G-Magazine Now

RANKED: 50 Greatest #1 R&B/Hip-Hop Hits Of 2000-2009

This decade in music saw a healthy competition for the top spot on the Billboard Hot 100 and R&B/Hip-Hop across all sub-genres of urban music.  From pop divas to R&B crooners and east coast emcees to southern-slanged rappers and in between, over 100 songs topped the aforementioned charts in urban music.  G-Magazine Now compiled a list of the 50 top-charting singles that changed the game, made lasting impressions upon listeners and deserved their spot at the top.  Check out the list below.

    

50. "I Remember" by Keyshia Cole (2007)

49. "A Milli" by Lil' Wayne (2008)

48. "So Sick" by Ne-Yo (2006)

47. "Foolish" by Ashani (2002)

46. "So Gone" by Monica (2003)

45. "Try Again" by Aaliyah (featuring Timbaland) (2000)

44. "I'm Real (remix)" by Jennifer Lopez (featuring Ja Rule) (2001)

43. "Oops (Oh My)" Tweet (featuring Missy Elliott) (2002)

42. "All For You" by Janet Jackson (2001)

41. "Always On Time" by Ja Rule (featuring Ashanti) (2002)

 

40. "Bootylicious" by Destiny's Child (2001)

39. "Love Of My Life (An Ode To Hip-Hop)" by Erykah Badu (featuring Common) (2002)

38. "Low" by Flo-Rida (featuring T-Pain) (2008)

37. "He Wasn't Man Enough" by Toni Braxton (2000)

36. "Say My Name" by Destiny's Child (2000)

35. "Live Your Life by T.I. (featuring Rihanna) (2008)

34. "SexyBack" by Justin Timberlake (featuring Timbaland) (2006)

33. "S.O.S. (Rescue Me)" by Rihanna (2006)

32. "You Don't Know My Name" by Alicia Keys (2003)

31. "Let's Get Married" by Jagged Edge (2000)

 

30. "Need U Bad" by Jazmine Sullivan (2008)

29. "I Wish" by Carl Thomas (2000)

28. "Hollaback Girl" by Gwen Stefani (2005)

27. "Bag Lady" by Erykah Badu (2000)

26. "Stronger" by Kanye West (2007)

25. "Ms. Jackson" by OutKast (2000)

24. "Blame It" by Jamie Foxx (featuring T-Pain) (2009)

23. "Boom Boom Pow" by Black Eyed Peas (2009)

22. "Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)" by Beyoncé (2008)

21. "Irreplaceable" by Beyoncé (2007)

    

RANKED: Top 30 R&B & Hip-Hop Music Singles Of 2009

With so much good music released in 2009, G-Magazine Now compiled its list of the hottest music single in R&B and hip-hop.  The list has been based on the songs that has charted well, became favorites of G-Magazine Now, and reviewed well by fans, critics and bloggers.  Some of your favorite music artists including Ne-Yo, Alicia Keys, Kanye West, Rihanna, Drake and Chrisette Michele have more than one song listed here.  See if your favorite tunes have made the cut

    

30. "The One" by Mary J. Blige

29. "Rockin' That Thang" by The-Dream

28. "Becky" by Plies

27. "If This Isn't Love" by Jennifer Hudson

26. "Successful" by Drake (featuring Trey Songz)

25. "So Beautiful" by Musiq Soulchild

24. "Turn My Swag On" by Soulja Boy Tell 'Em

23. "Doesn't Mean Anything" by Alicia Keys

22. "Live Your Life" by T.I. (featuring Rihanna)

21. "She Got Her Own" by Ne-Yo (featuring Jamie Foxx & Fabolous)

20. "Pretty Wings" by Maxwell

19. "Trust" by Keyshia Cole (featuring Monica)

18. "Try Sleeping With A Broken Heart" by Alicia Keys

17. "Blame It On Me" by Chrisette Michele

16. "Best I Ever Had" by Drake

15. "Epiphany (I'm Leaving)" by Chrisette Michele

14. "Regret" by Letoya (featuring Ludacris)

13. "Day 'N' Nite" by Kid Cudi

12. "Bad Habits" by Maxwell

11. "Heartless" by Kanye West

RANKED: Top 15 R&B and Hip-Hop Music Artists Of 2009

 

2009 brought the most interesting mix in urban music we have seen in years.  As R&B music fans anticipated a comeback for real soul music coming to the forefront, the hopes were met with return of R&B/pop diva Whitney Houston and soulful crooner Maxwell having albums flying off the shelves.  Even the passing of R&B/pop legend Michael Jackson demonstrated to music fans worldwide the importance of creating timeless music that remains relevant beyond its shelf life.  Pop superstar Beyonce may have positioned herself into icon status with the groundbreaking music video "Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)."  Additionally, emerging artists Trey Songz, Chrisette Michele and Ne-Yo seen the best year in music both critically and commercially and new acts Jasmine Sullivan, Jennifer Hudson and Keri Hilson made impressive debuts.  

