In 2011, music fans witnessed the reign of Nicki Minaj, the rule of hip-hop kings Jay-Z and Kanye West, and the rise of rap’s wildest crew, Odd Future. With 11 months to go in the new year, Rap-Up.com shines a spotlight on this year’s most anticipated hip-hop and R&B releases.

Chris Brown is ready to reignite the clubs with Fortune, T.I. is cooking up more Trouble on his first album since prison, Nicki Minaj is unleashing her feisty alter ego Roman Zolanski on her sophomore set, and Kanye West has everyone on the edge of their seat waiting for the G.O.O.D. Music album.

From the return of veterans Nas, 50 Cent, and Missy Elliott to the great expectations of freshman Frank Ocean, here are 10 albums that are bound to make noise this year.

Chris Brown – Fortune

Chris Brown has been blacklisted by some, hated by many, and criticized by others, but at the end of the day, there’s no denying his talent. While he’s nominated three times at this year’s Grammys, the R&B crooner is gearing up for his fifth album, Fortune. The project has already spawned the scintillating single “Strip” featuring Kevin McCall and the dance floor-ready follow-up “Turn Up the Music.” With a collaboration with Nas and possible assists from Wiz Khalifa and will.i.am, Fortune is shaping up to be another winner for Breezy.

T.I. – Trouble Man

From joining America’s sweetheart Taylor Swift on stage to landing a VH1 reality show (“T.I. and Tiny: The Family Hustle”) once he ended a prison bid last year, there’s always something to look forward to when it comes to T.I. This year, he’ll deliver his eighth studio album Trouble Man, which comes 11 years after his debut, I’m Serious. Fans got a taste of what’s to come with his recent mixtape F*ck Da City Up, featuring collaborations with Dr. Dre, Young Jeezy, Pusha T, and B.o.B. Details remain scarce on who will join the guest list for Trouble Man, but count on a cameo from Trey Songz, who cut a “club anthem” with Tip and Rico Love.

Missy Elliott – Block Party

It’s been seven years since Missy Elliott released her last album The Cookbook, but she’s finally ready to return. The trailblazing femcee, who revealed a battle with Graves’ disease in 2011, is crafting her seventh effort, tentatively titled Block Party. Expect production from Timbaland and more funky and tripped-out beats reminiscent of her previous efforts Under Construction and Miss E… So Addictive. Though a release date has yet to be announced, early listeners including Ciara, Keri Hilson, and Busta Rhymes have praised the new material. Missy popped up on the remix to Katy Perry’s “Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F.),” and the rapper’s cameo in J. Cole’s “Nobody’s Perfect” video may just put her back where she belongs.

G.O.O.D. Music – TBD

Back in October, Kanye West sent Twitter into a frenzy when he revealed that his G.O.O.D. Music family would be dropping an album in the spring. While there was little else to go on except the under-140-character message, that was all Yeezy’s followers needed to start the countdown. Big Sean, Kid Cudi, John Legend, Pusha T, and Common are likely to appear on the compilation, but the boss has kept mum on details. R&B songbird Marsha Ambrosius recently revealed that not only did she travel to London to record with West, but so did Frank Ocean and Mannie Fresh. Hit-Boy and Mr Hudson are also stepping in to take the project from G.O.O.D. to great.

Nicki Minaj – Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded

The Trinidad-born, Queens-bred MC unveiled a surprising twist when she dropped the title of her sophomore album, Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded, last year. Not only would it be landing on Valentine’s Day, it would also feature her alter ego Roman Zolanski in a starring role. Like many hip-hop releases, the due date has since changed to April 3, but that hasn’t stopped the Best New Artist nominee from working around the clock after she delivered the buzz track “Roman in Moscow.” She recently debuted the Hype Williams-directed visuals for “Stupid Hoe,” and will perform a new song at the 54th Annual Grammy Awards. Get ready for Roman’s invasion.

