That awkward moment when Not Obama trends worldwide as Nicki Minaj salutes self-proclaimed Mr. President “Weezy F. Baby.” // #inrelatednews Sources agree: “Our children isn’t learning.”

#damnshame #andyouwonderwhy

The Cash Money/Young Money ship continues to sail full-speed ahead with the release of Lil’ Wayne’s “6 Foot, 7 Foot” video featuring Cory Gunz. Naturally, Hype Williams directed the Inception-influenced four-minute foray into the street-pristine psyche of a one Mr. TuneChi.

I speak the truth, but I guess that’s a foreign language to y’all; and I call it like I see it, and my glasses on – but most of y’all don’t get the picture ‘less the flash is on

SnappIt:

Hype Williams’ signature style is to highlight the obvious, to give substance by stylizing the seemingly simple; Lil’ Wayne’s lyrical style is the same in that it blends the abstract with the apparent, but intertwined in a way that highlights the poetry behind punchlines. Ever the straight-shooter, Weezy feeds off of the hype and brings the focus back to snare and basics. “Real Gs move in silence like lasagna;” real scenes move in silence like a G, so there’s nothing left to say – what you get is what you see.

Watch This Space: Someone had to put the simplicity in cinematic perspective – the last thing the fish sees is the Cristal… but not Liltunechi … so misunderstood, but what’s a world without enigma?

Lil’ Wayne’s “6 Foot, 7 Foot” is up for Best Hip-Hop Video at this year’s Video Music Awards. The show airs, Sunday, August 28 at 9 pm.

Chris Brown may have 20/20 vision, but shineblocker logic seems to keep slipping past his periphery… I don’t see how you gon’ hate from outside the club – you can’t even get in?

I get what you get in 10 years, in two days
Ladies love me, I’m on my cool J
If you get what I get what would you say
She wax it all off, Mr Miyagi
And them suicide doors, Hari Kari

Well, one thing’s for sure… two days worth of the boy’s self-esteem is enough to serve the whole community for the next ten years. Eye see you, your Flipmode squad, and your lil’ tune chi too…

Diplohmy word – pause what you heard – Mr. Brown is back in Afrojack… and them suicide doors? Hari Kari. Wax off the samurai sword, Chris Far East cruises through this track with Busta, and Wayne in tow. The trifecta flow three-the-hard way through Diplo & Afrojack’s neo-oriental killer coi beatquake.

Bars drop like Benihanakaze smooth bombast; fluid chinese flutes flow in between muted kick/snap 808 neo-dirty VA loops, the pitchy alarm rings beneath Busta’s gatling-quick licks, intergalactic raindrops cascade through extended escalations like heliohydraulic electrical currents, drum lines come in at the bridge to kick the door down like a cannon just in the nick of time, before Weezy lyrically wilds out without breaking past a chiefed whisper. This is what it would sound like if Mr. Miagi and Missy Elliott sent an audition tape to Mad Decent.

Watch this Space: You can look at him all you want, but good luck trying to read past the mirrored glass-masked pokerface… As far as the caramel-smooth-talking-rapper-singer situation goes: if Breezy keeps reigning like this, Weezy might just start rethinking the Drizzle…

Chris Brown’s “Look At Me Now” is up for Best Collaboration at this year’s Video Music Awards. The show airs, Sunday, August 28 at 9 pm.

In addition to this inspiration, I thought about some of my friends who are committed to the same act of always recording when they get the chance. One of those friends is my up and coming band member Ron Smith who takes every chance that he can to record whether it’s music or video. He has done a couple of projects with both audio and video which can all be found at his website at smithcreativ.com.

When I first met Ron he played the drums for the band that we are aspiring to create with other mutual friends and he was insistent on recording our jam session even though it was only our first trial session. At that point he reminded me a bit of myself when I would always record video footage just for memories sake. It wasn’t until I went to his house and shared some of my musical creations with him that he shared his video and musical creations and we got to experience each others talents. When he started sharing, I was blown away at all of his video content as well as his music because it was actually good quality material. What I found was even funnier was the fact that he hadn’t promoted his work because I thought it was well worth people listening to it or seeing his creations.

