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.

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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.

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After causing an outpouring of comments with our best albums and music video lists, we’re bound to keep the conversation going with our 25 best songs of 2009. These songs were commercially released between January 1, 2009 and December 31, 2009. Some were No. 1 hits, others barely charted, and six featured Kanye West, yet they all hold a special place on our iPods.

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Yesterday we shared our 10 favorite music videos of the year and now we’re giving you something else to debate. The Rap-Up.com staff has selected its 10 best albums of 2009. Our choices were all released during the period of January 1, 2009 and December 30, 2009. The list includes a comeback queen, a couple freshmen, and the self-proclaimed best rapper alive.

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The Rap-Up.com staff has spent the last week scouring YouTube, rewatching videos from the past year. We whittled it down to 10 of our favorites that were released between January 1, 2009 and December 29, 2009. Our selections include an O.G. and a rap newcomer, a member of the Wu-Tang Clan, and a pop star who wowed us twice over with her visual masterpieces. Here are our picks in no particular order. Feel free to share your favorites.

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As we celebrate Thanksgiving here in the U.S., we want to take a moment to wish all of our readers a happy Thanksgiving. We are thankful for your support, whether you’ve been with us since the beginning or are a new visitor. We work hard to make Rap-Up.com your one-stop source for hip-hop and R&B and we thank you for choosing us.

Have a safe and blessed holiday! Now excuse us as we gobble up some turkey and pumpkin pie.

Rap-Up.com caught up with Ludacris and Electrik Red at the TAG Signature Series launch event on Tuesday night in West Hollywood. Binkie, Naomi, and Sarah checked out their feature in Rap-Up‘s Summer 2009 issue, while Luda checked out Ciara’s, umm, you get the picture.

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Rick Ross suits up for his Rap-Up cover shoot in New York City. While getting his close-up, the larger-than-life rapper listened to his remix of Chrisette Michele’s “Epiphany” on constant repeat and paused for a smoke break. And in case you’re wondering, those are authentic LV shades.

Pick up the Summer 2009 issue, on sale now at Barnes & Noble, Borders, Target, Kroger, 7-Eleven, Rite Aid, Safeway, Duane Reade, Walgreens, Hudson News, and other retailers. You can also purchase a copy online.

Related: Behind the Cover: Ciara’s Rap-Up Shoot