Rap-Up.com || Rap-Up’s 10 Best Albums of 2011

It’s one thing to put out a great single, but it’s even harder to compose an album that will stand the test of time. 2011 was a strong year for duos (The Throne, Bad Meets Evil), emerging talents (Frank Ocean, Kendrick Lamar, and The Weeknd), and superstar acts (Beyoncé, Chris Brown, and Rihanna).

Drake took a gamble with the emotive Take Care and it paid off, J. Cole lived up to the hype with his celebrated debut Cole World: The Sideline Story, Frank Ocean turned his free album Nostalgia, Ultra into one of the year’s best, and Adele outsold everyone while earning praise from critics.

Find out which 10 albums rocked our world in 2011.

10. Rihanna – Talk That Talk

9. Chris Brown – F.A.M.E.

8. The Weeknd – House of Balloons

7. Kendrick Lamar – Section.80

6. J. Cole – Cole World: The Sideline Story

5. Beyoncé – 4

4. Drake – Take Care

3. Adele – 21

2. Frank Ocean – Nostalgia, Ultra

1. Jay-Z & Kanye West – Watch the Throne

What were your favorite albums of 2011? Sound off below.

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163 Comments

Peter
January 5th, 2012 at 7:30 am
This is a very good compilation. Spot on!

[Reply]
Lauryn Reply:
January 5th, 2012 at 10:16 am
@Peter, Beyonce’s Album Should Be Second. Frank Ocean’s Isn’t even an album for f*ck sake and Oh please. Drake & Rihanna on the List – Drake Sounds the same and so does rihanna.

[Reply]
coolio Reply:
January 5th, 2012 at 12:36 pm
@Lauryn, Shut up! Even if it’s a mixtape it still counts because you still listen to it and there’s songs on it :P

[Reply]
thecool Reply:
January 5th, 2012 at 1:04 pm
@coolio, second, good list

[Reply]
Lauryn Reply:
January 5th, 2012 at 2:28 pm
@coolio, B*tch. It said best album, for f*ck sake

[Reply]
WatchTheThrone Reply:
January 5th, 2012 at 6:45 pm
@Lauryn, jeez you really need chill out… it’s a list, not a set of rules to live by.
and if mixtapes are all included thursday and echoes of silence should be on here.

[Reply]
Actually Reply:
January 5th, 2012 at 7:15 pm
@Lauryn, Actualy Def Jame Released it as an Album. =)

[Reply]
chris shorts Reply:
January 9th, 2012 at 7:35 pm
@Lauryn, if you want to get technical after releasing it as a mix-tape and seeing the positive response it was released as an ep which is technically and album. drake did mixtape so far gone was able to reach the amazing accomplishment as well

[Reply]
nice guy
January 5th, 2012 at 7:32 am
Nostalgia, Ultra is a good album, but i don’t consider it one of the 10 best of the last year…

[Reply]
Lauryn Reply:
January 5th, 2012 at 2:28 pm
@nice guy, Second/ I could listen to it again!

[Reply]
Lauryn Reply:
January 5th, 2012 at 3:53 pm
@Lauryn, I couldn’t**

[Reply]
Rechee
January 5th, 2012 at 7:36 am
I agree with this list; very nice.

[Reply]
Chaunsey
January 5th, 2012 at 7:40 am
Lol wheres Stink Friday?

[Reply]
nunya Reply:
January 5th, 2012 at 8:02 am
@Chaunsey, PINK friday came out in 2012 dumbfuck!

[Reply]
Whatcha_Sayin Reply:
January 5th, 2012 at 8:19 am
@Chaunsey, PINK Friday is a 2010 album

[Reply]
nunya Reply:
January 5th, 2012 at 8:29 am
@Chaunsey, pink friday came out in 2012 dummy

[Reply]
Rap* Reply:
January 5th, 2012 at 8:43 am
@nunya,

lol i know, it was a mistake but damn u called him dummy but u said 2012. lol

[Reply]
nunya Reply:
January 5th, 2012 at 9:27 am
@Rap*, well yall still know what i meant! *2010

[Reply]
Tamar Reply:
January 5th, 2012 at 9:05 am
@Chaunsey, PINK friday came out in 2010 so OFC it wouldn’t be in the best 2011 albums. Read it again and have a seat.

[Reply]
Puma
January 5th, 2012 at 7:41 am
Agree with this list!

[Reply]
boonella34
January 5th, 2012 at 7:42 am
There is more than one album on here that I do not agree with and the fact that Jill Scott didn’t make the list??? Ummm no.

[Reply]
dropoutBear
January 5th, 2012 at 7:44 am
i think Section.80 should be the second…

[Reply]
commanderofthedancefloor
January 5th, 2012 at 7:51 am
umm was house of balloons a mixtape? i would just substitute that with lupe fiasco lasers, other than that good list oh but i would switch switch some odf them

[Reply]
StrangerInMyHouse
January 5th, 2012 at 7:56 am
seriously people I don’t get it why Rihanna is always in those lists. she has absolutely no credibility to herself. she is an industry puppet just like Britney Spears and people dig her no matter what. I just don’t get it.
The music hasn’t been good before Good Girl Gone Bad and got worse after. and all those features on artists albums are pure marketing strategy. I can’t believe you get fooled so easily.
Talk That Talk is one of the most blatant monotonous albums I have heard (except WFL), but c’mon, really. she is NO great artist and has never been.