What I also liked most was the stories behind each creation like for one video he took footage of the classic film Monstrosity and created a video sequence that was aided by his own music soundtrack. I had to ask was that him because it sounded so original and synced so perfectly with the video footage. The movie is simply about an elderly lady who had a surgeon take her brain and put it in a younger woman’s body. The music goes along so well with the concept of the movie that it just almost seems right. In addition to the collection of music he let me listen to, he put me on to this one song that had a feel good vibe to it with words that could give inspiration to anyone who ever felt like an outsider. The main part of the song I like is when he says “we don’t get off this planet alive/ but that’s alright/ it’s been one hell of a ride/ see you on the other side…” because it speaks the truth about our existence yet keeps a very optimistic point of view about it.

Ron’s whole deal on life can be found within his work. He is heavily into graphic design to the point where he can break down each and every aspect of a project that has been done. He is one of those people who are working to perfect their craft and put out as many projects as possible. Make sure you check out some of his recent projects at smithcreativ.com where you can get a glimpse of his work and style and definitely listen to the music because it is all his.

Later Days…

Piece to embrace the Martian.

Call it a cover, call it a variation, good music is good music. Mar Variations is good music. The Super band, made up of Amsterdam based singer Mar, Nalden, Yoji Moniz, Full Crate and Dolly Rogers are on a mission. Each month they plan to release a music video and variation of a song. Take a listen to their first drop, a smooth take on Lil’ Wayne’s “Single.” Mar’s voice rides Wayne’s passive aggressive beat slow like honey and just as smooth. All this makes me want to say #FreeWeezy loud as hell. If you like the song enough, which I’m sure you will, download the MP3 after the jump.

MP3: Mar Variation – Single (Lil’ Wayne Cover)

Young Money has a leaky faucet somewhere. I mean albums leak, but they seem to have the worst luck with it. Three of their biggest releases to date have been leaked, sometimes well in advance. When arguably the Summer’s biggest Hip-hop album leaked yesterday, the Internet exploded. “Drake Album” was one of the top three trending topics the entire day which even forced the Canadian rapper to respond via his own Twitter account.

“I gave away free music for years so we’re good over here…just allow it to be the soundtrack to your summer and ENJOY! JUNE 15th!” he tweeted. At least he’s not uptight about the album leaking. It was bound to happen sooner than later. He’s right. Drake’s fans are used to downloading his music. Drake, and Nicki Minaj’s and all of other Young Money have become famous off mixtapes, essentially free music. But will they be able to convert fans who are accustomed to just downloading their music to consumers? Everyone is wondering about the numbers, but the music is really what matters here.

Drake brought it with this album. After years of feeling like Hip-hop became out of touch, Drake is like braille to me. I’m more drawn to Drake’s singing songs so I forget sometimes Drake is a rapper. A really good one. Lyrically, Drake is at his best on Thank Me Later. He’s cocky, witty, personal and sharp throughout the album. Listening to him rap lines like “I can teach you how to speak my language–Rosetta Stone” with a clever mixture of Kanye’s snarl and Wayne’s delivery makes me know he’s up in the upper echelon of rappers.

Thank Me Later is collabo heavy though. The usual suspects for a standard big Hip-Hop album these days: Jay-Z, Nicki Minaj, Alicia Keys, Young Jeezy, T.I., The Dream and of course Lil’ Wayne make appearances. These tracks are thrown in the middle of the album, in between stronger solo tracks. A smart move on Drake’s part. The album follows a interesting theme: fame and Drake’s obvious anxiety with it that’s heard on tracks like “Fireworks” “Cece’s Interlude” and the first single “Over.”

