Santogold also has previously unreleased songs on the mixtape, including a cover of the Clash's "The Guns of Brixton", with lyrics altered to refer to Brooklyn.

that heavily samples Gorilla Zoe's "Hood Nigga" and drumming by Northern Cree, were leaked to the blogosphere prior to the mixtape's release.

"[15] According to NME, Top Ranking "expands on her [Santogold's] debut's cultural crossover", incorporating "hyphy, crunk, classic dub and new wave".

"[17] They praised Diplo's "global and eclectic" production, calling Top Ranking "a top-notch mixtape that will hopefully find its way up from the underground.

"[18] Slant Magazine said that "Top Ranking's hotness can't—and shouldn't—be downplayed", but also that it doesn't distinguish itself from Piracy Funds Terrorism and that "Santogold's unique essence feels lost amid the clutter.