Top Ten R&B/Soul Albums of 2011

1. Adele: 21

                                                                                              Released: January 21^st, 2011

                                        I am relieved that I don’t receive the “who” question about her anymore. For years I had been saying her first album “19” was one of the best albums of the decade. It seems with her sophomore album the world took notice. Adele set a Guinness world record for most weeks at number one in the U.K. She also made number one in the U.S. and appeared atop the Billboard chart for 12 non-consecutive weeks. Even more amazing she has spent 33 weeks in the top ten on the charts with no fall in site. You know the thing that is strange about greatness? It takes people a long time to recognize it. At some point we all have to embrace Adele as we embraced the singers of old and celebrate her true artistry. This is the only cd on the list to receive a 10 on our volume meter which designates something that is timeless. This is an album to keep in rotation for many months to come.  

 Volume Meter 10 out of 10

   2. The Weeknd: House of Balloons

                                    Released: March 21^st, 2011

                                    Ok, I know we are going to have trouble with this one. He is a new artist fresh out the box this year. Although, I think we all will know his name pretty soon. Despite being named top album of the year by “Complex Magazine”, being featured on HBO’s “Entourage”, and continuing to build a ridiculous following via youtube “The Weeknd” still remains unknown to many music fans. That’s why we are here to get you ahead of the curve. As you listen to “House of Ballons” you will quickly realize he is very different from anything we have in the game today. Its gotta be a mix between “Drake” and “The Dream” but I have yet to find a space to categorize him. Whatever this brand of R&B, funk, rock, is it feels good. Let’s just call it alternative for now. Even when you become a fan of his you will rarely see him anywhere. I have yet to see an interview or a clear live performance but that mystic seems to be fueling his movement. So for now we will let the music speak for itself and “House of Balloons” does just that. You won’t need to hit your skip button at all on this one.

Volume Meter: 9 out of 10

  3. Eric Roberson: Mister Nice Guy

                                   Released: October 25^th, 2011

                                   The King of R&B Soul is back! This is something soul fans have been waiting on for a long time. Fresh off his classic release “Music Fan First”, Erro returns with “Mister Nice Guy”. By the time you read this the album may not be available in the US. Following a disappointing trend Erro released this effort in the U.K. first in September. But I had my copy shipped straight from London. Maybe if music fans in the U.S. would support good music then true artist won’t need to release their albums overseas first, but I’ll digress. Although it does not match his last release “Mister Nice Guy” is a solid effort from one of the best in the game. There are some great moments on this album and the infectious “Summertime Anthem” should have been one of the hottest singles this year. That’s the downside to being on the underground but I’m sure true Erro fans won’t mind one bit.

Volume Meter: 9 out of 10

  4. Marsha Ambrosius: Late Nights & Early Mornings

                                              Released: March 1^st, 2011

                                              It seems like music fans were waiting forever on this one. One of the most anticipated albums of the year did not disappoint. Fans were pleasantly greeted with the soulful and sultry vocals from one of the most unique voices in music. This one is sure to keep the candles and incense burning. I’m sure fans will be clamoring for her next album very soon.

Volume Meter: 8 Out of 10

 5. Beyonce: 4

                                     Released: June 24^th, 2011

                                     Lots of mixed feelings on this one since B took a detour from her usual approach to album making. More ballads and a softer approach made some fans turn away but there was enough party moving materials to keep true Beyonce fans. Top notch production also helped move this one on the list. Sure to get the party moving if there is a dull moment.

Volume Meter: 8 out of 10

  6. Chris Brown: F.A.M.E.

                                    Released: March 18^th, 2011

                                    A lot of people slept on this one or maybe Chris has lost some fans with his tumultuous year. In either case Chris still delivered on this one and showed that he will be a force in the game for many years to come. What is especially pleasing is when Chris moves into the pop arena as with “Beautiful People” and “Yeah 3x” you start to get a sense that there is nobody better in that lane.

Volume Meter: 8 out of 10

  7. Ledisi: Pieces of Me

                                    Released: June 14^th, 2011

                                    This is what you call a bounce back album. Ledisi will always be beloved by soul fans and she can do no wrong after her debut album. But many fans were disappointed in her sophomore album. But fresh off the sophomore jinx Ledisi has returned with a solid effort. There are plenty of memorable moments on “Pieces of Me” and many reasons to keep this one in rotation. Standout cuts like “So into you” and “Shut up” give you a reason to get excited about music again.  Soul fans around the world just made a sigh of relief as they can safely say they still have their girl to count on.

Volume Meter: 8 out of 10

  8. Brian Mcknight: Just Me

                                    Released: July 12^th, 2011

                                    You know the bad thing about being consistently great is that people come to expect it and somehow that bores them. Strange things about humanity but in any case old faithful returns with one of the best albums of the year. Although, his last few efforts were overlooked by many, if you give them a listen you will be pleasantly surprised. Mcknight is a true artist and a veteran in the game which is reflected in the consistency of this album. All the reasons that made you like him in the 90’s are still present but surprisingly fresh and new. And “Just Let Me Know” is one of the best songs of the year by any artist. Give this one a try and you will be happy you did so.