Frank Ocean – TBD

Frank Ocean has not let down listeners since he catapulted to fame last year. The 24-year-old singer-songwriter, who has written for Beyoncé and been called upon by Kanye West and Jay-Z to Watch the Throne, is this generation’s Al Green. The lyrics he pens are heartfelt, more than memorable, and work in most any setting. How’s that for versatility? As an Odd Future affiliate, he possesses the same bold qualities as his Golf Wang brethren, but without the foolery and antics of leader Tyler, the Creator. Critics hailed his stellar debut, Nostalgia, Ultra, and the New Orleans native is wasting no time readying the much-anticipated follow-up. He showcased new material including the Mary J. Blige-sampled “Super Rich Kids” during his brief solo tour last year, and is crafting more “sonic goodies.” Expect Ocean to make big waves this year.

50 Cent – TBD

The G-Unit rapper has been involved in a public battle with Interscope Records, taking to Twitter to bash his label home for providing lackluster support of his new music and even blaming them for leaking his single “Girls Go Wild” featuring Jeremih. He’s since apologized for the outbursts and is moving forward with plans to release his fifth album and possibly another one right after it. To get the buzz building, Fif dropped The Big 10 mixtape in December, an effort full of street-centric tracks reminiscent of his early career. The videos have been watched by millions, reasserting his status as a hip-hop powerhouse. One record that may make the album is the DJ Felli Fel-produced “Lighters” featuring Chris Brown. “It’s probably going to be the biggest record I’ve ever done,” teased the Los Angeles DJ.

Nas – TBD

Eighteen years after a rapper from Queens by the name of Nasty Nas made his debut, he stills remains one of the most respected lyricists in the game. Now 38 years old, Nas is set to deliver his 10th album on Def Jam this year. Anxious fans have been waiting since 2008 for fresh solo material, the last being his untitled album. A four-year wait may be discouraging, but Nas has kept his name relevant by collaborating with Lil Wayne, Rick Ross, Common, and Mary J. Blige. God’s son returned to his roots in the video for “Nasty,” which was shot in the Queensbridge projects where he grew up. The Salaam Remi production reminded listeners of the realness of his rhymes, set over a classic boom-bap beat. If it’s any indication of what’s in store, hip-hop heads will not be disappointed.

Brandy – TBD

A Grammy winner with five albums under her belt, it was only a matter of time before veteran vocalist Brandy found her way into a new record deal. Her sixth album, due this May on RCA/Chameleon Records, promises classic R&B with a contemporary twist. She has parted ways with longtime collaborator Rodney Jerkins, who helmed 2008’s Human, and called on today’s top hitmakers including Rico Love, Hit-Boy, Frank Ocean, Chris Brown, Bangladesh, and Tha Bizness. “I wanted to take this opportunity to really try to bring R&B back,” said one of her collaborators Sean Garrett. Kicking off the project is the Rico Love-produced “It All Belongs to Me,” a duet with Monica, which arrives 14 years after “The Boy Is Mine” topped the charts. That plus an assist from Drake may be just what Brandy needs to reclaim her glory days.

Rick Ross – God Forgives, I Don’t

Miami rap kingpin Rick Ross never leaves his fans without music for long. After releasing his fourth album, Teflon Don, in 2010, he dropped a collaborative LP, Self Made, Vol. 1, with his Maybach Music Group signees Wale and Meek Mill. Then there were countless remixes and joint tracks with some of hip-hop’s elite players like Lil Wayne and Drake, and finally the announcement that he was indeed debuting a fifth project, God Forgives, I Don’t. Initially scheduled for release in December, he pushed the album to this year, but not before showing off the Nicki-Minaj assisted “You the Boss” and the Just Blaze-produced “I Love My Bitches.” His new mixtape Rich Forever, which has spawned the Drake-assisted “Stay Schemin’,” dropped at the top of the year featuring everyone from Nas to Kelly Rowland. After a recent studio session in Miami with the legendary Dr. Dre, you can bet on 2012 being the year of the Bawse.

The first month of the new year is a time to start fresh. From wardrobe to music, it’s out with the old, in with the new. Of course there’s room on iPods and car stereos for veteran MCs to mingle with newbie soul singers, but there’s a certain thrill when a good ear catches the sound of an undeniable new talent. Hip-hop and R&B has birthed some mesmerizing artists in the past, and this year will continue the tradition, adding a slew of groundbreaking entertainers.

