2012 has been one of my favorite years for music. We had a few vets in the game show us they still got what it takes and also a few shockers. From Nas to Solange to Kevin Micheal here are my Top 10 albums of 2012 🙂
10. I Missed Us- SWV (released April 2012) The 90’s R&B Trio released their first traditional album is 15 years and showed us all they still got what it takes. This album actually shocked me, I mean their last effort in 1997(Release Some Tension) was dope and I must admit I didn’t expect this one to be as good as it is. Honestly this album sounds like they picked up where they left off and proves that true R&B isn’t dead at all.
9. Unapologetic- Rihanna (released November 2012) Rihanna’s 7th studio album in just 7 years, her 1st Number 1 album and her most urban album to date. Unapologetic happens to be my 2nd favorite effort from Rih (Rated R my #1) this album being very similar to it. The album features Eminem(Numb), Future(Loveeeee Song) and Chris Brown(Nobody’s Business) and production from David Guetta, Mike Will and The Dream. Vocally I think its her best work yet. Rihanna reinvents herself everytime she releases new music much like Madonna does…..smart move and I think it works for her.
8. Life is Good- Nas (released July 2012) Mr. Jones wrote this album after his divorce from Kelis and you can hear it throughout the record. This album features lots of personal subject matter from his experience in the music industry to being a dad. It reminds me of a young Nas, much like his very first album. His raps are very laid back and the production on this album is very instrumental and also includes some old school beats. Nas once again has shown us why he is one of the greatest in the game.
7. Cruel Summer- G.O.O.D. Music (released September 2012) Mos Def my favorite “CLIQUE” at the moment…..each and every member is different in there own way…from Teyanna to 2 Chainz to John Legend to Big Sean. This album to me is not your normal compilation, most of the time they tend to be all over the place considering its SOOOOOO many different artist. The thing I love about CS is that all the artist on the album shined. Major props to Pusha T who really shocked me on the record. Kanye West did his thing with this one.
6. Two Eleven- Brandy (released October 2012) Another huge surprise for me was the release of Brandy’s album. In my opinion her last album was horrible, the one before that was a good one but didn’t get the credit it deserved and wasn’t really even promoted. I really thought it was over for her, I said several times that if this new album isn’t good its a wrap, well it wasn’t good, it was GREAT. Staying true to her style Brandy gave us one of the best R&B albums of the year, its solid front to back, nothing but good music. Like Nas, Brandy showed us that she ain’t going no where.
5-1 Coming soon….STAY TUNED
ALLURE 