Rap-Up.com || Kendrick Lamar, Azealia Banks, & Frank Ocean Make TIME’s Top Albums of 2012

It’s that time of the year again when critics start sharing their favorites from the past 12 months. TIME has compiled a list of their top 10 everything including albums and songs.

Kendrick Lamar’s debut good kid, m.A.A.d city comes in at No. 2, with the magazine proclaiming the 25-year-old as “the most promising artist in hip-hop,” while Frank Ocean’s channel ORANGE and Azealia Banks’ 1991 EP also make the cut.

The top songs chart is more surprising. Nicki Minaj’s “Roman in Moscow” didn’t make her album Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded, but it did receive recognition from critics. “This gloriously deranged throwaway encapsulates what’s great about the rapper,” writes TIME.

However, it was Usher who took it to the “Climax” as TIME‘s top song of 2012.

See the full lists below and weigh in with your thoughts.

Top 10 Albums of 2012

1. Fiona Apple, The Idler Wheel…
2. Kendrick Lamar, good kid, m.A.A.d city
3. Frank Ocean, channel ORANGE
4. Dirty Projectors, Swing Lo Magellan
5. Getatchew Mekuria & the Ex & Friends, Y’Anbessaw Tezeta
6. Swans, The Seer
7. Various Artists, Listen, Whitey! The Sounds of Black Power 1967–74
8. The Mountain Goats, Transcendental Youth
9. Azealia Banks, 1991 EP
10. Killer Mike, R.A.P. Music

Top 10 Songs of 2012

1. Usher, “Climax”
2. PSY, “Gangnam Style”
3. Carly Rae Jepsen, “Call Me Maybe”
4. Taylor Swift, “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together”
5. Parquet Courts, “Master of My Craft”
6. Skrillex, “Bangarang”
7. Nicki Minaj, “Roman in Moscow”
8. Pussy Riot, “Putin Lights Up the Fires”
9. The Belle Brigade, “No Time to Think”
10. Can, “Graublau”

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71 Comments

UR2FUNNY
December 5th, 2012 at 7:19 am
Nicki!!! :)

[Reply]
Rassie_Schmits
December 5th, 2012 at 7:20 am
You know this is bogus when Nicki Minaj’s “Roman in Moscow” makes the list. Not that I care for “Starships”, but I’m surprised that didn’t make the list instead.

Does Times even know who Azealia is? I was feelin’ her for a second, but now I’m just over her.

[Reply]
Ana
December 5th, 2012 at 7:23 am
The album list is ok but the song list is awful

[Reply]
DSTROCK Reply:
December 5th, 2012 at 8:07 am
@Ana, But seriously…”Call Me Maybe” and “We Are Never blah blah blah” are probably some of the worst songs put out this year.

[Reply]
BrunoBruno Reply:
December 5th, 2012 at 10:41 am
@Ana, i feel exactly the same

[Reply]
KaramelKisses Reply:
December 6th, 2012 at 6:52 am
@Ana, totally agree! ALL credibility was lost when the list included PSY and Carly Rae Jepson!

[Reply]
dzodzodo Reply:
February 9th, 2013 at 9:56 am
@Ana, machende ako

[Reply]
freeeeep
December 5th, 2012 at 7:26 am
Queen Minaj recognized for a promo single, SLAY!

[Reply]
#teamminaj
December 5th, 2012 at 7:36 am
how and the hell did roman in moscow make the list lmao

[Reply]
Vicki Reply:
December 5th, 2012 at 11:27 am
@#teamminaj, yeah that’s what I was thinking! It was just a promo but oh well :)

[Reply]
Pereezy YMCMB MMG
December 5th, 2012 at 7:43 am
This Lists are full Of Bullshits
Tyga’s Careless world is Much Better than Lamar’s Good kid Mad City.
Iggy Azelea?? Really?? Like, Seriously who tha F**k Bought This Shitty Ep?
hahahaha!!! F**k This List Imma Make My own

[Reply]
#teamminaj Reply:
December 5th, 2012 at 7:44 am
@Pereezy YMCMB MMG, right

[Reply]
Ya Fav 1ne Reply:
December 5th, 2012 at 7:51 am
@Pereezy YMCMB MMG, thats Azealia Bank that not Iggy Azalea lol

Iggy is the Aussie rapper

[Reply]
Pereezy YMCMB MMG Reply:
December 5th, 2012 at 8:03 am
@Pereezy YMCMB MMG, I mean Azelea Banks!

