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The 15 Most Slept On Albums of 2012
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NICKI MINAJ - PINK FRIDAY ROMAN RELOADED THE RE-UP
Where Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded lacked in fiery bars, The Re-Up made up for with eight new singles. The rapstress brings back the flavor of her debut album, pairing floaty vocals with sparring punchlines. The content showcases all of Nicki's alter egos: a boss lady ("I'm Legit" featuring Ciara), a singles lady ("I Endorse These Strippers" with Tyga and Thomas Brinx), and a genre liberator ("Freedom"). While her extra-curricular beef (see Target, Mariah Carey and Steven Tyler) may have taken center stage, the Queens-bred lyricist brings the hood back much to the Barbz and any hip-hop heads' delight.
SANTIGOLD - MASTER OF MY MAKE BELIEVE
Some people are still waiting on the follow-up to Santi's indie-rock self-titled debut banger, Santogold. News flash: the sophomore follow-up dropped earlier this year. It's definitely not a slump, either. On Master Of My Make Believe, Santi blends alternative, dubstep, and pop well enough to create a sound that's completely all her own.
MELANIE FIONA – THE MF LIFE
Much like her performance at this year’s BET Awards, Melanie Fiona’s sophomore album, The MF Life, was painfully overlooked. Fiona bridged the gap between new and old by drawing on the sounds of Motown, yet finding wiggle-room to experiment with some hip-hop sensibilities. Batter up her powerhouse vocals and it’s a clear homerun.
ELLE VARNER – PERFECTLY IMPERFECT
Elle Varner’s neo-soul, funk-infused debut album, Perfectly Imperfect, packs a punch with clever storytelling. Who else could make a mantra-hook about a refill sound so erotic? Not to mention, her raspy and sultry voice. She’s easily this year’s¬ freshest R&B leading lady.
ROBERT GLASPER EXPERIMENT – BLACK RADIO
Pianist and producer Robert Glasper makes like Dexter—the kid scientist, not serial-killer killer—and merges musical beakers for his grand, jazz-meets-rap-meets-soul project. The 34-year-old renaissance man, who’s been featured on albums by Kanye West and Q-Tip, named Black Radio for the durable recording device known to survive plane crashes (a suggestion of Mos Def, who appears on the title track as Yasiin Bey). And the LP is indeed everlasting, inviting the likes of Erykah Badu, Lupe Fiasco and Bilal to vibe out to breezy saxophones, bass and keys for the perfect incense and Riesling kick back. Consider this experiment a radioactive success.
YUNA - YUNA
If you're looking for the songbird of the new generation with impeccable sense of style, impressive pipes, and the ultimate co-sign (shout-out to Pharrell), Yuna’s your girl. On her U.S. debut, the Malaysian singer is soothing, yet playful with her delivery, emitting Colbie Caillat vibes but from a hipper perspective. She's even bringing back the Badu wrap.
TYGA – CARELESS WORLD: RISE OF THE LAST KING
YMCMB's young gunna has come a long way from just sharing a byline on wax among his posse on songs like "Bedrock" and "Roger That." Though his claim to fame didn't mirror the meteoric rise of his fellow label mates Drake and Nicki Minaj, he inched his way to the forefront thanks to club bumpers "Faded" and "Rack City." But his sophomore effort Careless World: Rise of the Last King showcases the solid talents of the under-rated Compton MC. His lyrical simplicity combined with young charisma makes his tracks relatable whether divulging his heartaches on "Far Away" or reminiscing on struggle on the Big Sean-assisted "I'm Gone." No matter the tempo, T Raw is versatile in his flow, combining sing-songy flows with catchy hooks.
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