I wanted to write an article that gave fans of the blog a little insight to who I am personally and musically. I think music has had an effect on my life ever since I could remember. My first experience with music was through my mom. On her off days from work she would play an eclectic range of music from Soul II Soul to Madonna. I developed my mom's passion for R&B music and never stopped. I created a list of my Top 10 favorite albums and the selection was so hard because it's soooo many albums and artist that I love. I chose these albums because they have become classics and you can play them from start to finish. I think a solid album is the most important thing. Making sure your creation flows from beginning to end.

Aaliyah - Aaliyah (2001)

The last recorded work of the late Aaliyah Dana Haughton. This was her breakout album that forever solidified her place in our hearts. "Rock The Boat" sits the tone for the album, but tracks like "Loose Rap" and "It's Whatever" are still favorites of mine. I wish we could have really seen what she could have become.

Anita Baker - Rapture (1990)

The jazz songstress, Anita, is a brilliant vocalist and her phasing is impeccable. This was her best album and she continues to make great music. Ms. Baker's timeless classic "Sweet Love" is included on this 8 track album.

Common - Be (2005)

The Be album made me a fan of Common's work. Socio-Political and conscious rap lyrics over infectious beats made this album a must-have in a rap enthusiast collection. Common is such a dope rapper and I think this album introduced him to a larger audience.

Destiny's Child - The Writings On The Wall (1999)

I remember going to target on July 27th and purchasing this album. I think I played this album a million times and I know the whole album verbatim. This was the beginning and the end of Destiny's Child. I was a true stan of the original DC that included LeToya & LaTavia. 

Justin Timberlake - Justified (2002)

A white boy with soul is the best way to explain Justin Timberlake's first album. It was melodic and beautifully written and this was a great time in my life when this album came out and I still play this album in rotation. Justified showed Justin's vocal talents off as well as made him a household name beyond N*Sync!

Kanye West - Graduation (2007)

Mr. West is an amazing rapper, producer and artist that really took his craft to the next level with Graduation. Kanye set out to make stadium music and each song was produced with so much thought and creativity. Graduation is Mr. West best work to date!

Mary J. Blige - My Life (1994)

When ever you going through a breakup just pop in a Mary joint and she will take you away to a place where shit doesn't even matter anymore. Mary was at her best when she was going through it! This is a classic album that any Mary fan should have.

Michael Jackson - Off The Wall (1979)

Off The Wall is Michael Jackson's best and most underrated album. Boosting a few ballads and groovy dance tunes, this album is amazing and timeless! Michael's music was before its time and no one will ever compare!

Rihanna - Good Girl Gone Bad (2007)

I became a fan of Rihanna's after I heard this album. My ex introduced me to a fews songs and I was hooked after that. "Question Existents" & "Rehab" are stand out tracks for me. The album meshes different genres of music together to create a cohesive classic album.

Teedra Moses - Complex Simplicity (2004)

Never heard of Teedra Moses until Christmas 2006, my cousin played her album in the car while we were in Baltimore and I fell in love. To this day I still play this album once a month. Teedra's lyrics are so raw and her beautiful voice paints a vivid picture. Her lyrical content is so relatable to everyday situations in love.

Honorable Mention:

Mariah Carey - The Emancipation of Mimi

Jill Scott - Who Is Jill Scott? Vol. I

Janet Jackson - The Velvet Rope

Jay-Z - The Black Album

Dwele - Some Kinda...

T.I. - Urban Legends

Usher - Confessions

Beyonce - B'Day

LEAVE A COMMENT AND LET ME KNOW WHAT YOU THINK?!