[Reply]
Yogi Reply:
December 5th, 2012 at 8:46 am
@Pereezy YMCMB MMG, Did you really just say Careless World is better than GKMC??… HAHAAHAHHAHAaaa

[Reply]
Outspoken Reply:
December 5th, 2012 at 11:28 am
@Pereezy YMCMB MMG, BWAHAHA you are smoking. Coming from Someone with YMCMB as their name smh Tygas album was wack! Running around lyin talking about hes from Compton and grew up in the Valley!

[Reply]
GTFOH Reply:
December 7th, 2012 at 11:32 am
@Pereewzy YMCMB MMG, Nigga? what type of shit you on? Tyga is a fraud just like everyone else on YMCMB.

[Reply]
THEDON
December 5th, 2012 at 7:49 am
Well done Kendrick.. best hiphop/rap album of the year. simple.

[Reply]
3Stacks Reply:
December 7th, 2012 at 10:19 am
@THEDON, I agree but that will probably be until Trouble Man comes out, we’ll have to wait and see

[Reply]
#teamminaj
December 5th, 2012 at 7:51 am
but kenddricks album is dope though and franks

[Reply]
Pereezy YMCMB MMG
December 5th, 2012 at 7:51 am
Top 10 Albums 2012
1- Tyga: Careless World
2- Trey Songz- Chapter V
3- Elle Varner- Perfectly Imperfect
4- Rick Ross- God Forgives I don’t
5- Usher- Lookin’ for My Self
6- Nicki Minaj- Pink Friday R.R
7- 2 Chainz- Based In T.R.U Religion
8- Chris Brown- Fortune
9- GooD Music- Cruel Summer
10-Kendrick Lamar- Good Kid Maad City

[Reply]
Nicole Reply:
December 5th, 2012 at 7:57 am
@Pereezy YMCMB MMG, What are you talking about? Kendrick’s album is the best rap album of this year.. even Birdman & Lil Wayne said so.

[Reply]
Truth Reply:
December 5th, 2012 at 8:51 am
@Pereezy YMCMB MMG, You put Tyga at number 1? lmfaooooo kill yourself please

[Reply]
YMCMB? Reply:
December 5th, 2012 at 8:56 am
@Pereezy YMCMB MMG, Nicki’s wack album is 6 and Kendrick’s at 10? your a idiot lmao

[Reply]
The Re-Up sold 35k! Poor Dat! Reply:
December 5th, 2012 at 10:26 am
@Pereezy YMCMB MMG, DEAD at u putting tyga at number 1! LMAO!

[Reply]
anon Reply:
December 5th, 2012 at 12:09 pm
@Pereezy YMCMB MMG, what a generic and biased list. obviously you dont listen to other music besides Hip Hop and R&B…..
At least say best “African American albums of 2012″, thats at least more accurate

[Reply]
CHILD OF DESTINY Reply:
December 6th, 2012 at 4:09 pm
@Pereezy YMCMB MMG,Best hip hop and r&b albums
1.Trilogy -the weeknd
2.Good kid M.A.AD city-Kendrick Lamar
3.Kaleioscope dream-Miguel
4.Take Care-Drake
5.Perfecty Imperfect-Elle Varner
6.Cruel Summer-Good music
7.Fortune-Chris Brown
8.Looking for Myself-Usher
9.Chapter V- Trey Songs
10.Channel Orange -Frank Ocean

[Reply]
nona Reply:
December 7th, 2012 at 9:25 am
@Pereezy YMCMB MMG, ratchet, pure and simple

[Reply]
What!
December 5th, 2012 at 7:51 am
Loving the Kendrick album, it has REAL RAP! .. And hopefully Nicki can bring a real hip hop album next year with features from J. Cole & Kendrick Lamar.

[Reply]
AllAmerykhanBoy Reply:
December 5th, 2012 at 1:34 pm
@What!, Thank YOU! I’ve Been Saying That For Weeks Now She Needs To Collaborate With J.Cole & Kendrick Lamar. They Are Who’s Gonna Reign in The Next FeW Years. PLEASEE TWEET That To Nicki. I Really Want That Cole & Kendrick Collab.

