ALi's Blog: Best Songs & Albums of the Year!

ALi's Blog: Best of 2010 has come to an end! I wanted to quickly thank the just over 350 of you who sent in all your nominations/votes in. With over 75 different nominations sent in for Song of the Year these 10 singles received the most. It really was a great year for music and I can't wait too see what 2011 has in store for us. Did your favorites make it?

1. Lady GaGa - Telephone (Featuring Beyoncé)
2. Eminem - Love The Way You Lie (Featuring Rihanna)
3. Katy Perry - Teenage Dream
4. Rihanna - Only Girl (In The World)
5. Bruno Mars - Just The Way You Are
6. Robyn - Dancing On My Own
7. Kanye West - Monster (Featuring Jay-Z, Nicki Minaj, Rick Ross & Bon Iver)
8. B.O.B. - Airplanes (Featuring Hayley Williams)
9. Ke$ha – We R Who We R
10. Cee-Lo - Fu*k You

It was a tight race but with over 68 different nominations sent in for Album of The Year, this is your Top 10! It seems you all loved a little bit of everything this year. I will be updating the sidebar with my favorites of the year later in the week. Enjoy!!

1. Rihanna - Loud
2. Kanye West - My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy
3. Katy Perry - Teenage Dream
4. Robyn - Body Talk
5. Taylor Swift - Speak Now
6. Ke$ha - Animal/Cannibal
7. Eminem - Recovery
8. Nicki Minaj - Pink Friday
9. Kelis - Flesh Tone
10. Kylie Minogue - Aphrodite

(WHAT DID YOU THINK OF THE LISTS? WHAT ARE YOUR TOP TEN SONGS & ALBUMS OF 2010?!)

Ryan Mertz by Nicky Emmerson

 

Ryan Mertz by Nicky Emmerson

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Rory Torrens by Damon Baker | EY! Magateen

 

Photographer Damon Baker captures Elite model Rory Torrens for the new Winter 2011 issue no. 7 of EY! Magateen. Electric!

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CHERYL COLE COVERS ELLE

Pop pretender Cheryl Cole appears on the cover of the February issue of Ellemagazine. The X Factor stay may not be able to sing worth a lick, yet she sure stays stacking these magazine covers and endorsement deals. Oh the industry of today…

CHRIS BROWN TO RELEASE ‘F.A.M.E’ AS A DOUBLE DISC?

Chris Brown surprised his fans with a special announcement on Twitter today. The singer/songwriter revealed his intentions to release his upcoming ‘F.A.M.E’ album as a double disc.

Brown stated that he has recorded too many songs for just one CD and that he wants to issue the project as a double album. What will be the title of the 2nd disc? Look below for the answer:

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KIM KARDASHIAN PREMIÈRES NEW SINGLE / VIDEO STILLS

As earlier reported, socialite Kim Kardashian is venturing into the world of Pop – with the help of hitmaker The Dream. While details pertaining to the project’s lead single remain scarce, indications suggesting that’s all about to change are plentiful.

Indeed, Kardashain premièred the song at TAO Las Vegas last night while celebrating the New Year festivities – a video of which you can check out shortly.

On the topic of videos, the budding singer recently shot the song’s accompanying visual in Los Angeles. The clip was jointly directed by Hype Williams and Kanye West. Peep the TAO song premiere and more pics from the video set below…

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NELLY AND ASHANTI TAKE A BITE OUT OF 2011

While fireworks were going off on the Las Vegas Strip, Nelly and Ashanti were busy making their own sparks fly. After her gig at the Rio off the Strip, Ashanti joined her beau Nelly at Haze nightclub in Vegas where he performed. The couple wasn’t shy with PDA, but don’t necessarily expect wedding bells anytime soon. “I think you really have to be friends first. It’s not about how long it takes,” Nelly told Rap-Up TV. “I’m not a person that wants to get married more than once. If I’ma do it, I’ma do it. You’re dying if you leave me.”

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Willow Smith Performs On ‘New Year’s Rockin’ Eve’

2010 breakout star Willow Smith closed the year with a bang last night, taking to the stage at the New Year’s Rockin’ Eve extravaganza.

Check out the ten year old wonder’s performance of the ‘Whip My Hair’ remix…

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Nicki Minaj, Drake, Lil Wayne & Others Kick Off 2011 On BET’s ‘106 & Party’

BET hosted the annual ‘106 & Party’ New Year’s Eve special early this morning. The show featured some of 2010’s brightest stars including Nicki Minaj, Drake, Lil Wayne and the rest of Young Money. Mr. 106 & Park himself, Bow Wow, was also in attendance.

See the full show below:

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Hot Shots: Rihanna Celebrates The New Year In Vegas

Rihanna returned to the US just in time to celebrate the arrival of 2011 last evening. The newly single vixen made a paid appearance at Pure nightclub in Las Vegas where she greeted the new year with her own unique style.