Volume Meter: 8 out of 10

  9. Noel Gourdin: Fresh: The Definition

                                Released: April 12^th, 2011

                                For years Noel has been a favorite amongst underground soul fans. With his latest album Noel may have hit the mark. The album reminds of you how R&B used to sound. No rapper cameos or hip hop beats just straight smooth music for you to enjoy.

Volume Meter: 8 out of 10

  

10. The Weeknd: Thursday

                                                               Released: August 18^th, 2011

                                                       Yes folks, its him again. The Weeknd proved he is not only a genuine artist but that he is also good to his fans. Building upon his major buzz The Weeknd released a second album to critical acclaim. You still don’t have to hit the skip button on this one either and surprisingly if you listen to this in the bedroom it will certainly kinky things up. I don’t know I’m just saying, lol. And the best part about The Weeknd, you can download both albums totally free via his website. Enjoy!

Volume Meter: 8 out of 10

Honorable Mentions:

·         Musiq: Magic in the Music

·         Lloyd: King of Hearts

·         Dream: 1977

·         James Morrison: The Awakening

So there it is folks. Be sure to check back with us next month as we will have reviews for all the big releases in November; Torae, Wale, Black Milk, Pusha T, Mac Miller, Drake, Rihanna, Yelawolf, Mary J. Blige, and many more. Now you have a lot of downloading and listening to do, hope you enjoy!

Holla,

Craig G. 

The views, opinions, positions or strategies expressed by the authors and those providing comments are theirs alone, and do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions, positions or strategies of Holland Turner Media Group, or any employee thereof. Holland Turner Media Group reserves the right to delete, edit, or alter content in any manner it sees fit or deems unacceptable.

Top Ten Hip Hop/Rap Albums of 2011

Since this is our first encounter I couldn’t properly give you an overview this month but instead I will give you our Top Ten list of the year so far. Just so you won’t stray away we will keep it simple to start out and just provide you with the Top Ten Albums of the Year for Hip Hop/ Rap and R&B Soul. However, I must warn you that no genre is excluded from this section as music comes in all forms and limiting your taste is like ordering from the same menu every day. Life is too short to place restrictions on yourself. With that said let us begin with the Top Ten Hip Hop/ Rap Albums of 2011.

Top Ten Hip Hop/ Rap Albums of 2011.

   1. Kendrick Lamar: Section 80

                                Released: July 2^nd, 2011

                                Ok, ok, I know many of you are saying who? Well that’s just why we are here, to put you up on things. Although Kendrick Lamar formerly known as K. Dot is not new to the game he is still simmering in the underground ready to burst out this year. With a co-sign from just about every prominent West Coast artist in the game Kendrick Lamar is quietly putting together a remarkable year. Nothing more remarkable than his latest offering “Section 80”. Following in the same vein as the previous classics “The Kendrick Lamar LP” and “O(verly) D(edicated)” Section 80 provides a wide range of quality songs, story telling, and top notch production. Give it a listen and you are sure to be intrigued by this new talent out of the West Coast.

Volume Meter: 9 out of 10

    

 2. Maybach Music Group: Self Made: Vol. 1

                                        Released: May 23^rd, 2011

                                        Not sure if any of us saw this coming, well I sure didn’t but Rick Ross has                   established himself as a force in the rap game. Displaying consistency on all his features Ross has now built one of the best groups in the game. Ok, I’ll say it. The best group in the game and one of the great up and coming stars in Meek Mill. Careful you may blow your speakers on this one. I sure did and better I park in the fire lane each time I play it.

Volume Meter: 9 out of 10

   3. Lil Wayne: The Carter IV

                                         Released: August 29^th, 2011

                                         Yes, ladies and gentlemen the self proclaimed best rapper alive came back with a vengeance. Witty punch lines and even a shot at Jay help boost this album on our list. Although probably too many guest appearances, the album was well produced and Weezy’s witty lines kept coming. With an opening week of close to a million sales Weezy proved he is here to stay on top of the game for the foreseeable future. Now some of us may not like it but you might as well get used to it. Young Money!

Volume Meter: 8 out of 10

                                                                                                               

    4. Big K.R.I.T.: Return Of 4Eva

                                           Released: March 28^th, 2011

                                          One of the clear emerging talents in the game Big KRIT came back this year to hit everyone over the head with a superb album. With outstanding production and profound lyrics KRIT showed why he is gaining fans by the minute. One listen to “Free My Soul” will sure send a chill up your spine and remind you hip hop is far from dead. Its alive, its alive!

Volume Meter: 8 out of 10

    5. Meek Mill: Dreamchasers

                                                Released: August 11^th, 2011

                                                Not sure if anyone saw this one coming either. When Rick Ross started to formulate his new group of talent. I was quite sure that Wale would be the standout of the group. I had to reformulate my opinion after Mills outshined the click on the compilation cd. Then he bested that with this offering and went global. Accumulating fans far from his Philadelphia base and setting himself up for one of the most anticipated released of 2012.

