2010, has been an interesting year for music to the say the least.  With the mixtape generation dominating, many may have even forgot about CD’s and etc, or did they?  Not really.  With the emergence of the Young Money hype with the overly animated Nicki Minaj and Drake, as well as the ultimate hip-hop whore/hater/gold-digger and villain Kat Stacks—we learned that yes, Diggy (rev run’s son can rap) and that perhaps he and Justin Bieber could send hundreds of middle aged women, or overaged women to jail.

2010 has been a great year and we thought why not highlight it through a best/worst list with reasons why.  We want to give a special shout out to our honorable mentions, Dwele’s W.ants W.orld W.omen, Drake’s Thank Me Later, N.E.R.D’s Nothing, and Foreign Exchange’s Authenticity, that we aren’t exactly sure where they go on the list—but without further ado, here’s our Best/Worst.

Janelle Monae- The ArchAndroid

In 2007, the reemergence of the Funk/Soul sound of the 60′s was brought to the mainstream with the help, respectively, of Mark Ronson and Saleem Remi who both sold us a few noteworthy albums.  Yet, with her emergence into the mainstream music scene, Janelle Monae decided to sell us an experience with the concept of the ArchAndroid, which will carry us into the next light year.   With every experience you have your ups and your downs, but I assure you that you will have more moments with Monae on the moon than down on earth.  We’ve all heard of concept albums, from David Bowie’s Ziggy Stardust and The Spiders of Mars and Outkast’s ATlien, both essential albums in their own rights, and yet the ArchAndroid, Is nonetheless a classic.   Listening to this album, it becomes perfectly clear why she’s nominated for two Grammys for the show this February ranging from Best Contemporary R&B Album, and Best Urban/Alternative Performance for her lead single “Tightrope.”   The album is a complete answer to what music has been missing—creativity, great production, great lyrics, personality that shines through the music and a great voice overall.  This album has a lot of highlights that range from the lead single “Tightrope” featuring Big Boi, “Oh, Maker” “Neon Valley Street,” and “Faster,” and to list of the year would be complete without putting this album on the list.   –Bella

Electric Wire Hustle- Electric Wire Hustle

One of the key highlights of 2010 for me would definitely have to be discovering New Zealand based trio Electric Wire Hustle.  The trio fills the void of what’s been missing in music, by fusing together soul, hip-hop undertones, live instruments, and psychedelic elements.  This album  was realistically released in 2009, however it made it’s international release this past July in the United States.   I’ve somehow managed to play this album essentially for most of my family, the “older” generations, the ones born off of Teddy Pendergrass, or having babies to Guy (bad reference) and they all love this album comparing it to some musical masterpiece of their time. –Bella.

Corinne Bailey Rae- The Sea

At the height of her career following her self-titled debut album, Corinne Bailey Rae had to leave the spotlight to mend a broken heart following the drug overdose and death of her husband.  Returning to the scene four years later, we got The Sea, released January 20^th.   Rae used all the sadness she had to be feeling and created a project showing a new sense of vulnerability with tracks like “Are You Here” and the lead single, “I’d Do It All Again”, as well as a clear sex appeal with “Closer” and “Feels Like The First Time.”  This album, is definitely one of the best albums of the year given the sense of growth for Rae, as well as the music, and songwriting where literally we as an audience can feel whatever she is singing. –Bella

The Black Keys-Brothers

With seven albums under their belt since forming in 2002, it could easily be said that that’s too many projects.  On average, within an 8 period time slot, artists have around 3-4 albums and that could be too many—however with the Black Keys, it definitely wasn’t.  As a fan of the Black Keys through every album, I’ve realized the group uses every project to reinvent themselves—and this album, Brothers, is no different.  The album takes you on a psychedelic journey full of great lyrics, great vocals, and great instrumentation, clearly becoming obvious why the band is nominated for four Grammys.   I must also add—the drum work on this album is amazing and definitely makes me wish I could be a drummer.  With so many songs that have/will inevitably become classics in the near future—“Next Girl” “She’s Long Gone” “Black Mud” and “The Go Getter” this album is definitely one of the best of 2010. –Bella