Trust me, the only thing bad about this album is the awful cover. Drake, brought tricks up his sleeves to please pop fans and Hip-hop fans alike. This is the album of the Summer. Thank Me Later is Drake’s Blueprint, College Dropout and The Carter wrapped in one. If Drake isn’t Wayne’s replacement, he’s better.

Download: “Fireworks” “Up All Night” “Find Your Love” “The Resistance”

Erykah Badu’s video for her web single “Jump In The Air (Stay There)” is pretty interesting visually. The video uses the kaleidoscope effect to create some really striking images. The song though, not so much. Even Lil’ Wayne couldn’t save this. Erykah’s fifth studio album New Amerykah Part Two (Return of the Ankh) is set to be released March 30, 2010 on Universal Motown.

We can’t dare sit around and think we are shocked. The 52nd edition of the Grammy Awards occurred last night, and as expected, the recording industry, in the face of declining record sales and a perceived lack of importance made a dramatic stand for the international mainstream, and in the process delivered an awards program that was perfunctory and devoid of intrigue or controversy, a call to norms instead of a call to arms. In many ways the awards show that has become the stamp of cultural importance has become MTV’s Video Music Awards, the 2009 event being landmark for a lack of adherence to any social or moral compass on one hand, and on the other having a fairytale ability to tell the stories of Taylor Swift and Kanye West. But the Grammies soldiered on, and in the 2010 edition, we learned a great deal about how an industry hunkers down and prepares to make a comeback.

The big trophy winners of the night were the Black Eyed Peas, Taylor Swift, Kings of Leon, Beyonce, Jay-Z and Lady Gaga. These were all worthy champions, but in some cases, the most maligned of artists in the past year. In accepting their award for “Use Somebody” as the Record of the Year, the Kings stated they were “drunk, but a happy drunk,” as the cleaned up indie rock gods finally ascended to the throne of pop royalty so richly deserved.

Lady Gaga by comparison to her MTV Awards histrionics was muted, instead of appearing to have lost all semblance of common and sartorial sense there, last night her fashions were wild, but definitely toned down. Her show opening performance with a slightly less than stellar “Poker Face” was more than made up for with the always excellent Elton John doing a duet of The Fame Monster’s torch ballad “Speechless,” and Sir Elton’s “Your Song.” The bizarrely staged spectacle did more than her two gramophone wins for cementing her growing instant legacy as an icon of gay camp blended with immense and universal entertainment value.

Mr. and Mrs. Shawn Carter were front row center and Beyonce’s six wins is a Grammy record for a female artist, as her maturation into this generation’s Diana Ross is near complete, even shining through a curious choice of performing “If I Were a Boy” and a spirited yet misguided cover of Alanis Morrissette’s “You Oughta Know” while flanked by Janet Jackson Rhythm Nation 1814 era recalling footsoldiers. Her husband took home awards for “D.O.A.” and for “Run This Town,” more nods to his cross cultural importance blended with the excellence of the songs. If anything, from doting on Solange Knowles’ son who was front row center, or Beyonce thanking “her husband,” to Jay-Z appearing to be a proud husband, the Carters are destined to reach pop royalty status as the first family of pop excellence.

As always, fantastic performances dotted the evening. Swathed in white linen then once again dazzling the crowd with Cirque du Soleil level mid-air histrionics, Pink’s “Glitter in the Air” was, as was her performance at MTV’s event that duplicated the feat, the most visually arresting moment of the proceedings. Jamie Foxx, T-Pain, Slash, old school rap legend Doug E. Fresh and a full orchestra gave the most energetic performance of the night, Foxx looking like a Civil War general exhorting the orchestra and crowd to feel every word of the R&B Song of the Year. Drake, Eminem and Lil Wayne with backing on the drums by Travis Barker and a live band gave an excellent but expected performance of “Forever,” easily one of the more pop friendly and successful collaborations of the past year.