Rap-Up.com has an eye on 10 buzzworthy crooners and rhymers, who earned a spot on our list of Artists to Watch. There’s a stellar songwriter who’s written for Trey Songz and worked his way into the spotlight, a singing Brit with a penchant for headdresses, a Harlem rap star rocking Margiela threads, and two unsigned femcees who can go bar for bar with the boys.

Delve into the next wave of trendsetters.

Not since Cam’ron and Ma$e entered the rap game has a rapper out of Harlem generated such strong discussion surrounding his rhymes. Twenty-three-year-old A$AP Rocky is the newest New York representative boasting a solid résumé since emerging on the scene. His lyrics are dipped in southern sensibilities and his attire is a mix of streetwear and high-end designers like Raf Simons, which can be witnessed in his video for “Peso,” a track that finds Rocky detailing his ruggedly rich lifestyle alongside his A$AP crew. Late last year, the self-professed “pretty motherfucka” signed a lucrative major label deal with Polo Grounds/RCA Records, adding to his growing acclaim. Then there came his Live.Love.A$AP mixtape featuring collabos with Schoolboy Q and production from Clams Casino. Now in 2012, the stylish MC is crafting his debut, directing new videos—he took on camera duties for his “Purple Swag” video—and leaving his lyrical stamp on the masses.

Roc Nation has a loaded roster and the label’s newest femme fatale sits in a petite frame, has a killer smile, and calls the U.K. home. Twenty-year-old songstress Rita Ora may be a blonde vixen with a luscious set of lips, but she’s more than just a pretty face. Who else can do a cover of OutKast’s “Hey Ya!” and turn it into a mellower, soulful tune without sounding corny? Yes, this Kosovo native can. Fans may think she popped up out of nowhere since she recently began releasing a string of viral videos to support her movement, but the chanteuse has been linked with the Roc since 2009. After labelmate J. Cole dropped his album last year, all eyes are now darting in her direction to see what she’ll craft in the months to come. Her debut LP is in the works, with hot shots like Drake, The-Dream, and Stargate lending a hand to create a stellar product. To hold fans over until its release, check Ora’s sonic yet fashionable cameo in DJ Fresh’s “Hot Right Now” video.

When a rapper can hold his own on a remake of Drake’s Bay-inspired track “The Motto,” it’s cause enough to take a listen to his efforts. New York-born, West Virginia-bred rhymer D-WHY crafted “Kate Upton Is the Motto,” his version of the Toronto MC’s smash and a dedication to Sports Illustrated swimsuit model Kate Upton. At 23, he’s a wordsmith, can pass for a Gap model, and a college graduate with a degree from West Virginia University. His witticism can be heard on “Shooter McGavin,” his take on Childish Gambino’s “Freaks and Geeks,” or “Devil Horns to All,” an ode to Wiz Khalifa’s “Black and Yellow,” and will surely be demonstrated on his upcoming mixtape, Don’t Flatter Yourself. Diggy Simmons is already tapped to appear on the project and lauded producers Hit-Boy, Boi-1da, T-Minus, and Dot Da Genius are locked in for production.

With a name like Neon Hitch, there’s reason to pay attention. Britain’s darling has a left-of-center birthname, vocals to match, shocking red hair, and rocks feathery headdresses, which all adds to her appeal. The 20-something free spirit garnered much of her attention serving up playful vocals on many of hip-hop’s biggest tracks. First there was her cover of Wiz Khalifa’s “On My Level,” then a spin on Kreayshawn’s “Gucci Gucci,” and her interesting take on Waka Flocka Flame’s “No Hands”—check the accompanying video to find the singer sporting fishnets, showing her derriere, and giving a set of handcuffs some interesting play. Since Neon left her circus days behind her—she’s a trained trapeze artist, fire swinger, and stilt walker—collabos with Gym Class Heroes on “Ass Back Home” and a signing with Warner Bros. Records have followed. Her first album, Beg, Borrow, and Steal, is set to drop later this year, with the naughty single “Fuck You Betta” heating up the Internet.

