Top 20 Albums of 2012

The best LPs in a great year for breakthrough music.

Top 20 Albums of 2012 - If you weren’t paying attention, 2012 might have underwhelmed musically. Most of the usual household stars who take over iTunes and sell out big-box stores—Jay-Z, Lil Wayne, Beyoncé, Drake—stayed relatively quiet after dropping blockbuster albums last year. But nature abhors a vacuum, and so does music. The void left by crossover superstars in 2012 was filled by left-field, uncompromising albums from overlooked or just-emerging artists. The result was a great year for music. It was easy to miss some of these fantastic LPs—many were released independently, and didn’t produce the expected radio hits. But isn’t that what the Internet’s for? Here, BET.com counts down the best albums in an exciting year for breakthrough music. —Alex Gale

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Top 20 Albums of 2012 - If you weren’t paying attention, 2012 might have underwhelmed musically. Most of the usual household stars who take over iTunes and sell out big-box stores—Jay-Z, Lil Wayne, Beyoncé, Drake—stayed relatively quiet after dropping blockbuster albums last year. But nature abhors a vacuum, and so does music. The void left by crossover superstars in 2012 was filled by left-field, uncompromising albums from overlooked or just-emerging artists. The result was a great year for music. It was easy to miss some of these fantastic LPs—many were released independently, and didn’t produce the expected radio hits. But isn’t that what the Internet’s for? Here, BET.com counts down the best albums in an exciting year for breakthrough music. —Alex Gale

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Alicia Keys, Girl on Fire - On Girl on Fire, Alicia Keys emerges refreshed after motherhood and marriage by opening up her normally closed creative process to outside talents, including Jamie XX, Emeli Sandé and Maxwell. The overbearing title track aside, Alicia delivers some of her finest vocal work here, and the album's experimental, unexpected moments hint at exciting new directions for one of R&B's safest, most comfortable stars.     (Photo: Columbia Records)

Photo By Columbia Records

Usher, Looking 4 Myself - Usher continued his late-career fascination with dance music on his new album, but he's evolved past the expected Ibiza-approved fist-pumpery, thankfully. Led by the beautiful Diplo-produced "Climax," Usher experiments with ambient, dub step and more, and his falsettoed tones are as glassy as ever.  (Photo: RCA Records)

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Usher, Looking 4 Myself - Usher continued his late-career fascination with dance music on his new album, but he's evolved past the expected Ibiza-approved fist-pumpery, thankfully. Led by the beautiful Diplo-produced "Climax," Usher experiments with ambient, dub step and more, and his falsettoed tones are as glassy as ever.  (Photo: RCA Records)

June 26, 2012: Self Made 2 Hits Stores - Wale will play consigliere to the Bawse on one of the most buzzed-about releases of the year, Maybach Music Group's Self Made 2, dropping just days before the BET Awards on July 1. Suffice to say: Wale wil be hitting the BET stage with an entire army behind him. What a difference a year makes.  (Photo: Courtesy Maybach Music Group)

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Maybach Music Group, Self Made 2 - This album lacked the big records of last year's predecessor ("I'ma Boss," "Tupac Back"), and Omarion is a downgrade from Teedra Moses. But it once again showcased Rick Ross and friends in their wheelhouse, spitting grandiose rap fantasies over massive beats. The Maybach boss has an undeniable vision, and a talented team of artists and producers who know how to make it reality. (Photo: Maybach Music Group)

Meek Mill Catches His Dream - After murdering the mixtape scene for a few years and getting his weight up with Rick Ross, Meek Mill finally dropped his debut album, Dreams and Nightmares, on October 30, 2012. The album boasted the hit singles "Amen" with Drake, "Burn" with Big Sean and album favorities like "Tony Story (Part 2) and "Young Kings."(Photo: Maybach Music Group, Warner Bros.)

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Meek Mill, Dreams and Nightmares - Meek Mill's breakout hits, “I’ma Boss” and “Tupac Back,” may have set an impossibly high bar, and at times his debut strains under the expectations (see the misinformed Kirko Bangz collabo, “Young and Gettin’ It”). But the album confirms that no one does pure rap adrenaline rushes better (“Young Kings”), and also reveals Meek’s growing gift for paranoid street tales (“Tony Story Pt. 2”).  (Photo: Warner Bros Records)

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Big Boi, Vicious Lies & Dangerous Rumors - It's not an Outkast record, but it's the next best thing. Big Boi continued the Dungeon Family of tradition of pushing hip hop in bold new directions on his second solo album, collaborating with indie and electronica acts including Little Dragon, Phantogram and Wavves to create a futuristic mash-up that's all his own.  (Photo: DEF Jam Records)

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Big Boi, Vicious Lies & Dangerous Rumors - It's not an Outkast record, but it's the next best thing. Big Boi continued the Dungeon Family of tradition of pushing hip hop in bold new directions on his second solo album, collaborating with indie and electronica acts including Little Dragon, Phantogram and Wavves to create a futuristic mash-up that's all his own. (Photo: DEF Jam Records)

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Rick Ross, God Forgives, I Don’t - Following up Rich Forever, arguably the mixtape of the year, Rick Ross’s fifth studio album had big shoes to fill. The album loses steam when it tries too hard for crossover success ("Touch'N You"), but the grimier, boom-trap heaters ("3 Kings," "Hold Me Back") find Ross at his grandiose best.  (Photo: Maybach Music Group)

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Wiz Khalifa, O.N.I.F.C. - After Taylor Gang fans complained about the crossover-pop leanings of his major-label debut, Rolling Papers, Wiz Khalifa returned to the spacey, dorm-room odes to green money and green weed that put him on the map. As a result, O.N.I.F.C. doesn't have anything approaching the stadium-size singalong power of "Black and Yellow," but it's filled with smoky, sublime moments like "The Plan" and "Remember You." (Photo: Atlantic Records)