Bilal-Airtight’s Revenge

This is quite possibly my favorite album of the entire year.  I have always been an admirer of Bilal’s work; however this album has definitely turned me into a fan. Bilal’s avant-garde approach to Airtight’s Revenge shows the difference between many other male soul artists and the mind of Mr. Oliver himself. Bilal’s recent Grammy nomination for the album proves this has well, not bad for someone who hasn’t had an album release in nine years wouldn’t you say?-Victoria

Black Milk- Album Of The Year

To name your album, Album of The Year, is a pretty bold statement—unless you can deliver as Black Milk did.  The first day this album came out, I think I listened to it like 4 times straight, played “Oh Girl,” featuring AB like 5 times, and felt the need to keep playing it.  The thing that makes this album great, first and foremost is the production.  The production on this album is dope, literally every song.  The lyrics are dope too and as a whole they all work together.  I saw this album performed live at Black Milk’s Album of The Year Tour, with House Shoes and Elzhi, and only fell in love with the album more hearing everything live with Daru Jones on the drum and it was just dope.  This album is hot fire and definitely a real hip-hop album.  –Bella

Murs and 9^th Wonder-Fornever

Being a big fan of the past collabs from these two, it wasn’t a surprise that I’d like Fornever. Good beats from 9th and great rhymes from Murs make this another solid project from the duo. Not to mention the features on the album were a pleasant surprise. Kurupt, Suga Free, Sick Jackin and Uncle Chucc all have solid verses that don’t take away from the album at all. If you haven’t heard it, I’d definitely give it a listen. –Premo

Nas and Damien Marley-Distant Relatives

Nas and Damien Marley’s album, Distant Relatives, was one of the most anticipated and buzzed about albums of 2010 and the end product was definitely worth the wait. The album in itself is such a well-crafted project—the perfect blends of Nas’ foundation—hip-hop and Damien Marley’s Reggae, infused with congas, trumpets, electronic organs and other instruments. Like the title of the album alludes to, this album takes us through a journey with the idea of a shared ancestry—dope concept and even greater album.  This album asks listeners to imagine what could’ve been and how different the world would be if things were just a little bit different. –Bella

Aloe Blacc- Good Things

Aloe Blacc’s album Good Things perhaps one of the most slept on albums of the years. Filled with soulful songs filled with tales of hard times, good times, love and broken-heartedness, this album, is a must have for any fan of the greats such as James Brown or Al Green and more recently Anthony Hamilton. In an era where up-tempo r&b/rap songs reign supreme, it’s nice to see someone take it back and make some soul music.  Some of the standout tracks include I Need A Dollar, You Make Me Smile, and so Hard. This is definitely an album that can be played by the young and old alike. -Premo

Nneka- Concrete Jungle

Prior to 2010 Nneka was pretty much unknown to most on this side of the Atlantic.  Unless, you caught wind of her second album release titled No Longer at Ease in 2008. The album which sky rocketed to the charts in Germany and the UK, with help from the lead single “Heartbeat” slowly garnered attention within the United States.  This attention helped follow a remix of Nneka’s lead single “Heartbeat” featuring Nas, a tour, and many other deals soon followed after.  In 2010 Nneka released “Concrete Jungle”, which was her first major US release. The album is amazing mixture of different sounds ranging from reggae, soul, to hip hop.  The album which is actually a reissue of her 2008 release with maybe three or four added tracks is still definitely a piece of music that can only be described as art.-Victoria

Rah Digga- Classic

It’s been about ten years since we last heard an album release from Rashia and after listening to Classic it feels has if she never left.  The entirely Nottz produced album was done to perfection. Rah Digga’s lyrics will leave anyone listening hungry for me. In an era where “some” female rappers have to sell sex to sell albums, Rah sells raw lyrical talent that other rappers envy. In world full of plastic Rah leaves us whom were craving non-manufactured rap something to bob our heads and leave us saying DAMN!  If “that” other female rapper album disappointed you and you have yet to purchase Classic, then you are definitely missing out on one of the best albums of the year. –Victoria