[Reply]
Q Reply:
January 5th, 2012 at 7:58 am
@StrangerInMyHouse, Haha,I know the person compiling these lists like Rihanna alot!

[Reply]
nunya Reply:
January 5th, 2012 at 8:31 am
@StrangerInMyHouse, rite no shade but its not that good of an album!

[Reply]
GottaBeMusic Reply:
January 5th, 2012 at 9:12 am
@StrangerInMyHouse, Agree 100%. She only goes with what is popular.

[Reply]
Ayoo Reply:
January 5th, 2012 at 12:35 pm
@GottaBeMusic, shows how much you know. Take your ignorant ass jealous hating asses on somewhere. She had a great year, released good shit this year. That’s why she made these lists. Rapup been doing this for years. They know what they doing.

[Reply]
Cranberry Reply:
January 5th, 2012 at 10:26 am
@StrangerInMyHouse, lol. Neither Rihanna nor Britney Spears are puppets. Let me guess, R&B stan who probably thinks Beyonce is God’s gift to everyone, right? Am I right? I’m right.

[Reply]
StrangerInMyHouse Reply:
January 6th, 2012 at 12:24 am
@Cranberry, people who are able to read and understand would know I’m not a huge Beyoncé fan *rolleyes*

[Reply]
jazzy
January 5th, 2012 at 8:01 am
@StrangerInMyHouse, agreed i was so frustrating that ppl dont get that

[Reply]
StrangerInMyHouse
January 5th, 2012 at 8:03 am
what really surprised me this year is Beyoncé – I couldn’t stand her for a long time after DIL was hyped to the max and B’Day was such a shitty album and she was everywhere, but 4 really appealed to me. it’s not perfect from start to finish, but has some awesome tracks (BTINH, LOT, Party and not to forget the bonusses are so much better than some album tracks) – and I imagined the worst after hearing RTW for the 1st time because I hate this track.

when it comes to pure r&B 4 would be my pick, but overall (I know this is an r&B site, but you got Adele on the list, so there are other genres recognised) I think Sophie Ellis-Bextor made one of the best albums of the year. Make A Scene is almost perect. also Pixie Lott pleased me once again.

a bit surprise was the new Aqua album which was quite enjoyable, and a big bad failure was Born This Way (although You And I is genious – but because of the production, I always imagined Shania Twain singing it because of Mutt Langes typical countrysound production).

[Reply]
Q
January 5th, 2012 at 8:06 am
the list is good I just disagree with the order atleast the top 6 anyway.

1.Adele 21 – not just sales but critics and fans praised this masterpiece.

2.Take Care Drake-not a fan but give credit were its due.

3.Beyonce 4- she always puts out quality and her voice is good.

4.Chris brown Fame- Good album with music from all genres.
5.WTT- Alright but I’m kinda in the Shady 2.0 camp.
6.I really dont know who to put here…guess its average from here down.

[Reply]
ChrissyT Reply:
January 9th, 2012 at 2:06 pm
@Q, correction Beyonce has YET to put out a quality album from start to finish. She doesnt deserve top 3, as she didnt on their list.

[Reply]
ChrissyT Reply:
January 9th, 2012 at 2:07 pm
I’m just glad yall were smart enough to know that Nostalgia Ultra was an amazing album and it definitely deserves the number two spot!!

[Reply]
OUTRAGE OUTZILLA
January 5th, 2012 at 8:16 am
Good choice on the top 10 especially putting The Weeknd on that’s decent

[Reply]
BreezyLover
January 5th, 2012 at 8:23 am
Chris Brown only 9th?! come on! it is a great album

[Reply]
nunya
January 5th, 2012 at 8:28 am
My list
15 House Of Ballons- The Weeknd
14. Echoes Of Silence- The Weeknd
13. No Deal On Chill- Doughboyz Cashout
12. Here I Am- Kelly Rowland
11. Mac & Devin Go To High School- Snoop & Wiz
10. 4- Beyonce
9. Cole World The Sideline Story- J cole
8. Watch The Throne- Ye & Jay
7. I Remember Me- Jennifer Hudson
6. The Carter IV- Lil Wayne
5. Rolling Papers- Wiz Khalifa
4. Ambition- Wale
3.Thug Motivation 103- Hustlers Ambition- Jeezy
2. Take Care- Drake
1. F.A.M.E.- Chris Brown

Now I know i chose a lot of hip hop albums but i feel it was a good year for hip hop. I know i did 15 but these are albums i just cannot live without! my only problem with talk that talk was it was sorta repetitive in ALL the songs. But i LOVE LOVE LOVE FAME!I CANNOT WAIT FOR FORTUNE! CHRIS DO YA THANG #TEAMMINAJ #TEAMCIARA

[Reply]
GottaBeMusic Reply:
January 5th, 2012 at 9:13 am
@nunya, AMEN!

[Reply]
Mau Reply:
January 5th, 2012 at 2:11 pm
@nunya, Tha Carter IV? Really?

[Reply]
nunya Reply:
January 6th, 2012 at 8:29 am
@Mau, im a hip hop fan! must say wasnt his best work but i like a lot of the songs on there

[Reply]
Yeezy & Hov Reply:
January 7th, 2012 at 7:45 am
@nunya, your list is bullshit

[Reply]
Thats real
January 5th, 2012 at 8:30 am
clearly Lil Wayne has fell all the way offf…. highest selling rap album this year and was the wackest composition of music to date. btw Frank Ocean should be 3. and Adle should be 2. I agree with Watch the Throne…it did me justice!

