To end last year Wayne shook the charts with 'Bedrock' showcasing his Young Money crew on a better than most group project. To start the year he also released his rock inspired album, 'Rebirth', which featured the Eminem assisted smash 'Drop The World' and believe me the album was not what the critics said. 'Rebirth' was fresh, inventive, original and still at the same time very much Weezy. During 2010 the rapper had a lot on his plate being incarcerated for most of it. Still his two Young Money, Cash Money Baby projects only just became the leading man and woman in hip-hop. Drake and Nicki Minaj hit the big time huge and even if that was the only thing Wayne did this year he still deserves to be on the list. It wasn't though as Wayne still was a more than welcome guest spot on many great records, even recording verses from prison. Tha Carter even released his own record before he was let out of prison as the out this world 'I Am Not A Human Being' went from an EP to an LP. With stand alone tracks like 'I'm Single' and infectious cuts like 'Gonorrhea' Wayne released yet another one of his better albums. Sure he may have not released 'Tha Carter IV' like expected when he was free but a homecoming concert was more than good enough. Plus with a new single '6, 7' to end the year that stands taller than the rest when The Carter goes fourth he expects to own 2011, like he has 2010 and 2009, etc, etc.
JUST MISSED THE CUT: Respect due to the artists that just missed the countdown but still had a top year. Ben Harper had a great year Relentlessly touring with Pearl Jam and his new band, while forming another supergroup himself in Fistful Of Mercy. Harper also brilliantly covered INXS' 'Never Tear Us Apart' and backed Ringo Starr on some 'The Daily Show With Jon Stewart'. Prince also had a big year, releasing '20TEN' one of his best albums for free through English paper The Mirror. Bruce Springsteen showed great 'Promise' unlocking some 'Darkness On The Edge Of Town' sessions for a 2 disc classic. Corrine Bailey Rae also had a great year coming back with the beautifully brave 'The Sea'. Rumer had it in regards to British soul however with a strong debut. Ne-Yo gave us the real Michael Jackson tribute album. While Usher and Nelly made strong comebacks. Cee-Lo Green hit big with the worlds most offensive popular single and a great album. John Legend furthered his legend, soulfully with The Roots. Mos Def had an 'Ecstatic' year releasing one of his best albums and a hip-hop classic. He also overcame label pains, becoming a sought after free agent that Kanye West picked up. Mos' Black Star partner in rhyme, Talib Kweli also released another great Reflection Eternal album with Hi-Tek. Diddy's Dirty Money also paid off in soul infused dance music dividends. While the Kings Of Leon came around good once again with their 'Sundown' album. TIM DAVID HARVEY.
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