Some songwriters stay behind the scenes penning hit songs for superstar entertainers but never get the chance to step into the spotlight. Bei Maejor is an exception, boasting songwriting credits for artists such as Trey Songz, Frank Ocean, and Ne-Yo, and grabbing center stage as a crooning talent simultaneously. The Michigan native has dropped a slew of mixtapes since 2010, the first being his infamous ǝpısdn uʍop project. Since then, Maejor has worked with the likes of Soulja Boy, Diggy Simmons, and J. Cole. The latter can be heard on his single “Trouble,” along with Nelly, Wale, Trey Songz, and T-Pain, who appear on the all-star remix. A production wizard is also a title he lays claim to—his songs have landed on soundtracks for Bratz: The Movie and The Princess and the Frog—so keep a look out for his forthcoming LP, which is set for release on RCA Records and may very well house some of his beats.

New York is home to a bevy of rap stars and while first instincts look to the likes of Nicki Minaj and Lil’ Kim when recalling notable female MCs from the Big Apple, there’s a new lady in the house that garners the same respect for her lyrical delivery. Meet Azealia Banks, a feisty Harlem resident who already has big names like Kanye West touting her as the “future of music.” She’s keen on the color purple—just look at her current hair color—and she doesn’t take kindly to insults, which her recent beef with Kreayshawn indicates. Just follow her on Twitter to get an inkling of what she’s like outside of the spotlight. Her viral video for “212” proves she’s a kooky character with a rhyming style that is all her own. Though she’s yet to announce a label deal, she was once signed to U.K. imprint XL Recordings under the name Mi$$ Banks. These days she’s gearing up for her Coachella performance and working alongside Lady Gaga’s stylist Nicola Formichetti, who is directing her video for “Liquorice.”

Before rap fans knew his face, they undeniably knew Future’s lyrics on the gangster film-inspired track “Tony Montana.” The Down South rapper’s catchy tune had the nation chanting the famed Cuban drug lord’s name and even sparked interest from Young Money rhymer Drake, who tacked on a verse to the original song. Though Drizzy was absent from the accompanying visuals, the ATLien still had a co-sign from one of hip-hop’s main guys. Currently, Future’s an Epic Records signee, who had the opportunity to sit in front of executive L.A. Reid, rightfully earning his position on a major label roster. While he preps his debut Pluto, his lyrical stylings can be heard on his new mixtape Astronaut Status, featuring 21 songs with assists from Young Jeezy, Ludacris, and Gucci Mane. The Future looks bright.

Good hip-hop comes in all shapes, sizes, and art forms, and Iggy Azalea is a prime example. Her long blonde tresses and a slender frame could have critics putting her in the model category, but this Australian rapper would rather spit a mean 16 on a mic than walk a catwalk. In October 2011, she impacted the rap game with her mixtape, Ignorant Art, a nine-track offering that was inspired by famed artist Jean-Michel Basquiat. One of the project’s eyebrow-raising tracks is “Pu$$y,” which spawned a Cali-inspired video showcasing the lyrical lady rhyming about her nether regions. The 21-year-old is prepping her debut album The New Classic, a title she’s already inked on her fingers. While she’s still an unsigned MC, there are rumors circulating that she may join Rihanna at Def Jam. The dotted line may not be signed on a deal just yet, but we’re sure it’s only a matter of time before she’s in the big leagues.

Not every artist has the opportunity to reinvent themselves as a solo act after initially emerging on the scene as a duo, but Luke James can say he has. Once part of the soulful twosome Luke and Q, the R&B crooner has stepped out on his own with the help of production master Danja, who signed James to his New Age Rock Stars imprint via Def Jam. The New Orleans native, who attended the same high school as Frank Ocean, demonstrates his powerfully emotional vocals on his new EP, #Luke, an effort that delivers strong ballads like “Signs of Rain” and “I Want You”—ladies will love his video for the song, which depicts his chiseled frame soaking wet in the rain. James has already logged studio time with British songbird Estelle and beatmaker Jerry Wonda for his solo debut. For those questioning his work ethic, James is a seasoned professional, having written songs for Justin Bieber (“That Should Be Me”) and Chris Brown (“Crawl”).