[Reply]
Sergio Matoz
January 5th, 2012 at 8:32 am
in my opinion miss right here at this poll 2 albuns

Lil Wayne – Tha Carter IV
Game – RED Album

[Reply]
and Reply:
January 5th, 2012 at 9:32 am
@Sergio Matoz, I do agree that Lil Wayne should have been in the list, his album did out sell Jay & Kanye’s. Big Sean & Wiz had good albums also.

[Reply]
OGLOVE90
January 5th, 2012 at 8:34 am
1. The Weeknd – HOB
2. Kendrick Lamar – Section.80
3. Bon Iver – Bon Iver
4. Frank Ocean – Nostalgia
5. J.Cole – Sideline Story
6. Adele – 21
7. Jay Z & Kanye West – Watch The Throne
8. James Blake – James Blake
9. Mayer Hawthorne – How Do You Do
10. Jhene Aiko – Sailing Souls

[Reply]
John Ian
January 5th, 2012 at 8:35 am
Amazing list !! I would just switch Adele’s 21 by James Blake record

[Reply]
Daire
January 5th, 2012 at 8:40 am
RED Album shuld be on this

[Reply]
me Reply:
January 5th, 2012 at 8:46 am
@Daire, +1

[Reply]
GlenJ Reply:
January 5th, 2012 at 8:51 am
@Daire, RED ALBUM WAS A JOKE LOL. I use to be a huge Game fan back in his Documentary days, now he is washed up. It was packed full of features, crap album.

[Reply]
Olooo
January 5th, 2012 at 8:56 am
10. Wiz Khalifa – Rolling Papers
09. Cher Lloyd – Sticks + Stones
08. Avril Lavigne – Goodbye Lullaby
07. The Lonely Island – Turtleneck & Chain
06. Rihanna – Talk That Talk
05. Taio Cruz – TY.O
04. Beyoncé – 4
03. Britney Spears – Femme Fatale
02. Lady GaGa – Born This Way
01. David Guetta – Nothing But The Beat

[Reply]
Miszi
January 5th, 2012 at 8:57 am
Good list, ofcourse I don’t agree fully but most of the albums well deserved to be on it.

[Reply]
Ice
January 5th, 2012 at 9:06 am
Nobody recognized “Finally Famous”, I thought that was a great debut album.

[Reply]
Triniti
January 5th, 2012 at 9:16 am
I respect Rap-Up’s assessment a hell of a lot more than that of those idiots over at hiphopdx. But, seriously, rap-up, let’s put bias to the side and give credit where credit is due.

21>Nostaliga,Ultra>WTT

Cole World>4>Take Care

[Reply]
Audrey Hepburn
January 5th, 2012 at 9:24 am
So how is Drake above J. Cole and Chris directly above Rihanna in rank? #SuperShade :)

[Reply]
Jfenty Reply:
January 5th, 2012 at 10:15 am
@Audrey Hepburn, Rihanna’s #TTT album came out in November.

[Reply]
Audrey Hepburn Reply:
January 5th, 2012 at 11:11 am
@Jfenty, I know that lol. But why is she #10 and Chris is #9 ? #TTT was so much better than F.A.M.E. The list is going in ascending order of the best -I’m assuming (hence 10-1), not order of album release date.

[Reply]
say it Reply:
January 5th, 2012 at 12:01 pm
@Audrey Hepburn, Are you serious, why does it matter where her album is as long as it made the list. But it’s a big deal because Chris Brown’s is no.9 and her’s is no.10. If her album hadn’t made the list you’d be bitching! And for the record, Chris Brown’s F.A.M.E. is a good album, why are you so hell bent on the Rihanna vs. Chris Brown or vice versa, I mean really!

[Reply]
Audrey Hepburn Reply:
January 5th, 2012 at 1:10 pm
@say it, Well dear, I see you cared enough to respond to my comment so thanks for the support.

You like many are sadly confused. “Hell bent?” “Chris Brown vs. Rihanna?” ARE YOU SERIOUS? If there was any “bitching” in the room, it would be coming straight from your mouth. You’re the one that seems bothered with all of those exclamation point you’re slinging around. Get it together. ASAP. It’s just an matter of opinion, dear :Q

[Reply]
and Reply:
January 5th, 2012 at 3:22 pm
@say it, I so agree with you, it is really stupid how people will make a mountain out of a mull-hill over something so stupid. Both albums are good, I don’t think it should matter that hers is above he’s, they both made the list. Aw & for the record, I’m not confused. I think you make a very good point, you hit a nerve with the person above, the reason for the smart ass comment.

[Reply]
Audrey Hepburn Reply:
January 5th, 2012 at 4:19 pm
@and, Take a number… You’re one of many. Just make sure you go to the back of the line with that. Thanks. :)

say it Reply:
January 5th, 2012 at 7:59 pm
@and, Thank you, yet this stupid ass person is trying to say I’m bitching, sounds to me they are the ones bitching, they comment on anybody that response isn’t what they want to hear! Sounds like a childish ass idiot to me!

