When The Beat Drops : Favorite Artist of 2011

As the end of the year approaches, everyone and their mother likes to recap their favorites of the year. Therefore it's only right that I recap my favorites of the year. Last year I did the top songs of the year, but as this year comes to an end I feel that the artists deserve more of the spotlight, opposed to just one song alone. I have constructed two list this year, the first list being the top 5 artist of 2011 and the best new artist of 2011.

The first top artist of the year has to go to Frank Ocean. I cannot lie I didn't know about him until everyone else found out about him, which is when his hit "Novacane" started hitting the airwaves, but once he captured my attention he has been able to keep my attention. He is not only a singer, but a well known writer as well. In 2011 he was able to increase his fan base by putting out his mixtape nostralgia, ULTARA, not only that but he has a few hits on some of the biggest albums of the year (Watch the Throne & 4). He hasn't released his debut album yet, but I know it's coming in 2012.

The next on my list is Rihanna, I've never been a die hard Rihanna fan, but I do have to give credit when it is due. She has been working NON STOP, this entire year. She entered the year just dropping her 5th studio album Loud, in November 2010, following the release of the album she began her Loud Tour. Where she toured both the United States and overseas. In the mist of her tour she was able to release her 6th studio album Talk That Talk. So I know when the new year begins she'll be right back on tour. Her work ethic has contributed to making her one the most top selling artist of this year, and I'm sure for years to come.

Beyonce has had the biggest year in both her career and within her personal life as well. She released her 4th studio album 4 after she took off a year to just enjoy her life. She came back with the her first single "Run The World (Girls)" and basically owned the rest of the year, by releasing non stop videos, doing non stop promo tours, doing several shows and even releasing several behind the scenes clips to show others the work it takes to complete the final product that we all know and love. However, the icing on the cake is when she revealed her pregnancy at the 2011 VMA's. So I know that no matter what she's doing she is going to own it. I know within the new year she'll be a new mommy, and she'll possibly release her 5th studio album since there are rumors that she has already started working on it.

Now Adele is no new artist, however this year she has had the biggest year in her career. In 2011 Adele released her 2nd studio album 21, and the album consists of a lot of heart felt tracks, such as "Rolling In The Deep", "Turning Tables" and "Someone Like You". I personally have seen Adele touch certain people that I thought I would never see listen to her music just because I know they've never been into her music in the past. However, she made it possible to reach a new audience with her amazing vocals. Unfortunately Adele had to take the rest of the year off due to a hemorrhage on her vocal cords. Once she fully recovers she'll begin working on her next album, I just hope all of the people who supports Adele now will be true fans and support her in the new year.

It's only right that Chris Brown made the top 5 because he just did the damn thing this year. He had a great 2010 after her bounced back from the whole Rihanna situation, but this year he was just in full force. This year he released his 4th studio album FAME, and had a successful mixtape Boy In Detention. Not to mention he went on the FAME Tour, where he was joined by TYGA, T-Pain and Bow Wow. Chris gave amazing performances at the BET Awards and the VMA's. He basically spent his year at the top, and I'm not interested in seeing him at the bottom again, with that being said I am looking forward to the release of his 5th studio album Fortune, and any other venture he is about to endeavor.

FAVORITE NEW ARTIST OF 2011