Year-End Pop Culture Awards: R&B Mentions

I didn't buy a lot of R&B this year, too many kid singers, and too much crap product. Also, don't get me started on the "R&B thug" trend. I did encounter a few gems this year. Okay, here we go:

Favorite R&B Album: The Daily News, Donnie

Atlanta resident Donnie tackles a variety of social issues on this album, something that seems to be a rarity in music today. On such tracks as "911", "Atlanta Child Murders", "If I Were You", and "Over-The-Counter Culture" (featuring Phonte of Little Brother), Donnie delivers music with a message. In a genre full of snap-music R&B/rap hybrids, macho posturing, and overly explicit sex talk, this album was desperately needed.

Other albums of note:

I Am, Chrisette Michelle

The Real Thing, Jill Scott

Left, Eric Roberson

Notable Singles:

"Teach Me How to Love", Musiq

Musiq bares his soul and tries the radical, honest approach on this song that many couples can probably relate to .

"You Can't Be Serious", Carl Thomas Featuring Baby Cham

Unbeknowst to many, Carl Thomas resurfaced with a third album, So Much Better. Although not on the classic level of his debut, Emotional, Thomas did have a few nice cuts, like this reggae-tinged plea for reconcilation with one of the Jamaica's hottest MCs, Baby Cham.

Well, that's it for R&B. Maybe I'll find more to love this year. Stay tuned for the TV and Music Year-End Pop Culture Awards? Will your favorite actors win? Not if they were in Who's Your Caddy? Be easy, readers!!!