Darling of the universe Taylor Swift underwhelmed in the spotlight, as her performance suffered from the inclusion of Fleetwood Mac legend Stevie Nicks, who in one minute ofher guest spot singing “Rhiannon” excised from the minds of millions any belief that Swift was a polished and prime time performer worthy of eight nominations and four victories. Her Album of the Year win for Fearless after her performance feeling more like flash in the pan and guide to country success than promise of pop prominence. Country took a beating again in the performance department with Best New Artist winners the Zac Brown Band performing with pianist Leon Russell. As was the case all night long, experienced veteran performers shined with tremendous poise and charisma when next to their younger counterparts. The final “eh” performance of the night were the Black Eyed Peas who in theory gained the most from the night as their venture into underground dance yielded immense profit, but to borrow a line from Jay-Z, the Peas are the leading force of innovation in pop music right now and appear to be mentally already checked out of the success of The E.N.D. and “on to the next one,” the next style to co-opt, infiltrate and make lucrative.

Props need to be extended as well to the likes of Maxwell, who merely walked onstage and proved his talent in a situation where he needed to be successful. His award winning BLACKsummer’s Night album stands to be a big gainer on the Billboard chart due to his composure and elegance in front of an audience that may have never seen him prior or had completely forgotten how understated yet elegant the superstar R & B vocalist is. The 3D performance of Michael Jackson’s “Earth Song” was tastefully done and moving, if surprisingly unspectacular. Usher, Smokey Robinson, Carrie Underwood, Jennifer Hudson and Celine Dion were flawless, but in bookending it with Michael’s oft paraded for pathos children offering paeans for their dead father, it more signaled a need to finally let the Jackson family have peace and closure than anything particularly awe-inspiring.

The Grammy Awards were more substance than spectacle in a post Kanye West world. He wasn’t there, and neither were any fireworks or histrionic behavior. Sadly, these are now perceived as necessity on music award programs instead of happy accidents. In a recession in a depressed and tired society, the sizzle matters more than the steak. The talents that won were certainly deserving, but on a show where the most shocking thing was host Stephen Colbert’s terrible and forced opening monologue, we were all expecting more. Somehow in expecting more from the hype than from the artists shows just how much we as a society have devalued music on a financial and personal level. The Grammys were a tale of excellence and decadence, a plethora of one, a lack of another, thus providing so many answers about the nature and state of the music industry.

Like I said in my post for Best Albums of 2009, the quality of music in 2009 was amazing. Narrowing down a list of hundreds of songs to just 34 was tough. But here they are, our favorite songs of 2009.

34. Theophilus London- Humdrum Town
The hook for Chris Cornells’ “Part Of Me” starts with “That Bitch Ain’t a Part of me.” From that moment on you know this is a song worth hearing.

33. Chris Cornell – Part of Me
The hook for Chris Cornells’ “Part Of Me” starts with “That Bitch Ain’t a Part of me.” From that moment on you know this is a song worth hearing.

32. Anjulie – Boom
While Nelly Furtado is doing whatever she’s doing now Anjulie has quitely stepped into her shoes. “Boom” is a smokey track that’s bound to be stuck in your head after hearing it once.

31. FatGums x Bambu – Strapped
FatGums and Bambu make a great duo. Their song “Strapped,” which features a creative vocal sample from Biggie is a standout track for 2009.

30. Melanie Fiona – Give It To Me Right
Melanie Fiona’s “Give It To Me Right” took me by surprise. The sample is so recognizable I didn’t think anyone could make a dope track out of it. Leave it to this vocalist to do just that. It has all the sass and punch to make Beyonce blush.

30. Pet Shop Boys – More Than A Dream
Pet Shop Boys still can make a credible dance-pop song after all these years. “More Than A Dream” should have been a single from their album Yes.

29. Muse – Uprising
Muse frontman Matt Bellamy knows exactly how to take angst and make an anthem out of it. It helps that his voice is as pure as water. “Uprising” is one of the best rock joints of 2009.