[Reply]
Nicole
December 5th, 2012 at 7:58 am
Well done Kendrick. love the album

[Reply]
Pereezy YMCMB MMG
December 5th, 2012 at 8:00 am
Top 10 Songs:
1-Tyga- Rack City
2- Elle Varner- Refill
3- Usher- Numb
4- Chris Brown- Don’t Judge Me
5- Kirko Bangz FT French Montana- Walk On Green
6- Nicki Minaj Ft Chris Brown- By My Side
7- Keyshia Cole Ft Lil Wayne- Enough of No Love
8- Kendrick Lamar Ft Drake- Poetic Justice
9- Rihanna- Diamonds
10-Kanye West Ft 2 Chainz, Big Sean and M.Ambrosious- The One

[Reply]
3Stacks Reply:
December 7th, 2012 at 10:20 am
@Pereezy YMCMB MMG, HORRIBLE LIST!!!

[Reply]
Ayana
December 5th, 2012 at 8:00 am
Best comedy pop album = Nicki Minaj

[Reply]
LOLatHaters Reply:
December 5th, 2012 at 8:11 am
@Ayana, lmao exactly

[Reply]
Deaaaaaaaaaad Reply:
December 5th, 2012 at 10:28 am
@Ayana,
LMFAO i just literally laughed out loud!

[Reply]
Kasey Reply:
December 5th, 2012 at 1:31 pm
@Ayana,
So damn true.

[Reply]
MmmHmm Reply:
December 5th, 2012 at 5:49 pm
@Ayana, LMAO! TOO TRUE!

[Reply]
Anthony
December 5th, 2012 at 8:04 am
These lists are jokes. Seriously they need to make a new one.

[Reply]
Jerry
December 5th, 2012 at 8:09 am
This list is actually a joke, the only thing that was right was Kendrick’s album other than that this list is wack.

[Reply]
deelee
December 5th, 2012 at 8:14 am
best song CLIMAX? bitch please.

[Reply]
Miszi
December 5th, 2012 at 8:15 am
I’m suprised… sadly. Good that Frank made the list though. Fortune & Careless World should’ve too.

[Reply]
Pereezy YMCMB MMG Reply:
December 5th, 2012 at 8:24 am
@Miszi, Yeah!!! Careless World and Fortune are 2 of the Best albums of 2012. Man Tell them…

[Reply]
NavyGirl
December 5th, 2012 at 8:20 am
The album list is great but the songs list??? is you forreal about the songs lol ass cant wait for Beyonce Lil Kim Missy and them for next year thats gone be the best year

[Reply]
Realistically
December 5th, 2012 at 8:36 am
GUH! You know you want dis DIH! GUH! I am Kendrick. Lamar. AKA Benz is to me just a car.

[Reply]
DEAD
December 5th, 2012 at 8:44 am
Ya’ll Nicki fans stupid as hell. “Yay Nicki recongized for a promo single” that chick is straight fail. 2013 will be Nicki free, cause nobody checking for her no more.

[Reply]
#teamminaj Reply:
December 5th, 2012 at 8:53 am
@DEAD, nobody checking for her no more but everybody always commenting about her lmao get real

[Reply]
Vicki Reply:
December 5th, 2012 at 11:30 am
@DEAD, and what about American idol, viva glam, and her clothing line. Yeah she isn’t disappearing so…..

[Reply]
AllAmerykhanBoy Reply:
December 5th, 2012 at 1:38 pm
@Vicki, Pink Friday: The Pink Print 2013.

[Reply]
boi.cold Reply:
December 6th, 2012 at 1:44 pm
@DEAD, So true Nicki is str8 trash. I’m ready for Eve Missy & KIM!

[Reply]
AllAmerykhanBoy Reply:
December 8th, 2012 at 9:01 am
@boi.cold, Trash or not you’ll still be heaing and seeing more of her in 2013

[Reply]
sokleva
December 5th, 2012 at 8:52 am
Nas- Life is Good, best hip-hop album of the year, Kendrick a very close second

[Reply]
Morgan
December 5th, 2012 at 9:18 am
Not a huge Kendrick fan, but that’s deserved.

Loved Frank Ocean’s channel ORANGE. LOVED it!!