In hip-hop music, the rise of newcomers Drake and Gucci Mane showed that fans could not get enough of their guest appearances and their own hits.  Hitmaking rapper Kanye West changed the game of hip-hop with an entire auto-tune album which met with mixed results by critics despite its best seller status.  Veterans Jay-Z, Eminem, Ludacris and T.I. prolonged their staying power with chart-busting anthems and club bangers.  

With all the diversity in urban music in 2009, what music artist reigned supreme?  Check out G-Magazine Now's Top 15 Music Artists of 2009.

15. Chrisette Michele

R&B singer Chrisette Michele built a nice following of fans amongst hip-hop's elite before her debut album was released in 2007.  After shining on appearances on records by Jay-Z, Nas and The Game, Michele caught the attention of new fans of the buying public who loved her bluesy, raspy, wailing voice.  Though her debut sold moderately, anticipation built when the sophomore album Epiphany arrived in stores.  With the hot single "Epiphany" going to the top 20 of the R&B charts, great promotional tour and winning reviews from critics, the album made the biggest shock of 2009 by taking the #1 position in its debut week over Ciara's Evolution album, which was widely predicted to outsell Michele.

14. Jazmine Sullivan

1. After a strong impression with her debut single "Need U Bad" on the R&B charts in 2008, R&B songstress Jazmine Sullivan kept the momentum going in 2009 with the follow-up single "Bust Yo Windows."  Though the top five R&B tune was considered controversial and silly, that did not deter Sullivan from capturing many nominations as a new artist on several award shows including the Grammys.  Jazmine released three more singles "Dream Big," "Lions, Tigers & Bears" and "In Love With Another Man," which became a soundtrack single to the gay cult film Noah's Arc: Jumping The Broom and the buzz single to her debut before "Bad" was released.

13. Keyshia Cole

Following the monstrous success of her sophomore album effort Just Like You, R&B starlet Keyshia Cole rushed her third album A Different Me to take over 2009. It led with the moderate hit "Playa Cardz" right with the late great rapper 2Pac.  Soon, Cole followed up with two more top 10 R&B hits "You Complete Me" and the powerful duet "Trust" with embattled R&B diva Monica.  "Trust" created much anticipation for new Monica material while creating a buzz for another great R&B ballad single for Ms. Cole.  Unfortunately, a fourth single, allegedly "This Is Us", was scrapped due to the singer's pregnancy.  Wouldn't it be nice to see Ms. Cole's child become a musical force to reckon 20 years from now?

12. Lil' Wayne

Though he did not need an album promote to keep his strong momentum continuing from the surprising success from his 2008 Tha Carter III album, New Orleans emcee Lil' Wayne became the guest rapper du jour to those who needed extra promotion on their singles and albums.  The list contained artists from all genres including Madonna, Shakira, Keri Hilson, Amerie, Drake, Rick Ross, Busta Rhymes and Chris Brown.  From the A-listers to the newest acts, everyone needed a touch of Lil' Wayne in their music.

11. Ne-Yo

Fresh off his multiple Grammy nominations for his groundbreaking Year Of The Gentleman album, Ne-Yo delivered two additional hit singles with "Miss Independent" and "Mad."  His relevance in urban and pop music appeal made him a sought after guest singer on hits by rap heavyweights 50 Cent and Flo-Rida and on Keri Hilson's #1 hit single "Knock You Down."  2009 became the year in R&B/Hip-Hopfeaturing Ne-Yo.

   

10. Rihanna

Urban/pop superstar Rihanna began 2009 with a worldwide #1 "Live Your Life."  With T.I. as the lead artist of that hit, it was Rihanna's feature that pushed it to the top of the charts worldwide.  She also released "Rehab," the final single from her multi-platinum Good Girl Gone Bad album, which became a modest hit that featured Justin Timberlake.  A violent incident involving her famous ex-lover Chris Brown quieted her for months until her guest appearance on Jay-Z's "Run This Town" to which her touch made it become a worldwide hit.  The release of her controversial hit single "Russian Roulette" and the R&B hit "Hard" made the anticipation of her new album Rated R very high with her best debut sales week ever in most countries.

9. Kanye West

2009 became the most controversial year for critically-acclaimed rapper Kanye West.  His choice in relationships and posse friends have been under scrutiny, though not as much as his music.  His latest album 808's & Heartbreak drew mixed reaction from criticism due to his departure from rapping and using the often-mocked AutoTunes in singing every song.  The criticism did not prevent West in earning near chart-topping hits "Love Lockdown" and "Heartless."  West also spiced up more hits as a guest rapper on chart toppers "Knock You Down" by Keri Hilson, "Run This Town" by Jay-Z and "Forever" by Drake.  Being a great scene stealer for better or worse, Kanye's appearance on Beyonce's "Ego" drew more praises than its original song version and music video.

