I Refuse to Edit My Final Set of Musical Superlatives

So Beyonce' dropped a megaton bomb on everybody's year-end lists overnight...

I really don't care.  Who drops an album AFTER the Grammy noms have gone out?!  Haven't heard it, so it won't change my promised final set of musical superlatives for 2013.

Most Unexpected

Ariana Grande

Who knew that she could sing, and actually sing well?  It’s clear that Mariah is one of her biggest influences.

Ones to Watch

Snow tha Product

Her tongue-twisting lyrics make the guys on the rap charts look like lethargic, pampered clowns. Crankin’ production, too.

Elli Ingram

Brit songstress who flipped rap hits from Kendrick Lamar and Chance the Rapper into R&B masterpieces.  Her style feels improvisational,  jazz-influenced.  Hurry up with the LP.  

Izzy Bizu

British, soulful, and biracial (Ethiopian mom, English dad).  The stripped-down production of her EP was a good match for her delicate vocals.  The U.S. press and music industry will probably fall all over themselves for her.   

You’re Awesome, But Your Publicist Is Slacking

Jean Grae

Like Eminem and Andre 3000 had a baby.  She also had a memorable role in this year’s underrated hip-hop dramedy “Big Words.”

Natalia Kills

She’s a Brit on the Lady Gaga-Rihanna spectrum who’s toured with Pink.  Oh, the ferocity.

Best Traditional R&B Album

Tamar Braxton, Love and War

Tamar, thank your man for keeping you from fulfilling your ratchet ambitions.

R&B Innovation

Janelle Monae’, The Electric Lady

I am definitely not a Janelle stan--her often inscrutable lyrics and that android nonsense get an eyeroll--but Grammy voters must have been smoking Rob Ford’s pipe to overlook the flawless production and vocals on this project.

Bilal, A Love Surreal

Honestly, it’s been a while since I listened to it, but I remember that I appreciated his willingness to craft an experience that didn’t sound like anything else in modern R&B.

  

Hometown Heroes

Oddisee

The intelligent, insightful lyrics of his recent album put him on the short list of my favorite contemporary MC's. 

Thao With the Get Down Stay Down  

Love the singer's voice, and feel like their sound is perfect for a soundtrack to a Michelle Williams indie.

Nacey of Misun

Guitarist/producer Nacey crafted atmospheric Misun remixes with NYC DJ Cousin Cole.  It upped the band’s dancefloor cred (interesting use of ‘90s rap samples) and took Misun Wojcik’s ethereal vocals to another level.  Unfortunately for us, Misun just moved to L.A.

Honorable Mention: RAtheMC.  So real, so NE, so Brookland!  I just want her to hook up with better production.  Check out "The Grace Jones Experiment."