To know the history of rap, we must look at another format that the disc: the mixtape. Originally a compilation of songs recorded on cassette by DJs, sold on the sidelines of official circuits, it has transformed over time into a real album, distributed on the Internet. Being always at the heart of this vivacious and prolific genre that is rap, it has also shown itself, sometimes, superior to commercial records. After retracing the astonishing journey of these mixtapes, the author offers a selection of one hundred nuggets released as much by established artists (50 Cent, Les Diplomats, Kanye West, Lil Wayne or Drake) as by recent rappers, taking possession of the land (Freddie Gibbs, Action Bronson, Danny Brown, Earl Sweatshirt, Young Thug, Migos).