Remember boy group B2K? Super fans of the crooning foursome may recall a young singer by the name of Jhené Aiko, who appeared in some of their videos and even opened up for the R&B dudes on the road. In 2003, she had a chart-climbing song, “No L.O.V.E.,” that made its way onto the Billboard charts. Nearly a decade later, Jhené is again making a name for herself with her gentle pop-tinged vocals. Last year, the 23-year-old L.A. songstress debuted Sailing Souls, a mixtape that made a lot of noise in the R&B spectrum. Drake, Miguel, and Kendrick Lamar all showed up on the effort, which mixed her sensually sweet voice with hip-hop-centric beats. Before 2012 hit, the black-haired beauty joined forces with Chi-town producer No I.D., who now occupies a label position at Def Jam as vice president of A&R, and became a signed singer once more. She says she’s “not your next Beyoncé,” but we think Jhené has the ability to serve up sonic gems all the same.

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.

Familiar faces, breakout stars, and Young Money dominated the charts in 2011. We scoured our playlists and Spotify when looking back on the past year in hip-hop and R&B, and finally narrowed it down to 10 songs that had us pushing play over and over again.

Drake ignited a plethora of remixes with “Marvin’s Room,” including a standout version from JoJo that rivaled the original. Nicki Minaj had everyone from Taylor Swift to eight-year-old British girls singing along to her Pink Friday hit “Super Bass.” Rihanna found love in a hopeless place and at the top of the Billboard Hot 100, Chris Brown made a triumphant return with “Look at Me Now,” and Jay-Z and Kanye West gave Paris a new anthem.

We count down our 10 favorite songs of the past year.

10. “Swim Good” – Frank Ocean
9. “Party” – Beyoncé feat. André 3000
8. “I’m on One” – DJ Khaled feat. Drake, Rick Ross, & Lil Wayne
7. “Marvin’s Room” – Drake/JoJo
6. “Motivation” – Kelly Rowland feat. Lil Wayne
5. “My Last” – Big Sean feat. Chris Brown
4. “Look at Me Now” – Chris Brown feat. Busta Rhymes & Lil Wayne
3. “Super Bass” – Nicki Minaj
2. “We Found Love” – Rihanna feat. Calvin Harris
1. “Ni**as in Paris” – Jay-Z & Kanye West

What were your favorite songs of 2011? Share your picks below.

Although most music videos are viewed online these days, that hasn’t killed the creativity behind the camera. 2011 was full of visual marvels—from the silly (Chromeo and Solange’s “When the Night Falls”) to the scary (Kanye West’s “Monster”) to the star-studded (Beastie Boys’ “Make Some Noise”).

Dr. Dre came back to life in “I Need a Doctor,” Lil Wayne showed us a softer side with “How to Love,” Nicki Minaj and Drake made fairytales come true in “Moment 4 Life,” and Jay-Z and Kanye West chopped up a Maybach in “Otis.” And who can forget about Odd Future leader Tyler, the Creator’s chilling, self-directed video for “Yonkers,” which landed him an MTV Video Music Award.

Starting this week, we’re sharing our favorite music videos, songs, and albums of 2011. Find out which 10 videos of the past year won a special place in our hearts and share your faves.

10. Chromeo feat. Solange – “When the Night Falls”

9. Nicki Minaj feat. Drake – “Moment 4 Life”

8. Dr. Dre feat. Eminem & Skylar Grey – “I Need a Doctor”

7. Lil Wayne – “How to Love”

6. Beastie Boys – “Make Some Noise”

5. Tyler, the Creator – “Yonkers”

4. Beyoncé – “Run the World (Girls)”

3. Kanye West f/ Rick Ross, Jay-Z, & Nicki Minaj – “Monster”

2. Jay-Z & Kanye West – “Otis”

1. Rihanna feat. Calvin Harris – “We Found Love”

Chris Brown gets photo shoot fresh in these never-before-seen Polaroids from his Rap-Up shoot from December 2009. The images, photographed by Gavin Thomas, were taken the same day the “Look at Me Now” singer released his third album Graffiti. Breezy modeled high-end wintery fashions and thick-rimmed glasses as he posed in a penthouse suite overlooking New York City’s Lower East Side. Swag!