Audrey Hepburn Reply:
January 5th, 2012 at 10:01 pm
@say it, … and you sound like a ghetto piece of sh*t. Maybe if you urban clowns would stop replying to someone’s opinion you wouldn’t have these issues. SMH. Little minnow. lol

[Reply]
say it Reply:
January 6th, 2012 at 1:10 pm
@Audrey Hepburn, No bitch, that’s what you sound like, a dunb ass ghetto bitch, you must be worried about my opinion and anybody else’s. Get a life bitch!

say it Reply:
January 6th, 2012 at 2:10 pm
@Audrey Hepburn, And you sound like a dumb ass ghetto bitch, can’t even understand your dumb ass comment. You must be worried about my comment and anybody else’s And as far as issues, you are the one that has issues, I can tell all you do is sit around on Rap Up all day and all night. Get a job bitch, I’m tired of them taking money out of my hard earned money to support your lazy ass!

Audrey Hepburn Reply:
January 6th, 2012 at 6:47 pm
@say it, HAHA. I see I’m witnessing you in your jungle state. Maybe you should seek out counseling or treatment with your issues sweetie.

… Oh, And tell your filthy mother to to pull her funky panties up after she has been beaten with those huge penises she loves to swallow so much. Thanks dear. :) LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOLL

[Reply]
HELLYEAH Reply:
January 5th, 2012 at 12:03 pm
@Audrey Hepburn, LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOL@ #TTT better than F.A.M.E..

i like some songs of TTT but better than F.A.M.E and i aint even a stan for chris brown

[Reply]
HELLYEAH Reply:
January 5th, 2012 at 12:05 pm
@HELLYEAH, But better than FAME hell noo**

[Reply]
Audrey Hepburn Reply:
January 5th, 2012 at 1:25 pm
@HELLYEAH, zzzzzzzzzz………
The Truth
January 5th, 2012 at 9:24 am
10. Jay Z & Kanye West – Watch The Throne
9. Jay Z & Kanye West – Watch The Throne
8. Jay Z & Kanye West – Watch The Throne
7. Jay Z & Kanye West – Watch The Throne
6. Jay Z & Kanye West – Watch The Throne
5. Jay Z & Kanye West – Watch The Throne
4. Jay Z & Kanye West – Watch The Throne
3. Jay Z & Kanye West – Watch The Throne
2. Jay Z & Kanye West – Watch The Throne
1. Jay Z & Kanye West – Watch The Throne

[Reply]
A Realist Reply:
January 6th, 2012 at 6:23 am
@The Truth, Um, this is what we call ‘Doing way too much.’

[Reply]
Audrey Hepburn
January 5th, 2012 at 9:33 am
Ms. Hepburn’s Best of ’11:

10. The Roots “undun”
9. Adele “21″
8. Lady Gaga “Born This Way”
7. Moby “Destroyed”
6. Little Dragon “Ritual Union”
5. Childish Gambino “Camp”
4. Wale “Ambition”
3. Rihanna “Talk That Talk”
2. Common “The Dreamer, The Believer”
1. Lenny Kravitz “Black and White America”

[Reply]
KillBill Reply:
January 5th, 2012 at 12:14 pm
@Audrey Hepburn, 9 OF THOSE ALBUMS ARE CRAP!!

[Reply]
Audrey Hepburn Reply:
January 5th, 2012 at 1:22 pm
@KillBill, Thanks for the love dumpling!

On another note, you’re such a blockhead. lol As if YOUR KIND would even know of half of these artists and these albums. Pfth! I feel sorry for you, babe. :(

BTW, since you love opening that wide mouth so much, why isn’t Bey due in Feb like all you idiots said she would? Just curious.

Stay cute! or in your case…. loose. lol

[Reply]
KaramelKisses Reply:
January 5th, 2012 at 3:43 pm
@Audrey Hepburn, What does B’s due date have to do w/ the post at hand? You compiled a good list but the fact that you are trying to put Ri in the category of greats (like Lenny, Moby & The Roots) and greats in training like (Adele, Gaga & Common) confirms that fact that you are slow as in short, yellow bus or government mandated monthly check.

[Reply]
Audrey Hepburn Reply:
January 5th, 2012 at 4:36 pm
@KaramelKisses, Ohh! I see someone’s off of their medication. You better re-up before it’s TOO LATE. LOL.

In other news, welcome back dear. I missed you & your trifling commentary lol. Now that the gang’s all here, I let you and that other slut puppy in on something:

I know you love me, and I love you more! :) So there’s no need to hate yourself any longer. Let go of the trashy behavior and act like a civilized human being, not a cyber thug apewoman. Hating is so 2011… #updateyouroccupation

I think Bey’s due date is very relevant seeing that her little cheap defenders (Kill Bill, KaramelKisses, and other insignificant hoes) chose to play “Internet
Gang Bang” with their profuse swearing and claims of her being due in Feb. So what happened KK, You didn’t drop the ball, did you? You know Bey wouldn’t appreciate such raggedy representation. lol

KaramelKisses New Years Resolution:

Stay on meds & birth control and keep it together. :) XOXOXO

Love,

Ms. H

[Reply]
KaramelKisses Reply:
January 5th, 2012 at 8:03 pm
@Audrey Hepburn, How did I know that you would comment in 30 minutes or less? Ah, because you have NO life but trolling posts on rapup.com. I know you missed me and I also know you love me from the way you stalk me on different posts you pathetic, lesser bastard. By the way, I’m far to blessed to hate sweetie because unlike you I have a life (a career, a husband, family & friends that love & adore me). Back to the question at hand, what does B’s due date have to do w/ a post regarding the “best” albums of 2011? I can tell that you are a Rihanna fan/stan because you, like her, deflect. P.S. I don’t make New Year’s resolutions but you should, let me help you out: I, Audrey Hepburn, vow to be less of an asshole.
dia
January 5th, 2012 at 9:33 am
1. Take Care
2. Adele 21
3. Watch the Throne
4. Talk that Talk
5. “4″

[Reply]
KaramelKisses Reply:
January 5th, 2012 at 3:44 pm
@dia, TTT above 4 … NEVER in this lifetime!