Big K.R.I.T- K.R.I.T. Wuz Here

There was literally several weeks prior to this last summer that I kept hearing everyone talk about Big K.R.I.T. , I was totally unaware of whom he was at the time. I didn’t give myself a listen until around August and I was completely floored at his K.R.I.T. Wuz Here album. I was shocked to learn two things, one that he was from Mississippi and that he had completely produced his own release. Upon hearing Big K.R.I.T., I originally assumed he was from the East Coast based off his flow, until I heard the song Country Shit and discovered his origins. In an age where the south is consistently blamed for the demise of rap in the 21st century, K.R.I.T. Wuz Here displays the exact opposite. Since, being signed to Def Jam K.R.I.T. has continued to prepare for his Major debut with the release of a mix tape scheduled to be released this winter. -Victoria

Yahzarah- The Ballad of Purple Saint James

Everyone knows Yahzarah as the female counterpart in the male dominated Foreign Exchange, however, prior to her affiliation with the group she had three solo projects, Hear Me, Black Star, and the album in question here, The Ballad of Purple Saint James. This album, is beyond it’s year an ode to classic soul literally shown with, “Have A Heart” which puts you in the mindset of The Soul Children’s “Other Woman.” Prior to this album, I don’t think anyone has been able to bridge generations in their album in a way that didn’t seemed forced, or puzzling—however this project has so many generations, now, the 80’s, 70’s and 60’s.  This album proved to be a great project, from start to finish. –Bella.

Zo!-SunStorm

As the keyboard player for Foreign Exchange, Zo! is responsible for some of our favorite songs—stepping from beyond the keyboard, to other instruments realistically, Zo! released his project SunStorm this past July and the end result = musical masterpiece. To say Masterpiece, is a statement that carries a lot of weight, however it’s definitely true with this project. Zo! created an album that was very well balanced, with great collaborations: Phonte, Jesse Boykins III, Carlitta Durand, Eric Roberson, Big Pooh, Darien Brockington and Yahzarh just to name a few, as well as great production and instrumentation.  Zo! did everything himself as far as production, artists’ selection and the instruments he used—which in itself makes this a best album of the year.  Typically, artists get so consumed in trying to meet some hype that they don’t take the time with their projects, to actually make sure all these elements are in tact—and that the listener gets a great music experience—and Zo! did both of these. -Bella

The Roots-How I Got Over

This album, has been my most anticipated album of 2010.  Anyone who knows me, knows that my favorite groups are The Roots, Little Brother and N.E.R.D, and since Little Brother’s Leftback, didn’t live up to my hype… I anxiously was awaiting this project. Initially this album was going to come out on my birthday, October 20^th, and I found this to be the coolest thing on earth, however it got pushed back—but with the finish result I’m definitely okay with the delay.  This album is great and every song I feel births the anticipation for the next with the consistency that builds from track to track.

The album proves that The Roots have longetivity, I’m not sure what other group or musician in general can release 11 albums and still be completely relevant.  This album uses smart collaborations with artists like Blu, Dice Raw, Phonte, ad John Legend just to name a few—but all the collaborations work meshing together the artists to create perfect songs.  Another element that makes this album great is the fact that all the beats are similar yet progressions of each other, so it seems like the album was really well thought out.  Realistically, you want to have a diverse palette of music with different tempos, but at times I feel that takes listeners on a crazy journey—musicians: please learn from The Roots.  Also, another reason why I think this album is definitely one of the best of the year because it definitely solidifies Black Thought as one of the dopest emcees of our generation (once again). -Bella

Rick Ross- Teflon Don

There is something about Mr. Rozay that I have always found interesting. Even after being exposed about his former life, he is still a sought after rapper in the game. In the last four years Ross has been consistent with album and mix tape releases. Teflon Don was a well-put together album, with decent features from several artist and outstanding production. Not bad from your favorite former C.O. – Victoria

Curren$y- Pilot Talk and Pilot Talk 2

Since these albums both came out in the same year—I am putting them as a joint set.  You know music is good when it makes you want to do something completely foreign and for me, that’s smoke weed.  Listening to Pilot Talk and Pilot Talk 2 I want to fill high amongst the clouds like a pilot in the air.  The production on both of these albums = crazy.  To me they remind me of some new age Shaft movie music.  Also, Curren$y’s flows were up to par, and these albums will definitely become in my opinion timeless hip-hop classics down the line.-Bella