[Reply]
Audrey Hepburn
December 5th, 2012 at 9:31 am
I sooooooo agree!!!!! Fiona Apple’s album was the best of the year. Her tour was equally amazing. :D

[Reply]
Cranberry Reply:
December 5th, 2012 at 2:20 pm
@Audrey Hepburn, YAS.

[Reply]
miles
December 5th, 2012 at 9:59 am
Gangnam Style, Roman In Moscow, and Call Me Maybe don’t belong in that song list

Azealia Banks don’t belong in the album list(It was EP not a album)

[Reply]
miles
December 5th, 2012 at 10:08 am
My list(in no order)
channel ORANGE – Frank Ocean
good kid, m.a.a.d City – Kendrick Lamar
Until the Quiet Comes – Flying Lotus
Dualty – Flying Lotus(Captain Murphy)
The OF Tape Vol.2 – Odd Future
1999 – Joey Bad
Two Eleven – Brandy
R.E.D. – Ne-Yo
Kaleidoscope Dream – Miguel
Elle Varner – Perfectly Imperfect

Songs:
Adorn – Miguel
Climax – Usher
Oldie – Odd Future
Super Rich Kids – Frank Ocean(feat. Earl Sweatshirt)
Chum – Earl Sweatshirt
Mercy – Kanye, Big Sean, Pusha T, 2 Chainz
Kilo Kish – Crosstown
m.A.A.d City – Kendrick Lamar
Let Me Love You – Ne-Yo
Survival Tactics – Joey Bad

[Reply]
dave
December 5th, 2012 at 10:21 am
Lot of country folks at time magazine

[Reply]
Kyle
December 5th, 2012 at 10:51 am
I’m SHOCKED Miguel didn’t make it in the top 10 albums list. His album was one of the most well received R&B albums this year. I personally enjoyed it better than Frank Ocean’s debut. I’m surprised Azealia’s EP made it on the list. Even though it contained only 4 tracks, I loved each one of them; especially “1991.”

[Reply]
Outspoken
December 5th, 2012 at 11:30 am
Adorn was the single of the year not Climax

[Reply]
relly
December 5th, 2012 at 2:12 pm
A list without Nas’ “Life Is Good” Miguel’s “Kaleidoscope Dream” or at least single”Adorn” and Brandy’s “Two Eleven” is just not a list we can believe in…

[Reply]
youbmad
December 5th, 2012 at 5:15 pm
Smh…

[Reply]
Jade
December 5th, 2012 at 5:40 pm
Congrats to Frank & Kendrick. I personally don’t give a f*ck the rest. Sorry if I offended anyone. Keep supporting & spreading REAL music.

[Reply]
Hugh
December 5th, 2012 at 5:52 pm
Agree with ROMAN in MOSCOW! Why wasn’t that song on the album

Somebody that i used to know should be #1

[Reply]
EdgarC
December 5th, 2012 at 8:21 pm
Did a deaf person make the list?

[Reply]
QUEEN AZEALIA BANKS IS THE GREATEST FEMALE RAPPER EVER, AND YA'LL N- WITH BAD TASTE WILL DEAL
December 5th, 2012 at 11:02 pm
LOL @ Time’s picking Queen AB’s 4 track EP as one of the albums of 2012. When will Reflop do that?!

[Reply]
3Stacks
December 7th, 2012 at 10:22 am
Top 3 Rap Albums of 2012 will be:
1. Trouble Man – T.I.
2. Life Is God – Nas
3. God Kid Maad City – Kendrick Lamar
^^^ you can switch them around but those will be the best 3, hands down!

[Reply]
Wayne's World Reply:
December 7th, 2012 at 10:29 am
@3Stacks, co-sign!

[Reply]
LBJ
December 7th, 2012 at 10:36 am
T.I will have the album of the year

[Reply]
nothey didnt
December 7th, 2012 at 12:44 pm
Where’s Miguel and where’s adorn? n roman in moscow…REALLY?

[Reply]
crazy kat
December 8th, 2012 at 1:59 am
roman in moscow was genious if you really listened. Way beter than stupid hoe. It was comedy and theatrical. stupid hoe was just plain stupid and souljah boy influenced.

I thik this list is too early. Some albms and songs till will be released.

Azealia banks hasn’t even put out an album. who knew killer mike put out an album.

Lupe is so slept on.

[Reply]