Volume Meter: 8 out of 10

   6. Random Axe: Random Axe

                                         Released: June 14^th, 2011

                                         I’m sure I’m going to get that “who, who”, thing but this here is an acquired taste. The Underground Titans of Black Milk, Guilty Simpson, and Sean Price came together to form Random Axe and they were sure to deliver. Filled with underground elements this proved to be the grittiest release of the year. The lyrical performance of Sean Price and production performance of Black Milk are equally remarkable. If you loved Boot Camp or Wu Tang in the 90’s you will love this. No youngins allowed.

Volume Meter: 8 out of 10

   7. J. Cole: Cole World: The Sideline Story

                                         Released: September 27^th, 2011

                                         Although fans waited over a year for this release J. Cole was sure not to disappoint. Fresh with a number 1 debut J. Cole met expectations and provided some much needed lyrics to the game. One listen to his cd and his determination becomes clear. Carefully crafted rhymes and challenging subject matter make this album one to enjoy for months to come.

Volume Meter: 7 out of 10

   8. Fabolous: The Soul Tape

                                         Released: April 21^st, 2011

                                         This was another one that came out of nowhere. Just like a veteran should, Fabolous put together one of his best efforts in recent memory. Although he followed it up by getting a speed knot from Ray J. Not sure what to do when your favorite rapper gets snuffed by an R&B singer. I’m not touching that one but I will say the production and punchlines on this album won’t disappoint.

Volume Meter: 7 out of 10

  9. Jay Rock: Follow Me Home

                                         Released: July 26^th, 2011

                                         Although this album fell short of expectations sales wise, it still lands on the list as probably the hardest album of the year. In a climate where gangsta rap is non existent, Jay Rock delivers in the same vein of the gangsta rappers of the 90’s. Ahhhh that’s refreshing! Great production and always solid lyrics Jay Rock shows he is one to watch out for next year. As a side note please recognize that Top Dawg is the most underrated label in hip hop. With a roster of Jay Rock, Kendrick Lamar, Ab- Soul, Schoolboy Q, Top Dawg is set to make an imprint on the game sooner or later.

Volume Meter: 7 out of 10

  10. Wiz Khalifa: Rolling Papers

                                           Released: March 29^th, 2011

                                           Powered with a breakthrough single in “Black n Yellow” Wiz took the game by storm. Luckily he delivered a solid album to backup the single. There were mixed feelings on this one but his core fanbase was very pleased and there was plenty of material for you to blast if you are on the top floor of the hotel.

Volume Meter: 7 out of 10

Honorable Mentions:

Square Off: Money, Moet, Memories

Phonte: Charity Starts at Home

Dom Kennedy: From Westside with Love, Part 2








The views, opinions, positions or strategies expressed by the authors and those providing comments are theirs alone, and do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions, positions or strategies of Holland Turner Media Group, or any employee thereof. Holland Turner Media Group reserves the right to delete, edit, or alter content in any manner it sees fit or deems unacceptable.

Cut Off The Radio

What up world! I’m excited to bring you the “Cut Off The Radio” section. Before we even get started I want to send a huge shout out to Greg Turner and Wendell Holland for making it happen. As you can see from the website, the movement is real and soon to be one of the hottest sites on the web. With that said let’s talk about music since that’s what I’m here for. 

You know, I talk to my friends all the time and they all say the same thing. Everyone is frustrated with the current state of music and the quality of music. As a result many people turn to the old tried and true albums of the 80’s and 90’s. Now it’s no secret that the music landscape has changed, however the same elements that made you fall in love with music still exist. You just have to “Cut Off The Radio” in order to find it. That’s where we come in and provide insight into all the artists in the music industry. 

From this site music lovers are sure to find new artist breaking into the industry and music that moves them. We will scrape through all the albums that come out and give you recommendations to save you time. From the dungeons of the underground to the Top 40 mainstream we will preview upcoming albums and artist. In doing so, we will provide ratings and reviews and encourage member participation. We will cover mainstream artist on the same playing field as underground artist in order to provide you with your music fix and keep a continuous stream of soulful music in your speakers. 

All genres and artist types will be covered as long as it’s relevant. We ask for your feedback and participation in reviewing albums along with your recommendations. There are only two guidelines to your participation; first you must hear something in order to speak on it. Please conduct your due diligence in listening to the albums before you comment. Ignorance can be bliss but not on this site.  Secondly, let’s keep as much positive energy in the universe as possible. I think we can all decipher that to know to keep the conduct in line with the quality of the site.

The views, opinions, positions or strategies expressed by the authors and those providing comments are theirs alone, and do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions, positions or strategies of Holland Turner Media Group, or any employee thereof. Holland Turner Media Group reserves the right to delete, edit, or alter content in any manner it sees fit or deems unacceptable.

Views

The views, opinions, positions or strategies expressed by the authors and those providing comments are theirs alone, and do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions, positions or strategies of Holland Turner Media Group, or any employee thereof. Holland Turner Media Group reserves the right to delete, edit, or alter content in any manner it sees fit or deems unacceptable.