1) Usher
(4)- Usher gets the top spot. He has been a favorite artist of mine for a long
time. He really came hard with Raymond V. Raymond…then he followed that up with
Lookin 4 Myself. Usher is a veteran, and seems to make hits at will. He’s had
some good features on other artists tracks as well. I don’t know how long he
will be the king of R&B but for now “watch the throne”
2) Rihanna
(11)- I still consider Rihanna an R&B artist…and she has been on a tear
lately. She jumps 9 spots with great albums Loud and Talk that Talk. Both
albums are great and I love her new style. I don’t see Rihanna going up but I
think she’ll be in the top 5 for a long time. Rih Rih is sexy!
3) Alicia
Keys (5)- Alicia hasn’t really done a whole lot since releasing her 2009
album(Element of Freedom)…but she’s always been so consistent and thus she
claims the #3 spot. I am really looking forward to her next album.
4) Trey
Songz (10)-Trey has moved up 6 spots and its no secret why. His albums have
been very good,(even including Chapter V, yes ive heard it). His powerful
vocals are signature…In the future he may be #1 or #2. He’s still got some
potential left. VA Stand UP!
5) Ne-Yo
(1)- Once my top ranked artist, he’s fallen off a bit. His 2010 album wasn’t
all that great, but hey im not sayin it was bad. Ne-yo will hopefully stay in
the top 10….he made my favorite R&B song ever(Sexy Love).
6) Beyonce
(12)-Beyonce is a force…and everybody knows it. I didn’t think her 2011 album 4
was all that but still she’s made some great music, even when u don’t go back
to Destiny’s Child. Beyonce’s position has jumped 6 spots but she doesn’t quite
top the top 5.
7) Amerie
(2)-Amerie used to be my favorite female artist…and to some extent she still
is. However she hasn’t been very relevant these days…still 2 near classic
albums and 1 classic(In LOVE & WAR) gits her into the top 10..still. I love
ya Amerie, keep makin music!
8) Melanie
Fiona (New) – Its funny I had no idea who she was until I stumbled across her 2nd
album. Both her albums are exceptional…I feel Melanie is just getting started,
Damn that woman can sing!!
9) The
Dream (6)- The “American” Dream aka. Mr. Nash has been a really consistent
songwriter and artist. His 3 albums are really good also. I’m a little
concerned that he wont make another album, but he probably just doesn’t want to
rush the next album.
10) Frank Ocean
(New)- Where did this guy come from….oh yea from that crazy rap group….hahah.
Anyway I really enjoyed Frank’s debut album channel Orange …but hes also ranked at 10 because of some
key guest spots(No Church in the Wild). I look forward to more music from him.
11) Janelle
Monae (New)- Janelle is a really unique artist. Her first official album was a
near classic, with lots of varying sounds and a unique concept. I look forward
to more music from her. I think when its all said and done she will be in my
top 5.
12) Mariah
Carey (7)- I’ve been a fan of Mariah Carey since 2005. Her music has gotten
better since then(Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel). However she hasn’t really
done much since then so she won’t be in the top 10 this time around. Nick
Cannon is a lucky man!!
13) John Legend
(16)-John Legend has always been a favorite artist of mine. His singing style
is old school and I think that’s what makes him stand out so much. His first 2
albums were both near classics.
14) Toni
Braxton (New)- Toni Braxton is a legend,
but I didn’t listen to her albums until say around 2010….which is after I made
the last list. Her first 3 albums are incredible and vocally I love her range.
15) Chris Brown
(Same)-Chris Breezy gets the final spot on the list. He has been one of my
favorites despite a very poor album this year(Fortune). There’s no denying that
CB is a force in R&B as I noticed he was on almost everyone’s albums over
the past year and a half or so.