Check out more images below via Neon Limelight:

Drake Shows Dick Clark A ‘Good Time’

Drake hit the stage on ‘Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve’ last evening. To introduce the new year the melodic rapper performed ‘Show Me A Good Time’ and ‘Fancy’ from his breakthrough debut album, ‘Thank Me Later’. Look below for the action via Posse TV:

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Caption This: Marvin & Aston Of JLS Party In London

JLS members Marvin and Aston welcomed the new year at Gilgamesh in London this morning. If a picture says a thousand words then exactly what does this image say to you?

Nicki Minaj & Lil Wayne Rock Carson Daly’s New Year’s Special

Nicki Minaj and Lil Wayne’s taped appearance on Carson Daly’s New Year’s special aired last evening. Check out Minaj’s rendition of ‘Save Me’ from her ‘Pink Friday’ album and Lil Wayne’s performance with Cory Gunz below:

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Hot Shot: Brandy At Marquee Nightclub

Brandy made an appearance at the opening of Marquee nightclub in the Cosmopolitan Hotel, Las Vegas last evening. The singer is preparing to release her new studio album this year.

Beyonce Delivers First Live Performances Of 2011

Beyonce delivered her 1st live performance of the new year last evening during Jay-Z’s Cosmopolitan Hotel in Las Vegas. The reigning queen of the stage did a rendition of ‘Young Forever’ alongside her husband as well as ‘Halo’ with Coldplay frontman Chris Martin.

Peep below for the footage:

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Jennifer Hudson Is ‘Feeling Good’ For The New Year

Jennifer Hudson hit the stage on ‘Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve’ last evening. The vocal powerhouse performed ‘Feeling Good’ from her Weight Watchers ad campaign. Look below for her performance:

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Ke$ha Parties With Santa During New Year Performance

2010 wouldn’t be complete without one last performance from Ke$ha. The party animal hit the stage on ‘Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve’, delivering renditions of her smash hits ‘Tik Tok’ and ‘We R Who We R’ while riding on Santa Claus’ back. Peep her showing below:

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Stanny by Jason Hetherington

Elite model Stanny M. by Jason Hetherington

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Tom Ford Eyewear Spring/Summer 2011 Campaign

Tom Ford Eyewear Spring/Summer 2011 ad campaign

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Lady Gaga by Nick Knight | Born This Way

 

Lady Gaga kicks off 2011 (and my first post of the new year) with a brand new promo image for her upcoming record Born This Way. The image is by SHOWstudiomastermind Nick Knight. The single Born This Way is out on February 13, and the album of the same name is out on May 23, 2011. Lady Gaga’s last record The Fame Monster ended up one of Homotography’s Favorite 2010 Albums.

Bastien Bonizec & Thomas Legros by Sabine Villiard

Bastien Bonizec and Thomas Legros star in this wonderful floral editorial by Sabine Villiard for Prestige magazine with makeup by Jabe Vincent. 

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BRUNO MARS SINGS IN 2011 IN TIMES SQUARE

Bruno Mars closed out an unforgettable 2010 in the Big Apple. The Grammy-nominated star performed his hits before an intimate crowd at R Lounge in the Renaissance New York Times Square Hotel. He was joined by his hitmaking partner Philip Lawrence of The Smeezingtons and host Rev Run. Despite the $950 price tag for two tickets, Bruno had no problem selling out the event.

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VIDEO: WILLOW SMITH PERFORMS ON ‘DICK CLARK’S NEW YEAR’S ROCKIN’ EVE’

Willow Smith blasted into the new year on a giant boombox to perform her ubiquitous hit “Whip My Hair” during “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest.” The 10-year-old singer switched it up for 2011 with a remixed version of her single. Watch Willow turn the volume all the way up and look for her Roc Nation debut in March!

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LADY GAGA ANNOUNCES ‘BORN THIS WAY’ ALBUM RELEASE DATE

After months of anticipation and speculation, Lady GaGa has finally announced the official release date of her new album, ‘Born This Way’! Preceded by the title track, which is scheduled for radio debut on February 13th, the LP will debut in Spring.

So when exactly can fans expect to purchase the record? Look below for the answer:

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VIDEO: JENNIFER HUDSON IS ‘FEELING GOOD’ ON NEW YEAR’S EVE

Jennifer Hudson was feeling and looking good during her appearance on “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest.” The slim superstar sang “Feeling Good,” which is featured in her new Weight Watchers commercial. Watch J-Hud’s red-hot performance below!

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NEW SONG: CHRIS BROWN – ‘LOOK AT ME NOW (FT. BUSTA RHYMES & LIL WAYNE)’

The 2nd single from Chris Brown’s upcoming ‘F.A.M.E’ album has been released!‘Look At Me Now’ features Hip-Hop heavyweights Busta Rhymes and Lil Wayne, and serves as the 1st Urban single from the LP. Give it a listen below:

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RIHANNA RINGS IN 2011 IN LAS VEGAS

Rihanna said goodbye to 2010 at PURE in Sin City on New Year’s Eve. The red-haired starlet, dressed in a body-hugging striped dress, hosted a paid gig at the Las Vegas nightclub, counting down to 2011 with thousands of guests who paid hundreds of dollars to party with the pop princess. RiRi’s girlfriends were by her side as the newly single star raised a toast to the future.