[Reply]
Audrey Hepburn Reply:
January 5th, 2012 at 9:04 pm
@KaramelKisses, This Just In: You are a raging psycho and a terrible liar.

1) I stalk you? No bright one, you always REPLY to MY COMMENTS.
2) “30 minutes or less?” Learn how to add, fool. 30 minutes & 53 minutes are two totally different time values. DUH.
3) I don’t hit the reply link to ppl’s stand alone comments. Everytime I reply to someone, it’s because they have decided to question or critique my opinion on a comment that I am entitled to post. Get it together. lol

For Example:

YOU felt the need to REPLY to “Ms. Hepburn’s Best of ’11.” You could have kept it moving. I could care less about your comments or what you think about what I listen to, my love. Who criticizes someone’s personal music tastes and jokingly references the mentally challenged because they don’t like Rihanna? AN UGLY, TRAGIC PERSON, that’s who. I don’t go behind every post you comment on and criticize your opinions. You and Kill Bill always REPLY to my comments. You are both PATHETIC lol. If I say anything about Beyonce, here you two are to start gapping those ghetto mouths of yours. FYI, I’m not anyone’s “stan” sweetie. But nice try – not! LOL

And I see you’ve started to call people “dear” in your replies to their comments – so I see you have been coping Ms. Hepburn. Silly puppet. Haha :)

BTW, a pimp is not a “husband” and performing fellatio on random men is not a “career.” Your “friends” (if they even exist) probably feel sorry for you and know you are a delusional, drama-loving doggie. Take it easy!

Love,

Audrey XOXOXO :)

[Reply]
KaramelKisses Reply:
January 7th, 2012 at 1:28 pm
@Audrey Hepburn, You don’t stalk me but here you are commenting when I made a statement regarding someone else’s post … mmmm, OK. Now I could be on your level & go however it’s a new day, a new year and I’m so much better than you. #Icant,Iwont!

[Reply]
OKAY
January 5th, 2012 at 9:40 am
10. Wale- Ambition
09. Kelly Clarkson- Stronger
08. Take Care- Drake
07. Chris Brown- F.A.M.E.
06. Jay-Z & Kanye West- Watch The Throne
05. J.Cole- Sideline Story
04. Lady Antebellum- Own the Night
03. Frank Ocean- Nostalgia, Ultra
02. Adele- 21
01. Beyonce- 4

[Reply]
Donn
January 5th, 2012 at 9:41 am
MORE LIKE BEST URBAN ALBUMS. NO COLDPLAY? NO TUNE-YARD? HIPHOP AND R&B ISNT tHE ONLY GENRE OUT….

[Reply]
Stre3t Danc@ Reply:
January 5th, 2012 at 9:47 am
@Donn, this is RAP-UP.com, dumba$$.

[Reply]
d Reply:
January 5th, 2012 at 1:45 pm
@Stre3t Danc@, lol hahahahah how do they even find this site :)

[Reply]
dropoutBear Reply:
January 5th, 2012 at 1:32 pm
@Donn, Coldplay’s album is 2nd for me in 2011 after WTT

[Reply]
Stre3t Danc@
January 5th, 2012 at 9:46 am
F.A.M.E. #1 FOREVER

[Reply]
topshelf
January 5th, 2012 at 9:51 am
What are these the top radio Albums of the year get real

Huge FAIL

Except for Frank Ocean & Adele

[Reply]
Drizzy Reply:
January 5th, 2012 at 4:30 pm
@topshelf, come on man, don’t trip by saying “top radio albums” and then singling out adele. frank ocean, the weeknd and kendrick lamar are definitely not radio. j cole JUST started getting radio play. and 4 and Take Care were critically acclaimed albums. sure there were many other albums to choose from, but this is a committee of a few choosing the many great albums of the year.

[Reply]
Replay
January 5th, 2012 at 9:59 am
Hello na… you put The Weeknd but not Jason Derulo – Future History or Taio Cruz????

[Reply]
DrakeNickiOVO
January 5th, 2012 at 10:06 am
1. Drake – Take Care
That’s it!

[Reply]
Jfenty
January 5th, 2012 at 10:10 am
Congrats to Rihanna her album barely came out and it made the list!! #RihannaNavy

[Reply]
rave
January 5th, 2012 at 10:28 am
1. Drake – Take Care
2. Kendrick Lemar – Section 80
3. J Cole – Cole World: Sideline Story
4. The Throne – Watch The Throne
5. Frank Ocean – Nostalgia, Ultra
6. Adele – 21
7. The Weeknd – House of Balloons
8. Chris Brown – F.A.M.E
9. A$AP Rocky – Live Love A$AP
10.Beyonce – 4

so happy that Carter 4 is not in anyone’s top 10 as it was so poor.