Soul Train Music Awards Returns With Beyonce, Keri Hilson And Maxwell As Multiple Nominees

With four nominations each, Beyoncé, Keri Hilson and Maxwell head the list of nominees for the return of the "Soul Train Awards." The awards ceremony, hosted by actors Terrence Howard and Taraji P. Henson, will be the first special aired on BET's recently launched CENTRIC Network. Taping November 3 at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, the "CENTRIC Presents: 2009 Soul Train Awards" will premiere on both CENTRIC and BET in a special simulcast on November 29 at 9 p.m.
 
In addition to awards presented in various categories, the show will salute the careers of legendary artists Chaka Khan, Charlie Wilson, Antonio "L.A." Reid and Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds. The Soul Train Awards will also celebrate the 50th anniversary of Motown Records and honor the late Michael Jackson with the Entertainer of the Year award. Scheduled performers include Toni Braxton, Trey Songz, Chrisette Michelle, Ledisi and Melanie Fiona.
 
Here's the "CENTRIC Presents: 2009 Soul Train Awards" complete list of nominees and categories:
My picks are highlighted in pink.

Best New Artist
· Drake
· Jazmine Sullivan
· Keri Hilson
· Ryan Leslie
· Solange (WTF? She has been a working artist since 2002.  Matthew Knowles must have concocted this.)
 
Best Female R&B/Soul Artist
· Beyoncé
· Chrisette Michele
· Jennifer Hudson
· Ledisi
· Whitney Houston
   
Best Male R&B/Soul Artist
· Charlie Wilson
· Maxwell
· Musiq Soulchild
· Raphael Saadiq
· Robin Thicke
 
Song of the Year
· "God in Me" - Mary Mary
· "Pretty Wings" - Maxwell
· "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)" - Beyoncé
· "Spotlight" - Jennifer Hudson
· "Turnin Me On" - Keri  Hilson/ ft Lil Wayne
 
Album of the Year
· Beyoncé - "I Am...Sasha Fierce" (Sony Music)
· Jamie Foxx - "Intuition" (J Records)
· Kanye West - "808s & Heartbreak" (Roc-A-Fella/Def Jam)
· Maxwell - "Blacksummer's Night" (Sony Music)
· Ne-Yo - "Year of the Gentleman" (Def Jam)

Taylor Gets Love From American Music Awards' Nominations; Kanye Gets Snubbed

Apparently, rapper Kanye West's mean-spirited antics towards country-pop darling Taylor Swift affected his eligibility in the nominations of the 2009 American Music Awards.  The popular rapper, whose 2008 album 808's & Heartbreak became a best-seller with three top 10 singles, was shut out from the nominations in favor of less successful hip-hop artists Jay-Z, T.I. and Eminem.

So far Alicia Keys, The Black Eyed Peas, Jennifer Lopez, and Adam Lambert have signed on to perform at the event, set to take place Sunday, November 22 at the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles.

The nominees for the 2009 American Music Awards are:

POP/ROCK MUSIC

Favorite Male Artist
Eminem
Michael Jackson
T.I.

Favorite Female Artist
Beyoncé
Lady Gaga
Taylor Swift

Favorite Band, Duo or Group
Black Eyed Peas
Kings of Leon
Nickelback

Favorite Album
Lady Gaga / Fame
Michael Jackson / Number Ones
Taylor Swift / Fearless

COUNTRY MUSIC

Favorite Male Artist
Jason Aldean
Darius Rucker
Keith Urban

Favorite Female Artist
Reba McEntire
Taylor Swift
Carrie Underwood

Favorite Band, Duo or Group
Rascal Flatts
Sugarland
Zac Brown Band

Favorite Album
Rascal Flatts/ Unstoppable
Taylor Swift / Fearless
Zac Brown Band / Foundation

RAP/HIP-HOP MUSIC

Favorite Male Artist
Eminem
Jay-Z
T. I.

Favorite Album
Eminem / Relapse
Jay-Z / Blueprint 3
T.I. / Paper Trail

PREVIEW SONGS: R. Kelly | Mya | Novel | Mike Winans | N.O.R.E.

Check out these recently leaked tunes by your favorite music artists.

"Number One (remix)" by R. Kelly (featuring Keyshia Cole & T-Pain)

"Club Go Crazy" by Mya (featuring Maino)

"Wonderful" by Novel

"Bad Memories" by Mike Winans

"Club Is A Zoo" by N.O.R.E.

Enjoy!