#10. Lil Nas X – ‘Montero’

Lil Nas X is a one in a million kind of artist, in that he elevates the game for everyone whether you like him or not. Tracks like “Montero (Call Me By My Name” and “Scoop” featuring Ms. Doja Cat show us why Lil Nas X is here to stay.

#9. Tony Bennett – ‘Love For Sale’

The legend Mr. Tony Bennett gives us his last and most heartfelt album Love For Sale which he collaborated with Lady Gaga on. This album is classic Tony. His vocals are clear, the standards are the ones we love, and Mr. Bennett leaves is wanting more.

#8. Drake – ‘Certified Lover Boy’

Drake never fails to disappoint. He delivers the hits, nails the punchlines and is just corny enough to be liked by all. This album is classic Drake and has certainly established his legacy by sticking to what he does best.

#7. Nas – ‘King’s Disease II’

King Nas never fails to deliver us timeless art. With his album, King’s Disease II Nas takes us on a journey as a 40 something-year-old man, while still being planted in his Queens roots.

#6. Aaliyah – ‘One In A Million’

The re-release of Aaliyah’s One In A Million reminds us just how talented she was. The production is classic, the songs are soulful and Aaliyah was the artist who combined the two masterfully. She certainly was one in a million.

#5. Yebba – ‘Dawn’

This album is one of the best R&B/soul albums I heard this year. With the infectious single “Boomerang” and all-around soul-stirring vocals, Yebba is one to watch.

#4. Silk Sonic – ‘An Evening with Silk Sonic’

This dynamic duo put out one of the best R&B albums of 2021 titled An Evening With Silk Sonic. Other than the smooth as butter “Leave The Door Open” and cool as ice “Smokin’ Out The Window”, there are more standout classics. “Put on a Smile”, co-written by the talented Babyface, is the album’s beautiful and well-produced ballad. Whereas “777” is a fun soulful bop about partying in Vegas.

#3. Adele – ’30’

Adele can do no wrong. Every album is well crafted and Adele steers her new ship 30 in all the right directions. With songs like “Easy On Me” and “Hold On”, Adele gives us what we want and even some things we didn’t know we needed.

#2. Ye – ‘Donda’

Donda is Ye’s most heartfelt record to date. 808’s & Heartbreak set the blueprint, and Donda created the masterpiece. It is an album that is full of emotional, spiritual & deeply personal facts about Ye and his spiritual journey. Definitely one for the ages.

#1. Summer Walker – ‘Still Over It’

Summer Walker is a legend in the making. She is ready to wear the crown of a hip-hop soul diva. Her latest album Still Over It cements this young songwriter as a force to be reckoned with in the music industry, and like fine wine, I’m betting Ms. Walker will just get better with age.

Written by: Darnell “Digo” McGee