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Wale – “Let’s Chill” (Feat. Lloyd) [CDQ]

We posted the Wale “Lets Chill” track, featuring Lloyd, a few days ago but that version was a little low quality. Here’s the slightly longer CDQ version with the production wrapped up. Definitely sounds like a radio jam but catchy nonetheless. Seems like more people have turned a little sour to Wale after Kid Cudi said some things about him in an interview but you can’t deny Wale’s skills regardless. Check out the track.
Download: Wale – Let’s Chill (Feat. Lloyd)

Daily 2% – Chilled and Ready to Serve [Lisa Shaw]

This is your Daily 2% – Chilled and Ready to Serve. We will try to bring you one “chill” track every day. This is for when you get home and you are trying to unwind. You reach for that glass of wine or that unlit Black & Mild or maybe you reach for something more herbal. This track is for those times. We will try to bring you at least one a day. We are just your milkmen and I’m here to make a delivery. Chill…..
Today’s delivery is brought to you by Lisa Shaw. Lisa, who hails from Canada, is a very soulful singer that has done vocals for a lot of tracks that would be classified as “house” music. She’s a very downtempo kind of singer with such a sultry vibe that all her tracks just ooze with emotion. The track I’m bringing to you today is called “I’m Ok” which is from her 2009 album entitled Free. Its a downtempo stepper track that instantly transports you to the imaginary lounge of your dreams. Check out the track and chill….
Stream: Lisa Shaw – I’m Okay (go to download)

Lil Wayne – One Night Only [CDQ]

Have a official version of Lil Wayne track “One Night Only” , produced by the Streetrunners which was featured on the Drought 4 mixtape that dropped couple a years ago. CHeck It Out ANd Enjoy. Follow me on Twiiter!!! PLz
HHHHHAAAAAPPPPPYYYYYY 
NNNNEEEEEWWWWWW YYYEEEEEAAARRRRR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Stream: Lil Wayne – One Night Only (go to download)

Chris Brown to Team with Bruno Mars for ‘Incredible’ Collaboration

While his Twitter feud with former B2K member Raz-B may be making all the headlines, Chris Brown is turning his attention back to music. The R&B hunk is planning an epic collaboration with seven-time Grammy nominee Bruno Mars.
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Rap-Up’s 10 Best Albums of 2010

 

It’s one thing to produce a hot single, but some artists expanded their horizons and funneled creativity into their full-length albums more than others. In 2010, listeners were given Kanye West’s mesmerizing and imaginative masterpiece My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy as well as Eminem’s most self-realized album in years, Recovery. Rihanna returned to making upbeat dance hits with her fifth LP Loud, while her “What’s My Name?” collaborator Drake backed up his hype with his sonically pleasing debut Thank Me Later. Find out which 10 albums had us hitting play time and time again in 2010.
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New Music: Akon f/ Ludacris – ‘Drop Down’

Akon gets on his suit and tie bidness on the club-friendly “Drop Down” featuring Ludacris, which may appear on his upcoming album Stadium. With an upbeat, synth-laced instrumental, the Senegalese singer commands the girls to break it on down while Luda swoops in for a fast-paced verse, bragging about making fans swoon. Drop it on down by listening below.
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Hot Shots: Kelly Rowland, Trey Songz, Drake & Ne-Yo Party In Miami

Kelly Rowland, Trey Songz, Ne-Yo and Drake were spotted at the Coco Deville Lounge, Miami last evening. The artists were celebrating the birthday of NBA star Lebron James. Peep more images below via Neon Limelight:

Hot Shot: Nicki Minaj & Drake Get Close In ‘Moment 4 Life’ Video

Check out this screenshot from Nicki Minaj and Drake’s video for ‘Moment 4 Life’ via Hip-Hop Connection. The song serves as the latest release from her ‘Pink Friday’ LP.

Polow Da Don Talks Ciara and Keri Hilson ‘Beef’, Collabo, & More

Hitmaker Polow Da Don talked to our good friend Sandra Rose recently about the much publicized ’beef’ between R&B starlets Ciara and Keri Hilson.

Polow, real name Jamal Jones, has worked with both singers, producing hits such as Ciara’s ‘Promise’, and much of Hilson’s discography (unsurprising, given that she’s co-signed to his label).

Check out his ‘interesting’ comments regarding the supposedly ’settled’ dispute, as well as news on Hilson’s 3rd LP, below.

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New Song: Pitbull – ‘Where Do We Go From Here (Ft. Chris Brown)’

Chris Brown released a new song via Twitter today. ‘Where Do We Go From Here’ is a collaboration with none other than Mr. Worldwide, Pitbull. However, there is no word as on which artist’s new album the song will appear. Give it a listen below:

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