Kanye West- My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy

This album is a little new to be considered one of the best of the year—however, I think it should be acknowledged.  Lyrically, the album is good—however for me, the reason why this album is even on this list is because of the production featured on the album.  As a longtime fan of Kanye, I think this album took him out of the school theme completely, it was a very artistic and innovative production—however, it wasn’t as out of the box and confusing as 808’s and Heartbreaks. This album, lyrically… for me, is like a huge well-produced mixtape, but for Mr. West it just works. –Bella

Truthlive-Patience

As one of the Bay Area top ten freshman, Truthlive’s album Patience, went under the radar (this could possibly be untrue, just in the circles I’m in) but this project is honestly one of the best albums I’ve heard the whole year.  Produced by Jake-One, Truthlive uses this project as a canvas to address the things that were not being expressed in music, and that is things of substance.  This album surpassed thoughts of cars, clothes, hoes and rims, and he’s actually talking about things in a way that the masses would gravitate to.  This album has so much social commentary it’s crazy, on songs like “It’s Easy” where Truthlive lays out the realities of our society where he speaks about Mikey, a boy who is constantly bullied in school, who also has a messed up home life.  Then he speaks on people getting sucked into societies expectations and joining the bandwagon, not showing your weakness.  Lastly, he speaks about how its essentially we attempt to fit in because society tells us that we should.

“The Bush Years (We Don’t Need)” is another reason why this song is one of the best of the year.  This song I a real powerful song that speaks about the injustices in politics, and he’s right on.  I think this song isn’t really like anything I’ve ever heard before—I’ve heard political songs speaking about how politics are corrupt and etc, but those were like psychedelic songs from the 60’s, never have I heard one from a hip-hop artists, and if I did it mainly addressed one side of the spectrum.  I think this song is such an important song because it’s speaking about now.  People never really talk about politics because its kind of taboo, but Truthlive holds no fear and comes really hard on here.  He says, “Terrorism only works if you’re living in fear/ for the new world order to exist/ they create false threats and make them persist.” This song is one of the songs that makes this album one of the best of the year. –Bella

Kem- Intimacy

With the return to the music scene, Kem, created a rather flawless attempt.  This album honestly is for the grown and sexy crowd—it’s a very mature project, however with a clear sense of vulnerability as well as sensuality. I can’t think of much more to say. -Bella

Quadron- Quadron

Thanks to my dear from Jonathon at hiphopiscoolagain.com, this year, I was introduced to the amazingness that is Quadron. Typically, I never buy albums unless I’m a huge fan—however, after listening to “UnPatience” I was pretty sure this was something that I needed to listen to.  This album = great.  Her voice, has this real unique soulful quality, kind of like the lead singer of Little Dragon.  The strange thing about this album overall is that it’s a mellow sexiness.  Great album, and a great introduction. -Bella

Joonie-Acoustic Love

Seems like this year Trey Songz had the r&b game on lock from beginning to end. However Joonie an up and coming singer from the west should definitely be considered a future contender. His latest project Acoustic Love is playable from beginning to end. Smooth tracks like So Fly mixed with soulful songs such as Acoustic Love make this one of the more well rounded albums this year. So for all those looking to make love instead of having Trey Songz “sex you up”, this one’s for you.-Premo

Nicki Minaj- Pink Friday

I definitely hate to have to say this because I think Nicki Minaj is interesting in this really odd way—but this album definitely wasn’t a shining example of how to be the “bestest.”  Listening to this album it becomes perfectly clear that Ms. Minaj is strictly a featured artists and can’t carry the weight of a song on her own.  This project felt forced, yes she’s making an entrance into the mainstream so she has to kind of command her presence, but she’s done that through her Young Money affiliation.  With this project it seems like she was in a way trying to be too much of everything—too much singing, not enough rapping. Also, the production on this album didn’t match the hype surrounding the album—however, it became perfectly clear from the crazed fans she has that this album would sell the way it did, it just wasn’t a great project by any means necessary. -Bella