[Reply]
Kayla
January 5th, 2012 at 10:29 am
Y’all put Drake over J.Cole and Kendrick Lamar.Really?

[Reply]
me
January 5th, 2012 at 10:41 am
4 ALL DAY!!!!!!!!

[Reply]
plz
January 5th, 2012 at 10:42 am
@kayla yes, that’s some bullshit Rap-Up…

[Reply]
GetOffMySack
January 5th, 2012 at 10:47 am
WATCH THE THRONE, TAKE CARE, & 4 are the top three

[Reply]
callmemontana
January 5th, 2012 at 10:54 am
Y U NO PUT DRAKE 1st ????

[Reply]
cece
January 5th, 2012 at 11:03 am
“4″ should’ve been wayyyyyyyyyyyy higher than 5 wtf. #wtt was not all that good niggas in paris, what you need and i can’t stop were the only hits. it just had an alot of hype cuz it was kanye and jay. the are REAL LYRICALIST out there that can rap circles aroung kanye and jay.

[Reply]
Fanny
January 5th, 2012 at 11:09 am
no born this way? wow lool :P

[Reply]
jenn
January 5th, 2012 at 11:12 am
No Miguel?

[Reply]
iamtravistyson
January 5th, 2012 at 11:19 am
My Top albums of 2011
1.Beyonce 4
2.Adele 21
3.Diddy-Dirty Money Last Train To Paris
4.Lady GaGa Born This Way
5.Frank Ocean
6.Dawn Richard A Tell Tale Heart(free album)
7.Demi Lovato Unbroken
8.Dia Frampton Red

[Reply]
nnn
January 5th, 2012 at 11:19 am
wtt is pice of shit

[Reply]
SHITEOUS !
January 5th, 2012 at 11:43 am
Beyoncé defenetly has the best album of all , then WTT & Adele …

[Reply]
Jay
January 5th, 2012 at 11:59 am
My personal favorite album of last year would have to be Beyonce’s “4.” Vocally, lyrically, production…just amazing! Chris Brown’s “F.A.M.E.” for sure is most definitely one of my favorites as well. And although I could do without all the cursing and overly sexed songs on Rihanna’s “Talk That Talk,” I gotta say she put out some really great music. I absolutely love the other tracks on that album. I haven’t heard Adele’s album, but from what I’ve heard off the album I’m impressed. She’s amazing! Even though Mumford & Sons’ was from 2010, that is one of my all time favorites of last year, which is kinda when they starting breaking out. Another great one would be, Needtobreathe’s “The Reckoning.” STILL though, Beyonce’s 4 took the cake for me. :)

[Reply]
Jay
January 5th, 2012 at 12:02 pm
…also, I’m slowing becoming a fan of Drake. The song Take Care is one of the best collaborations of last year. We need a video for that one. Love that song!

[Reply]
Ayoo
January 5th, 2012 at 12:38 pm
I agree with this list. Idk why people still pressed over rihanna though. Yall letting her control your lives, hating aint healthy

[Reply]
Ray Reply:
January 5th, 2012 at 7:38 pm
@Ayoo, strongly agree, they talk about her so much she must b doing something right

[Reply]
JJ
January 5th, 2012 at 12:47 pm
How exciting!! Another list with Watch The Throne at the top!! WOW!

[Reply]
Kyle
January 5th, 2012 at 1:20 pm
Here are my favorites of the year:
1. Jill Scott- The Light of the Sun (such a great R&B album from start to finish)
2. Beyonce- 4
3. Marsha Ambrosious- Late Night & Early Mornings (Her voice is amazing and she is a great songwriter too. Recognize ‘REAL’ R&B.)
4. Robin Thicke- Love After War (He never disappoints.)
5. Beastie Boys- The Hot Sauce Commitee (Love the production on this)
6. Adele- 21
7. Raphael Sadiq- Stone Rollin’ (throwback soul)
8. Lady Gaga- Born This Way
9. Drake- Take Care
10. Jay-Z/Kanye West- Watch The Throne

[Reply]
seandretta
January 5th, 2012 at 1:31 pm
yasss Frank Ocean, Nostalgia, Ultra is one of the BEST! Don’t think Watch The Throne deserves the TOP spot tho. I love the album tho

[Reply]
az-ddin chaknat
January 5th, 2012 at 1:54 pm
Carter IV

[Reply]
gotti
January 5th, 2012 at 2:11 pm
my pick:
1. Kanye West & Jay-Z – Watch The Throne
2. J. Cole – Cole World: The Sideline Story
3. Kendrick Lamar – Section.80
4. Saigon – The Greatest Story Never Told
5. Childish Gambino – Camp
6. Killer Mike – Pl3dge
7. Young Jeezy – TM:103 Hustlerz Ambition
8. DJ Quik – The Book of David
9. Jay Rock – Follow Me Home
10. Evidence – Cats & Dogs

[Reply]
B*tches In Paris Reply:
January 6th, 2012 at 10:36 pm
@gotti, I love your list !

[Reply]
Real Issh
January 5th, 2012 at 3:07 pm
1) Beyonce “4″
2) Throne “WTT”
3) Frank Ocean “Nostalgia Ultra & Lonny Breaux”
4) J. Cole “Cole World”
5) Drake “Take Care”
6) The Weeknd “Echoes of Silence”
7) Adele “21″

F.A.M.E , Paramore & The Fray’s albums , A$AP Rocky & Ambition are honorable mentions .