It’s one thing to produce a hot single, but some artists expanded their horizons and funneled creativity into their full-length albums more than others. In 2010, listeners were given Kanye West’s mesmerizing and imaginative masterpiece My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy as well as Eminem’s most self-realized album in years, Recovery. Rihanna returned to making upbeat dance hits with her fifth LP Loud, while her “What’s My Name?” collaborator Drake backed up his hype with his sonically pleasing debut Thank Me Later. Find out which 10 albums had us hitting play time and time again in 2010.

10. R. Kelly – Love Letter

9. Nicki Minaj – Pink Friday

8. Big Boi – Sir Lucious Left Foot: The Son of Chico Dusty

7. Rihanna – Loud

6. Janelle Monáe – The ArchAndroid

5. B.o.B – B.o.B Presents: The Adventures of Bobby Ray

4. Eminem – Recovery

3. Rick Ross – Teflon Don

2. Drake – Thank Me Later

1. Kanye West – My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy

What were your favorite albums of 2010? Tell us below.

From the explicit to the sensitive, artists brought their A-game in 2010. Cee Lo Green, who struck Grammy gold with Gnarls Barkley, saw a resurgence this year after his kiss-off tune “Fuck You” went viral. Meanwhile, the song’s co-writer Bruno Mars found success on his own and with B.o.B (“Nothin’ on You”). Kanye West unleashed a “Monster” with Jay-Z, Rick Ross, and a song-stealing verse from Nicki Minaj, Chris Brown bounced back with “Deuces,” and Eminem and Rihanna turned heartache into a Hot 100 hit. Check below to see which 10 songs of 2010 Rap-Up.com fancied most.

10. “Not Afraid” – Eminem
9. “Aston Martin Music” – Rick Ross featuring Drake and Chrisette Michele
8. “Deuces” – Chris Brown featuring Tyga and Kevin McCall
7. “Over” – Drake
6. “OMG” – Usher featuring will.i.am
5. “Runaway” – Kanye West featuring Pusha T
4. “Fuck You” – Cee Lo Green
3. “Nothin’ on You” – B.o.B featuring Bruno Mars
2. “Monster” – Kanye West featuring Rick Ross, Jay-Z, Nicki Minaj, & Bon Iver
1. “Love the Way You Lie” – Eminem featuring Rihanna

What are your 10 favorite songs of 2010? Share your picks below.

2010 was filled with boundary-pushing music videos for everything from radio hits to fan faves. Some created epic masterpieces like Kanye West’s “Runaway,” which unfolded for 35 minutes with stark visuals and a unique storyline, while others went for pop iconography like Lady Gaga and Beyoncé in “Telephone” and Rihanna in the colorful “Rude Boy.” And you can’t have creativity without controversy, as evidenced by M.I.A.’s graphic “Born Free” and Erykah Badu’s nudity-laced clip for the guerilla style “Window Seat.” We count down our 10 favorite videos of the year.

10. Jay-Z featuring Swizz Beatz – “On to the Next One”

9. Beyoncé – “Why Don’t You Love Me”

8. M.I.A. – “Born Free”

7. Rihanna – “Rude Boy”

6. Erykah Badu – “Window Seat”

5. Eminem featuring Rihanna – “Love the Way You Lie”

4. Willow Smith – “Whip My Hair”

3. Cee Lo Green – “Fuck You”

2. Lady Gaga featuring Beyoncé – “Telephone”

1. Kanye West – “Runaway”

What were your favorite music videos of 2010? Share your picks below.

Rap-Up hosted an invitation-only lounge and gifting suite during BET Awards weekend at The London West Hollywood on Saturday (June 26). Guests included the newly-engaged Amerie (pictured above with her sister Angela), JoJo, Melody Thornton, Binkie and Naomi of Electrik Red, Twista, Lil Twist, Mishon, “Love the Way You Lie” producer Alex Da Kid, and more.

VIPs sipped on vitaminwater, smartwater, and Veuve Clicquot champagne and nibbled on red velvet and chocolate marshmallow cupcakes from Sprinkles (Amerie’s favorite) on the outdoor terrace overlooking Los Angeles.

Those lucky enough to be in attendance went home with a Sony bloggie camera, VTech IS9181 Wi-Fi Internet Radio, Logitech Pure-Fi Anywhere 2 iPod speakers, Griffin iPod, iPhone, and iPad accessories, SUPER sunglasses, and adidas bowling bags.