Slum Village- Villa Manifesto

I’m a huge Slum Village fan—well actually let me scratch that, I was a huge Slum Village fan however this album was a disappointment.  It’s one of those things if it were another artists it’d be a dope project—however, for them minus the exception of the beat of “Earl Flinn” this album is a poor example to their legacy and that could be because no Elzhi, and no J.Dilla and no Baatin (rest in peace to the two) T3 can’t carry the legacy on himself, nor can he and Illa J.  To this day I will be a walking cliché and scream to the top of my lungs, Team Elzhi. –Bella

Little Brother-Leftback

One of the biggest disappointments of this year was Leftback. Everyone knows the drama behind 9th Wonder’s departure from the group and that the two factions may never work together again and that this was to be the last album. Leftback leave’s a lot to be desired and sounds a lot more like “work” than “fun”. Kind of like those albums artists rush when they’re just trying to meet contract obligations instead of make quality music. After hearing Curtin Call, expectations were raised and fans thought that just maybe this would be worth the waiting and drama. The only passable tracks on the album are Curtin Call and Second Chances, the rest sound like leftovers from previous albums and filler. This was a huge disappointed. -Premo

Trey Songz-Passion, Pain, Pleasure

Women love Trey Songz—this list does not include me however, but how many times can we hear someone whine about the same topic: women, sex, being in love with someone who’s taken or the reverse—and sing in one sing/rap way with the little annoying adlibs?  I understand that’s the role of the “sex symbol” however, with this album Trey Songz in my opinion has reached a cliché low. This album also clearly shows the downward slope that Trey Songz and his music are going in.  He refuses to look outside of the box and create songs of substance, or learn to look at them as inspiration.  He refuses to change his voice, yes, I realize that’s his singing voice—but a lot of times people who are talented can go through several different tones and etc, this he refuses to do shown with the depression of this album overall. –Bella

Lloyd Banks- Hunger For More 2

Remember a few years ago when G Unit was on top of the world and everything that came out sold? Those days are long gone and Hunger For More 2 is a perfect example of that. The first Hunger For More was widely considered one of the best albums of the year but this sounds like a prizefighter in his last days. Gone is the hunger, its been replaced by a bunch of rhymes of the “lavish” life he’s enjoyed since his debut album. I’d have though he’d have learned since The Rotten Apple flopped like a beached whale, but apparently no.  Even the all-star cast of features (Kanye, Pusha T, Styles P, and Ryan Leslie) can’t help you get passed how bad this album is. -Premo

Dream-Loveking

Okay, so I have to admit that I actually enjoyed The Dream’s last two albums. I’m not a heavy fan when it comes to contemporary R&B, but I thoroughly enjoyed his last two albums. I could not say the same for this project. I was expecting to hear something different from this album and The Dream rapping was not exactly what I was looking for. The album was nothing more than Love vs. Money leftovers, similar to the ones that have been in the refrigerator for three months after Thanksgiving.- Victoria

Plies- Goon Affiliated

Oh, Algernod. When will the madness stop? I have to admit that this album was one of the worst album’s I have heard in my whole twenty something years of life. I tried to sit through all fifteen tracks, but by number seven I started developing a headache. I’m not sure if it was due to the sub par lyrics or; wait no that was it. I would advise anyone and everyone to steer clear from this album unless you are trying to tap into your inner goon or goonette.-Victoria

Vivian Green-Beautiful

Another artist I’m quite fond of, yet another bad album. I think I’m still waiting for Love Story Vivian, not musically evolved Vivian. I must admit her voice is still heavenly however, singing to a contemporary crowd she doesn’t stick out much.  I actually forgot I owned this album; there isn’t a track that actually grabs my ears and my heart. I really do not have much to say about this album, I just said it the last four sentences above this one. –Victoria

Case-Here My Love

This album was an okay effort, from someone who has been out of the radar for some time. However, just about every single track sounds exactly the same. The production reminds me of early the 2000s. This album literally put me to sleep, and I mean that in a bad way. It’s a shame when bad albums, happen to good artist. It makes me sound like a hater. -Victoria

Kelis- Fleshtone

I can’t really muster up enough words for this project… it’s a very odd project all across the board. –Bella