28. Tom Foolery – Close Up
I first heard this joint on Bangladesh’s mixtape Passport Music and it’s quickly become a favorite. The track is dope and finds Foolery, who I think is a rapper, outcrooning R&B dudes like Trey Songz, Usher & Drake. Oops. Anyways, this is a pretty dope jam.

27.Black Eyed Peas – Meet Me Halfway
will.i.am is a pop genius and this song proves it. “Meet Me Halfway” is a pop jam that finds Fergie channeling the best of Cyndi Lauper and Madonna.

26. N*E*R*D feat Santigold -Soldier
A N*E*R*D and Santigold collaboration is inevitable and after hearing “Soldier” undeniable.

25. Shannel feat Lil’ Wayne – Play in my Band
Shannel is Lil’ Wayne’s other female artist, and in my opinion, she’s alot doper than Nicki Minaj. Her track “Play in my Band” has the edginess Rihanna tries to have in her new music.

24. Amon Tobin/Ms. Jade – Better Get That

Most people have never heard of Ms. Jade or this song. But it’s doper than dope! Ms. Jade is a beast on the mic and Amon Tobin is a beast on the beats.

23. Q-Tip feat Lil’ Wayne, Raekwon & Busta Rhymes – Renaissance Rap (Remix)
I love hearing emcees eat a beat with the hunger of a homeless man. Q-Tip’s remix of “Renaissance Rap” finds Lil’ Wayne, Busta & Raekwon lyrically demolishing a track.

22. GotDion – Yer Dumb (I’m Fly)
GotDion is a producer/rapper from VA and has promise. If this track “Yer Dumb (I’m Fly)” is any indication, we hope to hear more from him.

21. Gucci Mane feat Plies – Wasted
Gucci Mane is catchy and this song is undeniable.

20. J*DaVeY- Duh, Duh, Duh
Though some people don’t like J*DaVeY doing something this pop, I love it. It’s catchy and fun.

19. Ben Carson – Temptation
Ben Carson is bringing back black rock! “Temptation” finds itself in rotation at least once a day in my home.

18. Jay-Z- Venus Vs. Mars
While Blueprint 3 was an utter disappointment it had it’s two moments. This song was one of them. Makes me reminiscence on days when Jay was the master of wordplay.

17. Imogen Heap – 2 – 1
It’s Imogen Heap, what else is there to say?

16. Major Lazer – Pod de floor’ feat. VYBZ Kartel
I could make a separate list for best beats of 2009 and this would be number one. Major Lazer and VYBZ Kartel bought it with this track.

15. Kid Cudi – Heart of a Lion
This is my theme song of 2009! Kid Cudi knows how to make anthems.

14. La Roux- Colorless Color
This song is a mix of Depeche Mode and Duran Duran, two of my favorite 80′s bands. La Roux’s voice and lyrics make the track that much more enjoyable.

13. Drake feat Trey Songz & Lil’ Wayne – Successful
It took me a while to get into Drake. I’m still not there, but this song is undeniable, whether it’s Trey Songz’ catchy hook or Wayne’s sick but short verse at the end “Successful” is a dope song.

12. Shakira feat Wyclef Jean – Spy
Wyclef needs to make an entire album with Shakira. I swear when these two get into the studio they make magic, and “Spy” is no different.

11. Peaches – Lose You
Who knew Peaches could get soft? “Lose You” is pseudo-ballad that Madonna would have killed to sing.

10. Dirty Money feat The Notorious B.I.G. – Angels
Leave it to Diddy to still be reaping off the success of Biggie. But I can’t deny, “Angels” is a dope track. It’s always refreshing to hear Biggie’s voice, and over this old Jigga beat, this is a winner.

09. Lil’ Wayne – Run This Town (Freestyle)
Wayne is the best rapper alive and this song is proof.

08. Blac Waldo – Kanye West is Dead
Kanye has become a punchline–again. And Blac Waldo has capitalized off it. This song is crazy.

