Walk In My Dunks: Music Recap of 2008

My Top Artists of 2008

Rihanna: I used to love Rihanna when she was all about Dancehall and Reggae inspired songs. I’ll admit that I was hella dreary when she came out with “Umbrella”. I remember I heard that song a couple of months in advance and I was like “What is she thinking with this song?” Little did I know, I’d turn around and really be digging her new sound. I soon got her album on my ipod and I was putting her CD on repeat on the way to work. She’s an artist who might not have the best voice, but her stage presence and hunger for success is what makes her a standout. Favorite 2008 Singles: Disturbia, Take a Bow, Rehab

Leona Lewis: Leona Lewis was all over the UIC cafeteria when I still lived back in the dorms. I remember I’d look at the TV’s and wonder “Who the fuck is this girl?” Finally got around to looking her up on YouTube and shit, the rest is history. Her voice is one of the greatest I’ve heard and I definitely see the comparison to Mariah Carey. Not only is this girl beautiful her talent seems to be limitless. She’s one of the greatest imports from the UK since the Spice Girls. Haha. Favorite 2008 Singles: Bleeding Love, Footprints in the Sand

Beyonce: Where do I start? Sasha Fierce. Her album is sick. It’s fire. I’ve been listening to it on crazy repeat for the last week. I’ve become a huge ass fan of hers because one of my friends helllllllllla loves her. And I guess my friend’s love, rubbed off on me and I find myself listening to Bee anytime I can. I always just liked Beyonce as an artist, but now I find myself wanting to go see her live and catch anytime she performs. I appreciate her hard work and the journey she’s had to endure in order for her dreams to come true. I don’t see many other artists who dance and REALLY sing at the same time. And she dances hard. She’s definitely an artist who will have a long career and she’ll be known for as on the greats. Favorite 2008 Singles: If I Were A Boy, Diva

Britney Spears: Let’s talk about the comeback girl herself. Miss Britney Spears. She’s been through hell the last couple of years: Kids, Divorce, Death Scares and a reemergence on the music scene. I’ve always believed in Britney. I’ve liked her ever since those “Baby One More Time” days and I’m not afraid to admit it either. She’s a girl who was crafted to be multimillion dollar machine, and that obviously had a tremendous impact on the type of adult she’s become. But even at 27, she’s back, healthy and doing her thing. She’s moving in the right direction and I hope that with the success of Blackout and Circus she can move forward and have a more positive life. Favorite 2008 Singles: Break the Ice, Circus

Ne-Yo: Always going to be a fan of this guy. His writing skills are amazing and his voice is just as good. You can hear the emotion in his voice and that’s a main reason why Ne-Yo made my top artists of 2008. Not many artists can have the power to write such great songs, but also have the talent to perform. He’s been on a lot of tracks this year either as a solo or being featured alongside another artist. Either way, he’s still shining on every track he’s on. Favorite 2008 Singles: Closer, Mad, Bust it Baby Pt. 2 (Plies Feat. Ne-Yo), Single (NKOTB Feat. Ne-Yo)

Chris Brown: C-Breezy! I’ve been a Chris Brown fan since he came out when I was back in high school. He’s consistently put out great singles and his CD is great as well. He definitely is an all around artists and on top of everything a great performer. Might I add that his style is dope as hell? Haha. I find myself using him as inspiration when buying new clothes and trying to dress myself. He’s definitely the face of R&B and I expect huge things out of him in the future. Favorite 2008 Singles: Superhuman (Feat. Keri Hilson), Freeze (T-Pain Feat. Chris Brown)

Keri Hilson: One of my top top top favorite artists of 2008. Keri Hilson first made huge strides with her collabo with Timbaland on his track “The Way I Are”. She wrote Britney Spears’ “Gimme More”. She is hella talented and her voice is different. I remember hearing her song with Timbaland and I was wondering who the hell this girl was. I kept up with news on Keri Hilson and made sure I caught her singles and CD information. Unfortunately her album was pushed back to 2009, but she’s definitely made great impact this year. She is one of those artists who’s an individual and who’s distinctive and has immense talent. Her style is so fresh and so is she. Favorite 2008 Singles: Energy, Turn Off (Feat. Lil Wayne)

Craig David: I’ll always be a fan of this British R&B sensation. His smoothness on his tracks and the emotion in his voice is what keeps me a fan. Not only really till last year was when I became a huge fan. I realized he had a follow up to his first album and this year he released his third studio album “Trust Me”. I definitely will always be a fan of his. His music is upbeat and can either start to get you pumped or can help you get through some rough times. I hope he can pull some more momentum back here in the U.S. I think he’s too talented to not be recognized anymore here. Favorite 2008 Singles: 6 of 1 Thing, Insomnia, Let’s Dance

T-Pain: I feel like T-Pain currently has like 12 tracks that he’s featured on or has released on his own. I think I may be right. He’s distinctive cause of his kind of auto tone voice. I feel as in many of his songs, it’s a guaranteed hit. It’s like you collabo with T-Pain and you’re guaranteed a top 10 hit. He makes hip hop translatable to a more pop music crowd. He might not be a conscious rapper, but his material is about having a good time and letting loose and there’s nothing wrong with that. Favorite 2008 Singles: Chopped ‘N’ Screwed, Go Girl (Ciara Feat. T-Pain)

T.I.: One of my favorite rappers. His swag is sick and his material is even sicker. I won’t lie that I haven’t really looked into much of his other non-released material. But I’ve always liked T.I. even before this year. Again his style is dope! Not much else to say, I also expect a lot out of him. He’s too talented to not have a long career. Favorite 2008 Singles: Swagger Like Us, Live Your Life (Feat. Rihanna)

Lil Wayne: Used to a Weezy F Baby Haterrrrr, but now converted thanks to my brother. Enough said. Favorite 2008 Singles: A Milli, Got Money (T-Pain Feat. Lil Wayne)

Honorable Mention: Janet Jackson, Lupe Fiasco, Usher, Jordin Sparks, The Dream, Brandy, John Legend, Keyshia Cole, Common

Who To Look Out for In 2009: Jazmine Sullivan, Karina Paisan, David Archuleta, Jennifer Hudson, Janelle Monae, Colby O'Donis, Kid Sister, Kid Cudi