[Reply]
brainfood.com Reply:
January 6th, 2012 at 12:30 pm
@Real Issh,

I like ya style. I ain’t know you like Paramore and The Fray. Nice!

I stand corrected in my previous belief that par-up bloggers don’t know good music.

[Reply]
brainfood.com Reply:
January 6th, 2012 at 12:32 pm
@brainfood.com,

Yes. I did say par-up…but you know I meant rap-up…multi-taskin’ is the devil.

[Reply]
B*tches In Paris Reply:
January 6th, 2012 at 10:36 pm
@Real Issh, I agree with this 100% !

[Reply]
Alex
January 5th, 2012 at 3:45 pm
what about Childish Gambino’s Camp?

[Reply]
bb
January 5th, 2012 at 4:03 pm
RIHANNA !!!!
loud and talk that talk

[Reply]
malikMJdope
January 5th, 2012 at 4:57 pm
These Albums are the best

[Reply]
Brionna
January 5th, 2012 at 4:58 pm
No Born This Way???

[Reply]
Beyonce is desperate Reply:
January 5th, 2012 at 6:49 pm
@Brionna, I know this list is based on opinions. Beyonce “4″ was hot garbage!

[Reply]
KaramelKisses Reply:
January 5th, 2012 at 8:04 pm
@Beyonce is desperate, No dear, that’s the smell wafting up from your p*ssy!

[Reply]
sar23 Reply:
February 6th, 2012 at 3:55 pm
@KaramelKisses,”4″ sure LMFAO

[Reply]
Agreed Reply:
January 5th, 2012 at 7:06 pm
@Brionna, I know. How does Talk that Talk make it and not Born This Way. I like Rihanna, but I felt like she rushed this album.

@Beyonce is desperate, 4 was Beyonce’s best album vocally in my opinion, but to each their own.

[Reply]
Neon
January 5th, 2012 at 7:02 pm
I love the list, Rap-Up.

[Reply]
xx
January 5th, 2012 at 7:04 pm
very predictable

[Reply]
Ray
January 5th, 2012 at 7:37 pm
WHY yall trippin’ these are RAP-U’s opinion of favorite albums not yours..smh

[Reply]
KB
January 5th, 2012 at 7:39 pm
By the way talk that talk is a good album, it’s just not the best,buut those ballads on their are deep

[Reply]
hiiipower
January 5th, 2012 at 9:31 pm
Really????Jay and Yeezy above Kendrick<come on section.80 classic

[Reply]
andrew williams
January 6th, 2012 at 1:58 am
i think yelawolf radioactive was deffo the big surprise albums of 2011 and im from the UK so il REP professor green at your inconvenience Y’all should check that shit out

[Reply]
#TeamBreezy
January 6th, 2012 at 2:49 am
Personally I think F.A.M.E Should be atleast on the top 5

[Reply]
Hugh
January 6th, 2012 at 4:38 am
Agree!

This list is pretty spot on.

Bad Meets Evil would be in my top 10. And RED aswell.

[Reply]
THE R.E.D ALBUM KOSOVO
January 6th, 2012 at 5:41 am
Number One Album Is R.E.D ALBUM :)

[Reply]
A Realist
January 6th, 2012 at 6:21 am
21 >>>> Watch The Throne.

And LMAO at Talk That Talk “standing the test of time” and being on ANYONE’s “Best of” list. You tried that, Rap-Up.

[Reply]
Mitchell ballah
January 6th, 2012 at 7:05 am
Mixtapes should not be on the list just albums

[Reply]
Can I hit it in the morning
January 6th, 2012 at 8:06 am
Great list but they should have left frank ocean and the weekends albums off the list. Both were great but more mixtapes then albums. I was happy Chris brown was on the list he put out good music is year. I think beyonce and drakes album should swap spots with Adele and wtt. I think wale and Bon iver should be on the list, Rihanna should not be on the list and Kendrick Lamar should be higher.

[Reply]
What??!!!
January 6th, 2012 at 9:56 am
Again mainstream albums making the list and real R&B albums forgotten!!! Though I like some albums of your list
Where are robin thicke’s “love after war”, anthony hamilton’s “back to love”,carl thomas’ “conquer”?!
MJB’s new album is not really amazing, still it is far better than rihanna’s crap! sorry

[Reply]
What??!!!
January 6th, 2012 at 10:04 am
I forgot to name raphael saadiq, marsha ambrosius,jill scott,… They all could have been in this list instead of rihanna.

[Reply]
move on Reply:
January 6th, 2012 at 10:12 am
@What??!!!, we get it, you don’t like rihanna. it’s not your list. get over it.

[Reply]
What??!!! Reply:
January 6th, 2012 at 11:21 am
@move on, I don’t hate rihanna, i’m not a fan that’s true but there some songs that I like from her. I’m just saying that it’s a shame that a site mainly about R&B music doesn’t include real R&B/soul albums in its list. That’s all! These are not my favourite albums of 2011 but I respect every opinion.

[Reply]
aba
January 6th, 2012 at 10:22 am
DAFUQ IS RIHTARDA DOING THERE??? JOKE!!!

I’M TIRED OF ELEPHANTELE!

