information on it at all, it’s already a strong contender for 2013 AOTY. (AZ)

Best Self-Production
Miguel (“Adorn”)

Kaleidoscope Dream was my favourite album of 2012. There’s no better feeling than combing through the production credits of an album you thoroughly enjoyed, and realizing the primary artist wrote and produced a good portion of the album’s tracks. Miguel is listed as the solitary writer and producer on three of Kaleidoscope Dream‘s eleven tracks, he co-wrote the remaining eight, and co-produced all but three. Plus he sounds like Stevie Wonder. Total package. (AZ)

On The Cusp
Corin Roddick (Purity Ring, “Belispeak II feat. Danny Brown”)

The beatmaking half of Purity Ring has mentioned that he’d like to do some production outside of his Purity Ring projects. The interest shown by Danny Brown and the ensuing remix, “Bellispeak II”, hints that this dude is about to put on for Edmonton in 2013. (CJ)

Sample Flip Of The Year
The Alchemist (“Flight Confirmation” feat. Danny Brown & Schoolboy Q)

Nobody’s crates go deeper than The Alchemist. Russian Roulette, Action Bronson’s Rare Chandeliers, and Domo Genesis’ No Idols would’ve been enough, but he also produced forty-some-odd tracks and remixes for other artists. He can’t be stopped. (AZ)

Remixer Of The Year
Ryan Hemsworth (Grimes, “Genesis” feat. Deniro Farrar)

As his self-mixed remix compilation (Collected) suggests, Hemsworth is a magician that can make a perfect song better. He did just that again and again this year with Grimes’ “Genesis”, Future’s “Turn On The Lights”, and Frank Ocean’s “Thinking About You.”(CJ)

Speaker Buster Of The Year
Hit-Boy (A$AP Rocky, “Goldie”)

Even though he began putting some of his efforts into the mic, Hit-Boy has been able to capitalize on his break-out 2011. He’s become the go-to guy for undeniable bangers, stand outs being A$AP Rocky’s slept-on “Goldie”, Kendrick’s “Backseat Freestyle”, and his quarter of the GOOD Music album.(CJ)

Reigning Heavyweight Champion
Diplo (Usher, “Climax”)

Diplo had an amazing year in 2011, and he only built on that momentum this year. Everything he touched in 2012 shines, including the song he produced for Justin Bieber’s Believe. It bangs, trust me. In 2013, he’s going to make RiFF RAFF your favourite artist. Wait and see.(AZ)

BONUS AWARD: The Pharrell Award (For Being Pharrell)
Pharrell Williams (Kendrick Lamar, “good kid”)

The legacy that Pharrell built up as one half of the Neptunes now affords him the opportunity to work with those he’s inspired. But he’s not resting on his laurels, this year, his production delivered key moments on Frank Ocean’s Channel Orange, Lamar’s good kid, and Usher’s Looking 4 Myself.(CJ)