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The Top 10 Best Male R&B Artists of My Time

Sep 3, 2009

by angelodignacio
posted in Love Notes

Very few artists and musicians in my generation have been able to establish a timeless identity with fans both from the past and present. Some will either create one hit wonders, while others will fail to continue with successful albums that eventually lead to their forgotten tunes. Sometimes, you have an artist who reaches superstar status, and then throws it all away on the revealing of a public scandal or crime incident. With Chris Brown appearing on Larry King tonight, I thought to put some cred on the table for the top 10 Best R&B Artists of My Time. True, Chris Brown could have possibly been on somewhere near the top - but sorry CB, you let me down!

Usher

I've grown up listening to Usher, and out of anybody on this list - he is the singer who I can remember listening to for as long as I can remember and as recent as yesterday. Why he's on top: U Got It Bad, You Don't Have to Call, Yeah, You Remind Me, Confessions

Musiq (Soulchild)

Even with all the musicans on this list, none of them can deliver as many memorable hits as Musiq Soulchild. All of his songs were classics on dates and were just as sweet and meaningful as the last. Why Musiq's songs are featured in almost every wedding I've been to: Love, Dontchange, SoBeautiful, Teachme, Just Friends

John Legend

The voice most rich in talent belongs to no other than John Legend. Paired with his piano skills and classic style of performing in front of audiences, he is the Stevie Wonder of my time. Reasons why you'll fail at successfully pulling off a John Legend cover: Ordinary People, P.D.A. (We Just Don't Care), So High, Save Room, Green Light

Ne-Yo

Putting words together to create feelings and images never done before by any other song or artist is something that Ne-Yo has done over and over again. His creativity is truly what makes him one of the best song writers I know. Different ways Ne-Yo has made you think about a love song in a way you never have before: So Sick, Sexy Love, So You Can Cry, Make It Work, Mad
See the full review, "More than a singer, he is a great songwriter too!".

Brian McKnight

Let's be honest, Brian McKnight is somebody we would all love to have sit in our living rooms and sing while we prepare dinner on the table and eat. Each evening would be romance in the air. Though he's the senior of all on this list, his lyrics, talent, and personality both appealed to young and old. Reasons my parents and I would be content on the same radio station: Back At One, One Last Cry, Anytime, 6, 8, 12, Still

Justin Timberlake

While I will always feel that JT was ultimately better with NSync, at the end of the day - he certainly made a name for himself as a solo artist. And in a unique kind of way, he touched on every harp of the music spectrum, including many songs that were played in the R&B world. Things that prove that dancing isn't always enough: Take It From Here, Worthy Of, Still On My Brain, Never Again, Until the End of Time
See the full review, "A great influence to the infusion of hip hop and pop.".

Anthony Hamilton

Anthony Hamilton is the official "sleeper" of this group. While his list singles is not the longest, each song he has released has impacted the air waves everywhere it has been played. While he may have crept up onto my top 10, it doesn't take away from how powerful his music is across different groups of people and various types of messages. Why you only need to hear him once to know he's good: Charlene

Omarion

R&B doesn't always have to be roses and chocolate. Omarion has known this and has thrown a bounce into R&B's step through any of the music he released. Again, probably was better overall with the group, B2K, but as a solo artist - he truly did grow in so many of his own ways. Perfect reasons to sing AND dance in the shower: O, Entourage, Touch

Mario

Mario's story is the ultimate telling of the example of redemption. Though his first album blew, he didn't let it get to his head, and instead - worked hard to come back with a true album that he was proud to represent. That one album alone puts him in the running for the next generation's choice of talent - if he continues to make music. Reasons why you should have faith when things don't go the way they do: Go!, Skippin, How Do I Breathe, Music For Love,

Johnta Austin

Who the hell is Johna Austin? While the last spot on my top ten goes to an artist that isn't so well known, his works in song writing makes him as successful as all artists on this list. In fact, Johnta Austin has written many of the songs that we consider our favorites. Some of them actually from this list! Though he may never be remembered as a mainstream artist - his writing is phenomenal. Reasons why I know you know who Johnta Austin is: We Belong Together (Mariah Carey), Be Without You (Mary J. Blige), Sweet Lady (Tyrese), Miss You (Aaliyah)

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djevoke September 03, 2009

I LOVE this list...now, I'm going to have to make my own because I have a couple to add! @Nando1 will have to make his own out of this. I was going to say where's Tyrese for the pure fact of Sweet Lady...

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ajrawls September 03, 2009

Sweeeeeet!!! man this list is the bomb. If you took tracks from all of them you would have the dopest RnB mix for when your chillin with your lady!!

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About the list creator

Angelo Ignacio (angelodignacio)
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I'm a Filipino-American living life as a post undergrad making a start here in beautiful Los Angeles. I love the weather and diversity here and enjoy everything this city has to offer. I'm excited to … more

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