4 & WTT >>>>>>>>>>

[Reply]
B. Shawnte
January 6th, 2012 at 12:14 pm
I don’t care about position, but Wale’s Ambition should have been on this list SOMEWHERE. And as much as I love Rihanna, bought all six albums since she came out, TTT was not her greatest and definitely didn’t rock my world. I agree with most of the rest (minus The Weeknd and Kendrick Lamar since I don’t have those).

[Reply]
Brittany Shawnte
January 6th, 2012 at 12:16 pm
I don’t care about position, but Ambition and Late Nights & Early Mornings should have been on this list SOMEWHERE. And as much as I love Rihanna, bought all six albums since she came out, TTT was not her greatest and definitely didn’t rock my world. I agree with most of the rest (minus The Weeknd and Kendrick Lamar since I don’t have those).

[Reply]
B*tches In Paris
January 6th, 2012 at 10:45 pm
My list ..

1: Jayz & Kanye West – Watch The Throne
2: Beyonce – 4
3: J.Cole – Cole World: The SideLine Story
4: Eminem & Royce Da 5’9 – Bad Meets Evil
5: Adele – 21
6: The Weeknd – Echoes of Silence
7: Marsha Ambrosious – Late Night & Early Mornings
8: Lady GaGa – Born This Way
9: Eminem & Royce Da 5’9 – Bad Meets Evil
10: Drake – Take Care

These were some of my favorite albums of 2011 . I actually went out & purchased copies . But I am a huge Ye & Jay fan so anything they make I will most definitely buy . I Think WTT & Cole World were the most lyrical albums of 2011. FUCK The Carter IV glad it didn’t make the list smh !

[Reply]
Shade
January 6th, 2012 at 10:56 pm
Rap Up only listens to popular artists I see…

[Reply]
tomasz
January 7th, 2012 at 2:30 am
1. JAY Z & Kanye West “Watch The Throne”
2. Drake “Take Care”
3. Chris Brown “F.A.M.E.”
4. Frank Ocean “Nostalgia, Ultra”
5. Beyonce “4″
6. Tyler, The Creator “Goblin”
7. Big Sean “Finally Famous”
8. The Weeknd “Thursday”
9. Lloyd “King Of Hearts”
10. Mary J. Blige “My Life II…The Journey Continues (Act 1)”

YEAH!

[Reply]
Kyle Reply:
January 7th, 2012 at 11:12 am
@tomasz, Mary J. Blige’s album is a great album. It’s kind of unfortunate that it didn’t receive the hype her past albums have generated because I think it’s one of her best IMO.

[Reply]
tb
January 7th, 2012 at 9:09 am
totally agree

[Reply]
Polite
January 7th, 2012 at 1:03 pm
My life 2 should definitely be up there.

[Reply]
Polite
January 7th, 2012 at 1:04 pm
& I’m just glad Justin beiber is not up there.

[Reply]
nicegirl
January 8th, 2012 at 4:35 am
Mary J Blige should have been on the list instead of Rihanna. Her album wasn’t a commercial success, but it was better than Rihanna’s. How did Talk That Talk get up there??

Otherwise the list is good.

[Reply]
NET Reply:
July 17th, 2012 at 10:46 am
@nicegirl, It wasn’t a flop either..

[Reply]
Julez
January 8th, 2012 at 2:38 pm
No list is relevant if Femme Fatale is not in it. FAIL.

[Reply]
hdtv
January 9th, 2012 at 1:43 pm
15.liveloveA$AP – ASAP ROCKY
14.follow me home – Jay Rock
13.doggumentary – Snoop Dogg
12.the dreamer the beliver – Common
11.take care – Drake
10.fame – Chris Brown
9.blue slide park – Mac Miller
8.ambition – Wale
7.sideline story – J Cole
6.nostalgia/ultra – Frank Ocean
5.radioactive – Yelawolf
4.rolling papers – Wiz
3.finally famous – Big Sean
2.watch the throne – Jay Z & Kanye West
1.well done 2 – TygaKhalifa

[Reply]
Mr Nice Watch
February 23rd, 2012 at 7:00 pm
Take Care should be knocked of this list. Shit album. so disappointing

[Reply]
Riley
February 26th, 2012 at 5:12 am
Really rap-up?! NOT tha carter 4?!?!?!

[Reply]
ThatIshCray
May 1st, 2012 at 6:23 pm
I dont think this list is based on how much it appealed to them or how good it was; just the fact that these are the top 10, becaause Rihanna wouldve been in the top half for most ppl… But mostly I agree with this list :D

[Reply]
!!
May 4th, 2012 at 3:27 pm
MY LIST PEOPLEEE:
10. The weeknd – House of Balloons
9. Adele – 21
8. Chris Brown – F.A.M.E
7. J-cole – Cole world: The Sideline story
6. Wiz Khalifa – Rolling Papers
5. Rihanna – Talk That Talk
4. Frank Ocean – Nostalgia/Ultra
3. Drake – Take Care
2. Beyonce – 4
1. Jay & Kanye – Watch The Throne

[Reply]
swag Reply:
May 17th, 2012 at 4:12 pm
@!!, THANK YOU!

[Reply]
Fury @Furytweets
May 14th, 2012 at 6:11 pm
@! ! I totally agree with your list but I think Take Care should be Number 1…

[Reply]
NET
July 17th, 2012 at 10:45 am
Um… WHERE IS MY LIFE II ???

[Reply]