M.Y.'s Perfect 10: 10 Collaborative Albums That Need To Be Made

With talks that artist albums just aren’t selling the same unless they are Miley Cyrus (according to T-Pain), it was only a matter of time before artists began collaborating not only on singles but on 14+ track albums. We were briefly introduced to what it would sound like if two artists from separate genres collaborated on an album via Jay-Z and R. Kelly. Although that later ended with a failed tour and an alleged bout with pepper spray, it did inspire other artists to combine forces to put out collaborative efforts.

Most recently, rapper Nas teamed up with reggae artist Damien Marley to release their impressive LP Distant Relatives. Not only are there plans for John Legend and The Roots to release a collaborative effort, Questlove of The Roots is gearing up to create a collaborative album with British soul singer Amy Winehouse.

Soon almost all of the popular artist we know will be looking to team up with other artists to put out a collaborative LP.

With that in mind, it sure wouldn’t hurt if this handful of Hip-Hop/R&B artists worked on collaborative albums…

M.Y.'s Perfect 10: The 10 Most Artistic Album Covers

In an age where music fans can get a 10-track album simply by pressing download via their computer, it is clear to see that albums are no longer viewed as items but more so viewed as computer files.

Though I happen to be an iPod lover thanks to me not having to literally flip through CD’s searching for the album I want to listen to at that moment, album art has always been the one thing that I’m always interested in seeing once an artist announces their album release date.

The art on an album cover can either make or break an album. It plays a big part in deciding if one wants to buy or walk right past an album.

Some artists make the mistake of giving the same old, same old when it comes to their albums often times going for the full-frontal face shot or just hitting a really corny pose.

But with the boring, there are the artists that take the album art process to another level. Their artistic expressions oozes on to their covers, producing aesthetically appealing album art never seen before and that has the ability to make you stop in your tracks to do a double take.

M.Y.'s Perfect 10: Top 10 Best R&B Duets

It seems that duets have become a lost art in R&B – a genre it does so well in. I found myself sitting and listening to the radio trying to understand why I felt music was a little dry. And then it occurred to me, there seems to be a shortage of quality duets between quality artists. I’m talking the kind of duets that make it on your list of favorites, the kind that makes you want to close your eyes and forget about your worries for just a minute, the kind of songs you play for that special person….or do people not do that anymore? Well to those that do, here are my top 10 duets (in no particular order) that are the best of the best.

M.Y's Perfect 10: The Top 10 Fantasy R&B Collaborations

Just like Baseball and Football fanatics, we R&B music lovers have an idea of who we would like to see collaborate together on a song. Now, some have suffered the fate of assuming because two singers are kind of a big deal at the moment that they would be ideal on a track. I, on the other, believe that the secret to a great collaboration relies on the artists’ vocal skills, their overall talent, and appeal. Here are M.Y.’s fantasy collabo picks.

Alicia Keys & John Legend

I have been patiently waiting for these two to get together to pour their hearts out on a track to no avail. So, since they haven’t done it yet here’s a little wish in the sky that they will come to their senses and give the fans what they want. They both play the piano and have soulful sultry voices. I could so see them performing their song during the Grammy’s with their pianos facing one another.

Chrisette Michele & Ryan Leslie

Chrisette Michele’s voice is divine and has that special hint of the classic R&B sound to it. Ryan Leslie is a superb producer/singer/songwriter whose voice is ultra original and classy; this match would be one fit for heaven. Chrisette’s adlibs on their track would be ideal.

Mary J. Blige & Keisha Cole

Some have said that Keisha Cole is like Mary J. Blige when Mary first came out. The similarities are clear; when Mary came out with What’s The 411 she had a style to her similar to an around-the-way girl and so did Keisha when she dropped “I Changed My Mind”, multi-colored hair and all. Eventually, Mary grew into her womanhood emerging as a fabulous Diva and Keisha did the same with a change of attitude and style. Keisha has proven that she can handle her own alongside a strong vocal contender like Monica so I know that Keisha on a track with Mary J. Blige would harmonize well.


Beyonce & Rihanna

Some of you are probably thinking, “Beyonce and Rihanna?” Yes, I would love to see these two on a track together. Yes, Beyonce has the tendency to out sing others even when she’s not trying and Rihanna's vocal stability is not the strongest, but I would be interested in seeing what these two could come up with. Their styles seem to be similar these days; touching on the edgy side of R&B. Plus it would be great to see the Diva’s battle it out Dreamgirls style!

Amerie & Ne-Yo

I have been waiting for a ballad from Amerie for some time now and I think that Ne-Yo can bring it out of her. Besides the fact that he is an amazing songwriter, whenever he is on a track with a female singer he knows how to respect her space, giving her the appropriate leeway to get her voice heard; this was made clear by his duet with Rihanna.

Solange & Melanie Fiona

Melanie Fiona, in my opinion, has one of the most soulful voices in the genre today. Solange oozes soul; would it not make sense to have them on a track together? Solange’s edgy style would mix well with Melanie’s contemporary. Judging by their albums, they both have a fondness for the vintage classics making this duet a must.

Keri Hilson & Maxwell

We all know that anything with Maxwell is alright with us. Keri Hilson has a light and fluffy sound to her and so does Maxwell. Hearing them duet together about love would definitely qualify as baby making music plus their sounds are just too sexy.

John Legend & Ne-Yo

There really is no explanation for this collaboration. John Legend brings the music and Ne-Yo can give the words. This could be a modern day Paul McCartney and Stevie Wonder “Ebony and Ivory” but would will be more along the lines of “Chocolate and Cream”.

Ashanti & Trey Songz
Ashanti’s vocal skills have improved a lot over the years. To me, Ashanti could always carry a tune (she just let her nerves get in the way) but according to the general public her voice needed some work. Besides the fact that these two would simply make a cute couple, I think that their voices together would be just as cute. I would be most interested in the video for said fantasy collaboration!

LeToya Luckett & Mario

When I interviewed LeToya a while back, she mentioned that she would not mind doing a duet with Mario. When she first said it I didn’t see the brighter picture but now that I look at it, a duet between the two of them would be pretty cool. A lot of people sleep on Mario’s vocal skills and I could say the same for LeToya. I believe if they hopped on a track together their voices together could make some sweet tunes and garner the attention they deserve.

Who knows, maybe a few of these fantasy collaborations can go on to receive Grammy awards someday; hey, it could happen.

Top 10 R&B Songs of the 90's

I compiled this list of Top R&B Songs of the 90's to deal with this 90's nostalgia I still can't seem to shake, maybe it has something to do with my upcoming born day.

Make sure you head on over to my Examiner R&B column to see if some of your favorite songs made the list and if it didn't feel free to list your favorites.