07. Rihanna feat Young Jeezy – Hard
If Rihanna were really hard Chris Brown would be on Diane Sawyer saying “Eff Love.” But, this track is crazy regardless. And Jeezy kills his verse, subliminal shots at Gucci Mane and all.

06. Noisettes- Never Forget You
Until Amy Winehouse comes out with a new album Noisettes will have to do. “Never Forget You” is one of my favorite tracks of their albumWild Young Hearts.

05. Lady GaGa- Bad Romance
Lady GaGa is a free bitch baby! “Bad Romance” gets props for adding everything into one song and still being dope! This is art pop!

04. Amanda Blank feat Santigold – A Love Song
Amanda Blank has been an Art Nouveau favorite for a while now. I’ve been bumping this song since a snippet appeared on the Santigold and Diplo mixtape a while back. The full and finished version is just as good.

03. Yeah Yeah Yeahs – Runaway
The voice, the lyrics, the beat, it’s all haunting yet alluring. Yeah Yeah Yeahs have a winner with this song.

02. Janalle Monae- Come Alive
Janelle Monae tries her best James Brown impression on this song and it works. Who else is making music like this? Nobody. I doubt Miss Monae could ever be duplicated.

01. Basement Jaxx feat Maleka, Kelis & Chipmunk- Scars
From the time this song starts its epic. Everything about this song is perfect, the beat, the lyrics, the features! Basement Jaxx prove they are geniuses at dark pop!

Record sales may suck, but with that labels are letting artists be themselves, because now a days that is selling. Look at Lady Gaga. 2009 has been a great year for music. Here’s our list of the best albums of 2009.

Honorable Mentions: “Umsindo” by Georgia Anne Muldrow, “How To Be A Lady Vol 1.” by Electrik Red, “Talk Strange” by Dert, “Splitting The Atom” by Massive Attack, “Ellipse” by Imogen Heap, “Anjulie” by Anjulie

25. “Let’s Do It Again” by Leela James
Let’s Do It Again is singer-songwriter Leela James‘  second studio album released on March 24, 2009 by Shanachie Records. The album is a collection of cover versions of ’60s, ’70s, and ’80s R&B songs (with the exception of The Rolling Stones‘ “Miss You” and Foreigner’s “I Want to Know What Love Is“), and its title is a reference to the 1975 soundtrack album of the same name, whose title track, performed by The Staple Singers, is also covered on this album. As she says at the end of the album, Let’s Do It Again “takes you back, but moves you forward,” and isn’t that what some really good music can do

24. “G.O.O.D. Morning, G.O.O.D Night” by Malik Yusef
Spoken word artist Malik Yusef’s first album Dusk, released on Kanye West’s G.O.O.D. Music Label, is definitely a “Dusk” album, but that doesn’t mean it’s boring. Not even close. This is unaletered, unfiltered, plain ol’ good music. The first song “Too Knight (The Underworld),” with an heavenly sounding Jennifer Hudson is amazing. Track for track, the album although not centered on Malik’s poetry, mainly focuses and relies heavily on it’s guests which feature the aforementioned Oscar winner, Common, Kanye West, Mr. Hudson, John Legend,  and a slew of other indie artists and rappers. Even with all this help the album is as cohesive as chewed gum, and as a enjoyable as a new piece.

23. “Love Vs. Money” by The Dream
When The Dream said this album is “gonna be the same thing – a little more beefed up,” he was as serious as a heart-attack. “Love vs. Money” takes the highlights of his last album, improved them, and took it to the extreme. And it’s still dope. Check out the Prince inspired “Fancy” or the Kanye West assisted “Walkin’ on the Moon,” The Dream has found his formula, what works, and he’ll wear it out until we’re ready to stop saying “Ay” every time a song he wrote comes on. And as long as he keeps making good songs, I doubt we’ll care.

