As 2009 comes to a close its only right that we look back at some of the best and even worst parts of the year in music. There were a lot of hot albums, big new artists on the scene and personal highlights as well. So let’s break it down.

Album of The Year

Beyonce released her album “I Am Sasha Fierce”
Rihanna released “Rated R”
Eminem “Relapse”
Black Eyed Peas “The E.N.D”
Dizzee Rascal “Tounge N Cheek”
Chipmunk “I Am Chipmunk”
Mr Hudson “Straight No Chaser”
Keri Hilson “In A Perfect World”
The Dream “Love vs Money”
Tinchy Stryder “Catch 22”
Kid Cudi “Man On The Moon”

Despite the majority of these albums (maybe not Ri Ri) being hot there can only be one winner for this category:

 
Jay-Z with “Blueprint 3” – without sounding too predicable Jay-Z came back on top form. With tracks such as D.O.A, Run This Town, Young Forever and Empire State of Mind which was possibly the biggest Hip Hop song of 2009. Jay-Z made himself relevant to mainstream audiences and stations such as Radio 1 playlisted his music for daytime shows.

Breakthrough Artists

There are a few guys which deserve a mention here:

Jay Sean, not a necessarily a new face but in terms of breaking through to the mass mainstream audience Jay Sean certainly achieved that he even got a number 1 in the US.

Asher Roth, had the massive single “I Love College” and the album “Asleep In The Bread Aisle”

Kid Cudi, his album was edgy and simply amazing, the massive track “Day N Nite” continued to cause mayhem through to 2009 as well.

Drake, aka Drizzy – had the biggest mixtape of 2009, in my opinion it was better than most albums we heard this year. 2010 will be a crazy year for him.

Most Controversial Topic of 2009

Chris Brown vs Rihanna – Chris Brown released on $50,000 (£34,800) bail after being charged with felony assault and making criminal threats, also a felony.

Best Songs

So many massive singles were released this year in the world of Hip Hop and R&B and of course the million other genres I’m feeling as well, here is a quick run down of what was hot:

Dizzee Rascal - Bonkers, this track took over dance floors around the World and killed it on the radio.

Mr Hudson Ft. Kanye West – Supernova, Mr Hudson is unleashed to  the mainstream World and Yeezy featuring you can’t go wrong for your first smash can you?

Chipmunk - Oopsy Daisy, one of the catchiest hooks of 2009 , Chip put the work in this year.

Ciara Ft. Justin Timberlake – Love, Sex, Magic, a song which still gets rinsed on radio and in clubs. The return of Ciara this year, yup the album was a flop but this song was hot.

Keri Hilson Ft. Kanye West & Ne-Yo – Knock You Down, another mainstream hit which took over the World. Keri Hilson did her thing this year and she did it well! This double star calabo was a winner.

Jay-Z Ft. Alicia Keys – Empire State of Mind, as I said above this was probably the biggest Hip Hop song of 2009. The World was singing the hook.

Drake - Best I Ever Had, just an instant classic.

Tinchy Stryder – You’re Not Alone, Tinchy took the electro/ pop/ hip hop genre to another level.

Beyonce - Single Ladies, the first number 1 in 2009 and a massive smash to add to Beyonce’s growing list.

Wale Ft. Lady GaGa – Chillin, with Lady GaGa featuring on the track it was an instant mainstream hit with a catchy hook and Cool & Dre on the beat.

JLS - Beat Again, love them or hate them, JLS took over this year in pop.

Black Eyed Peas – Boom Boom Pow, the hit makers did it again, Boom Boom Pow was a song which you just couldn’t escape from this year no matter how hard you tried.

Tinchy Stryder Ft. N-Dubz – Number 1, out of 23 songs with the title ‘Number 1′ this was the only track to actually reach the top spot!

Eminem – We Made You, the return of Eminem and his weird rapping voice.

Boy Better Know – Too Many Man, a massive Summer anthem, BBK put in the work this year.

Artist of The Year

Last year on my blog I named Dizzee Rascal the Artist of 2008, well he did it again! No one can deny Dizzee’s work ethic. He has done numerous tours, festivals, broken through to the mainstream audiences, he headlined the BBC Electric Proms and 1Xtra Live in Sheffield as well as having 2 number 1′s this year with ‘Bonkers’ and ‘Holiday.’ He released his album “Tounge N’ Cheek” on his own record label Dirtee Skank in September which reached number 3 in the UK. It is without a doubt a fact that Dizzee Rascal deserves the title of Artist of The year for 2009.

Artists to Look Out For In 2010

Having recently signed an album deal with EMI records it’s fair to say that the UK’s very own Tinie Tempah will be an artist to look out for in 2010.

I don’t really need to mention Drake, it’s a no brainer but I will anyway. 2010 will see the release of Drake’s debut album which I’m sure I can safley say will be a smash.

Having had a top 20 hit with ‘Watch The Sun Come Up’ Example is set for greatness in 2010 with his album “Won’t Go Quietly” due for release in April.

My Personal Year

As well as all these artists having a huge 2009 It’s only fair that I speak on my own personal achievements I’ve had this year. 

Mini Viva

This Summer I became the official tour DJ of the new girl group Mini Viva. We did a national tour of the UK supporting The Saturdays on their “Work Tour” alongside Pixie Lott playing at venues such as Cardiff Arena to 8,000 people. This was a dream come true. I’ve always wanted to go on a tour, getting on stage infront of thousands and soaking up the atmosphere – seriously words can’t describe what it’s like looking out from the stage and seeing all those thousands of people, something I will never forget. The experience of being in a different city everyday, life on the road, the backstage antics and the shows themself were amazing. I also learnt a lot about the music industry as a whole. We also performed at many christmas light switch on events, one being Manchester Trafford Centre to 14,000 people, a very proud moment.

BBC 1Xtra

I think since I was 6 years old I’ve wanted to be on the radio. I’ve always told myself I would make it and have my own show – well I’m not quite there but this year I did finally, after years of dreaming make it onto live, legal and worldwide radio on BBC 1Xtra filling in on the weekend breakfast show on numerous occasions. I remember before my first time arriving at Radio 1/ 1Xtra HQ in the summer for my week of demo recordings, it was during the week of tour rehursals so everything was happening at the same time, I thought I was dreaming. Walking into the building was surreal, seeing presenters such as Jo Whiley, Chris Moyles, Reggie Yates and Edith Bowman all walking past me was surreal. I felt very, very proud to have even stepped foot into the building – something many people dream of and never get to do. I remember before my first show on the 19th September, it was 5:59am, 1 minute before I was due to go on air for the first time and I thought to myself “Wow I’m really doing this.” – the whole 1Xtra experience has been unreal.

I’m looking forward to 2010 with hope theres much more to come from myself. Thanks for all the support on the blog, Podcast and radio work and thanks to everyone who’s supported this year in general, see you in 2010.