Here is part two of my best of 2013 blog. This time is my favorites of the year in both R&B and hip hop mixtapes. Unlike regular hip hop albums, it took me a lot more work reviewing R&B and mixtapes. So needless to say, both of these lists were hard to put together. Which is why it's only a top five for both. This year R&B continued is growing new sound of hip hop blend among the more popular singer. While the others stuck to what they do the best. Meanwhile the mixtape game this year put a lot of newcomers on the map as well as prepared fans for what's to come next from some of the artists. This will be more brief than part one so without further a due, Here is my top five R&B albums of the year:
5. The-Dream - IV Play
Grade: B-
Made to be a modern day version of R. Kelly's 1993 classic, it was certainly an album that grew on me after time. While it obviously doesn't match the genius that is 12 Play, it certainly was a good baby making project for couples to enjoy. A mixture of everything from the hip hop sound to your common slow ballads. The-Dream proves again why he's one of R&B's top crooners.
4. Robin Thicke - Blurred Lines
Grade: B
Probably no other R&B album this year got the party started like Blurred Lines did. Filled with dance/funk/techno/disco fused sounds that's perfect for anyone of any age to groove to. At the same time, Robin still shows off his gentleman charm towards the ladies with a few ballads for them as well. But if there's one song people will remember from 2013, it's the title track and single "Blurred Lines". One of if not the biggest tune of the year. Black and white striped suits and all, Robin Thicke had a huge year and a huge album.
3. K. Michelle - Rebellious Soul
Grade: B+
From reality show superstar to R&B superstar in the making, K. Michelle's debut year in the music world was certainly one to remember. She is the only female singer in my top five and rightfully so. This was a great project. A very dark, soothing toned album filled with plenty of emotion, heartbreak and drama. Of course also, there was plenty, and I mean plenty of flirtatiousness and sexual content to please any man listening. Due to her raunchy, ghetto and at times ratchet attitude and swagger, she takes these simple topics and make them more relatable and enjoyable. I never watched Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta but after this album, I am now a fan.
2. John Legend - Love In The Future
Grade: B+
It's so unfortunate that I never got a chance to write a review on this because this was one of the best R&B projects of 2013. The impressive list of producers involved put together a well produced album. It gave off an eerie and somewhat dramatic sound that sonically you wouldn't expect a singer who a "piano man" to make. It's so unfortunate that I never got a chance to write a review on this because this was one of the best R&B projects of 2013. The impressive list of producers involved put together a well produced album. It gave off an eerie and somewhat dramatic sound that sonically you wouldn't expect a singer who a "piano man" to make. But John made it work in a way no other can. Most definitely one of the best listens of the year.
1. Justin Timberlake - The 20/20 Experience
Grade: A-
This was simply a no brainer. Justin just out does himself it seems with every release. A ten track album filled with dance grooves, party tunes, love ballads and just a radiant vibe of excitement. Timbaland's fantastic production on here was some of his best ever. "Suit & Tie" one can argue was the biggest song of the year . I could go on with how good this was. JT showed why he is not only on top of his game but on top of the R&B game as well.
Now for the mixtapes. I won't break these down like I did with the R&B albums. I will say that these were the mixtapes that stood out the most for many reasons. Whether it was their lyrics, their originality, the production, or simply the "catchy-ness". The mixtape evolved bigger this year and these five were the leader of the pack in my opinion. Here they are:
5. Los - Becoming King
Grade: C+
4. Yelawolf - Trunk Muzik Returns
Grade: B-
3. Big K.R.I.T. - King Remembered In Time
Grade: B
2. Joey Bada$$ - Summer Knights
Grade: B
1. Logic - Young Sinatra: Welcome To Forever
Grade: B+
Thank you to all of you who supported me and these reviews in my first year doing it. I had so much from listening to so many different artists this year and I look forward to seeing what the new year brings to the table. Mic Navarro's Corner isn't going anywhere. See y'all in 2014!
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