22. “El Radio” by Chris Garneau
Whoever said piano and pop don’t mix haven’t heard of Chris Garneau. This eclectic record has an eerie tone that features instrumental tracks reminiscent of movie soundtrack music and Tin Pin Alley style songs. This is the work of a musician unafraid to go there. Check the tear-jerkers “Cats and Kids” or “The Leaving Song” for highlights. If this is Garneau’s version of the radio, I’m all for it

21. Yeah Yeah Yeahs – It’s Blitz!
Although this album is different from what you’d expect from a Yeah Yeah Yeahs album, it’s still true to the sound of the band. It’s Blitz is everything you want from a more upbeat Yeah Yeah Yeahs. Produced by Nick Launay, the New-York based band’s third album, marks a turning point for Yeah Yeah Yeahs. It’s epic music, coupled with reflective lyrics.

20. Corinne Stevie – The Other Sistah
From the trippy intro song “Lyrical Ambassador” to the Little Dragon inspired “Turn Left,” The Other Sistah is eight tracks of ear candy. The EP features production from Spree Wilson, Amon Tobin and Miss Stevie herself.

19. Whitney Houston – I Look To You
Whitney Houston’s return to music had to be good! And her team of producers that included Swiss Beatz, Stargate, Johnta Austin, Alicia Keys, & Akon made sure. I Look To You is one of the best R&B albums of the year and Whitney still proves she’s got something to offer.

18. Chester French – Love The Future
The only thing not to like about Chester French’s debut album Love The Future is the confusing album cover. The music itself is amazing–part Beach Boys and part N.E.R.D.–every track is quirky, honest and downright danceable. This is a perfect summer time soundtrack. Chester French are the coolest white-boys in Hip-Hop and they make rock music–sorry Drake and Asher Roth.

17. Two Fingers – Two Fingers
Producer Amon Tobin’s side project Two Fingers is where hip-hop/pop music is going. Garage sounding, indie, industrial, hard, this is dope music and if you haven’t heard anything from it, find it, now!

16. Shakira – She Wolf
She Wolf finds Columbian beauty Shakira experimenting with electropop and dance music and working with Timbaland and The Neptunes. This brings out nothing but dope track after dope track.

15. The Black Eyed Peas – The END
I didn’t really like “Boom Boom Bap” when it first came out. I loved the “2000 and late” line, but the song was boring. But after hearing the album, which compliments and heightens that track, I listen to it repeatedly. The Black Eyed Peas have surprised me once again. They’ve perfected the art of making near-perfect pop songs. Thanks in big part to will.i.am’s penchant for producing amazing dance tracks. Take a listen to the Madonna inspired “Meet Me Halfway” or the tongue-in-cheek “Ring-A-Ling” or the near spastic “Imma Be.” What I like about this album, is although its mostly brainless dance pop, and i do mean BRAINLESS. They end it on a high-note, taking it back to their pre-Fergie consciousness music. You gotta love The Black Eyed Peas, although it’s seeming more like the will.i.am and Fergie show now.

14. Terry Urban & Gold Chain – Southerngold
Anything Santigold is dope! Mixing Santigold with some of the best Southern Rap songs is even better. Standout tracks include “Nann Lady” which mixes Trick Daddy and Trina’s “Nann Nigga” with Santigold’s “I’ma Lady.” Dope stuff.

13. Little Dragon – Machine Dreams
Little Dragon’s second album Machine Dreams is an improvement on their first. It’s upbeat, danceable and still sincere.

12. GotDion – GotdioN’s Mighty Morphin Mixtape Vol.1
Before there was Harry Potter, before there was Pokemon there was Power Rangers. I grew up in the 90’s so I was of course glued to my television set. I guess Annandale, VA Producer/Emcee GotdioN was too. His first mixtape the “Mighty Morphin Mixtape Vol.1” takes inspiration from the Japanese television show and much like the show these songs feel like it’s from another country. Read the entire review here.

11. Peaches – I Feel Cream
Peaches never seems to disappoint. Her fifth album I Feel Cream is still very much Peaches, but it’s also her most accessible effort. It’s a shame pop music didn’t pick up on this.

10. Rihanna – Rated R
What Rihanna has done in three years most singers haven’t achieved in decades. Hit singles, wealth, scandal–Rihanna is a pop star now and her fourth album Rated R is a staunch acknowledgment. Click here for my full review on Rated R.

09. Major Lazer – Guns Don’t Kill People Lazers Do
After their amazing work with Santigold & M.I.A, Diplo and Switch can do no wrong. Their album from their project Major Lazer is a tour de force of their influences of dancehall and dance music.

08. The Bird and The Bees – Ray Guns Are Not Just The Future
Why The Bird and The Bees aren’t huge right now is beside me. This is music that sounds big, it should be. Check out their adorable track “Polite Dance Song” or their incredible Summer track “Love Letter To Japan.” What I love most about them, is they mix indie/alternative music with dance hip-hop and it’s all held together by lead-vocalist Inara George’s almost child-like musings.

07. Basement Jaxx – Scars
Since their debut album Remedy was released almost a decade ago, Felix Buxton and Simon Ratcliffe other wise known as Basement Jaxx have been mixing genres creating a crossbreed genre, that’s one part innovation, one part distinct vocalists, and all around dope tunes. Click here for my full review of Scars.

06. John Mayer – Battle Studies
John Mayer is so soulful. Battle Studies is less concentrated than his last album. But that doesn’t mean it still isn’t dope. Its rare an artist bares their soul like Mayer does.

05. Noisettes – Wild Young Hearts
Noisettes give me my Amy Winehouse fix until she gets off drugs and records another album. This UK band’s work is reminiscent of Winehouse, but their are in their own lane, which I love. Their lyrics are poignant and the lead singer’s vocals are impressive. This is going to get loads of Grammy nods next year.

04. Kid Cudi – Man on the Moon: The End of Day
Kid Cudi’s debut album Man on the Moon: The End of Day is what happens when labels let artists be artists. The album is sequenced perfectly, the beats and production are top notch, and all the songs are really enjoyable once you get into the album. Kid Cudi will be around for a while and this album cements that. This dude is the real deal.

03. Lil’ Wayne- No Ceilings
While we don’t have a rock album from Wayne that he promised, this mixtape is even better. It reminds of his Squad Mixtapes he used to do. Weezy goes IN on beats made popular by Gucci Mane, Twista, Jay-Z, Kid Cudi and more. His passion is something you can’t take lightly whether or not your agree with what he’s saying.

02. La Roux- La Roux
La Roux’s debut took me by surprise. It’s a throwback to 80′s music like Depeche Mode and Duran Duran but fits perfectly in 2009. Do yourself a favor and listen to this album. You won’t be disappointed.

01. Chris Cornell – Scream
Chris Cornell’s “Scream” is a Timbaland produced jam session that you must hear. Click here for my full review on this album.

5. The Carter
This documentary is what Vh1 should have done with Wayne’s Behind The Music. Lil’ Wayne tried to get the film banned, but it’s the perfect addition to his rockstar image, a sympathetic approach to his drug abuse and mad scientist approach to his music.

4. 2012
With the Mayan calendar ending in 2012, a large group of people must deal with natural disasters such as volcanic eruptions, typhoons and glaciers. This film was visually stunning, and for that alone it makes this list.

3. Precious
“Precious” tells it like it is. And when most black films are Tyler Perry bore fest a film like this must be applauded. With breakout performances by Mo’Nique, Paula Patton and Sabourey Sidibe this film is a must see.

2. Capitalism: A Love Story
Michael Moore’s new film explores the root causes of the global economic meltdown and takes a comical look at the corporate and political world in a way that only Micheal Moore can do.

1. Where The Wild Things Are
Art lovers rejoiced when this film was released. Spike Jonze’ adapation of the classic children’s book was a visual tour-de-force. Expect for this to get many Oscar nods!