Photo By Atlantic Records

G.O.O.D. Music, Cruel Summer - Many were disappointed with this breathlessly hyped album, which was much less consistent and focused than most helmed by Kanye West. But it produced five of the year's most undeniable bangers—"New God Flow," "Cold," "Clique," the "I Don't Like" remix and, of course, "Mercy"—probably more than any other album on this list. If anything, the project let some fans down because these amazing songs leaked before the rest of the album. Call it a casualty of hype.  (Photo: G.O.O.D. Music)

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G.O.O.D. Music, Cruel Summer - Many were disappointed with this breathlessly hyped album, which was much less consistent and focused than most helmed by Kanye West. But it produced five of the year's most undeniable bangers—"New God Flow," "Cold," "Clique," the "I Don't Like" remix and, of course, "Mercy"—probably more than any other album on this list. If anything, the project let some fans down because these amazing songs leaked before the rest of the album. Call it a casualty of hype. (Photo: G.O.O.D. Music)

Ka, Grief Pedigree - This Brownsville old head created the most slept-on rap album of the year, fueled by a raspy wisdom that recalls Nas, gloomy production that favors vintage Havoc, and above all, a singular vision of the grimy, forgotten side of Brooklyn where Girls episodes don't dare tread.(Photo: Iron Works Records)

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Ka, Grief Pedigree - This Brownsville old head created the most slept-on rap album of the year, fueled by a raspy wisdom that recalls Nas, gloomy production that favors vintage Havoc, and above all, a singular vision of the grimy, forgotten side of Brooklyn where Girls episodes don't dare tread.(Photo: Iron Works Records)

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Killer Mike, R.A.P. Music - Killer Mike broke the mold on his sixth album, linking with New York indie-rap vet for El-P on production. The result, a gumbo of futuristic electro-hop, old-school boom bap and Southern swing, is the finest album of his career, led by monster posse-cut “Big Beast” and angry crack-era memorial “Reagan.”  (Photo: Williams Street Records)

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Killer Mike, R.A.P. Music - Killer Mike broke the mold on his sixth album, linking with New York indie-rap vet for El-P on production. The result, a gumbo of futuristic electro-hop, old-school boom bap and Southern swing, is the finest album of his career, led by monster posse-cut “Big Beast” and angry crack-era memorial “Reagan.” (Photo: Williams Street Records)

2 Chainz Back – July 17, 2012 - 2 Chainz unveiled the cover for his debut as a solo artist, Based on a T.R.U. Story. The minimalist design was crafted by Kanye West's creative house, DONDA, and was selected for the #2 spot on Complex magazine's 25 best covers of 2012.(Photo: Def Jam Records)

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2 Chainz, Based on a T.R.U. Story - Yes, his 2011 mixtape T.R.U. Realigion was better. But backed by eager A-list collaborators and his quirky sense of humor, 2 Chainz's studio solo debut produced big moments and big records, from the chart-topping "No Lie" with Drake to the self-explanatory "I Luv Dem Strippers." (Photo: DEF Jam Records)

T.I., Trouble Man: Heavy Is the Head - After years of legal troubles and underwhelming musical output, many questioned if the one-time self-proclaimed King of the South was worthy of the throne. But on Trouble Man, his first album after his second prison stay in two years, T.I. sounds as hungry as ever, with the agile flow, brash delivery and trap-focused content that put him on the map in the first place.  (Photo: Atlantic Records)

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T.I., Trouble Man: Heavy Is the Head - After years of legal troubles and underwhelming musical output, many questioned if the one-time self-proclaimed King of the South was worthy of the throne. But on Trouble Man, his first album after his second prison stay in two years, T.I. sounds as hungry as ever, with the agile flow, brash delivery and trap-focused content that put him on the map in the first place. (Photo: Atlantic Records)

Game - For the artwork on his fifth album Jesus Piece, Game featured a picture of a Black Jesus on the cover. Nothing wrong with that, but Game's depiction had God's son wearing a red bandana over his mouth, a Jesus piece and a teardrop tattoo.Defending his choice with MTV, the LA spitter said, “I did the album cover the way I wanted to. It embodies part of my career, my life; it’s all in that cover. And, you know, I love God, Jesus Christ is my savior and I’m still out here thuggin’.”(Photo: Interscope)

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Game, Jesus Piece - Game's fifth studio album, his best in years, is every bit as memorable as its controversial cover art. A loose religious concept honed his often unfocused vision, a prime guest list forced him to step it up rhyme-wise, and Game's ear for great beats did the rest. (Photo: Interscope Records)

Rihanna, Unapologetic - Rihanna—or her songwriters, at least—addresses her roller-coaster relationship with Chris Brown head on with her most personal work yet. She experiments boldly with dub-step, pop balladry and electronica, but still manages to deliver a focused, consistent album, possibly her best.   (Photo: DEF Jam Records)

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Rihanna, Unapologetic - Rihanna—or her songwriters, at least—addresses her roller-coaster relationship with Chris Brown head on with her most personal work yet. She experiments boldly with dub-step, pop balladry and electronica, but still manages to deliver a focused, consistent album, possibly her best.  (Photo: DEF Jam Records)

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Schoolboy Q, Habits and Contradictions - Boosted by a bonafide hit, "Hands on the Wheel," featuring ASAP Rocky, Schoolboy Q's sophomore set is the unapologetic, screw-face counterweight to good kid, m.A.A.d city, the brainy masterpiece of his Black Hippy compatriot, Kendrick Lamar.    (Photo: Top Dawg Entertainment)

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Schoolboy Q, Habits and Contradictions - Boosted by a bonafide hit, "Hands on the Wheel," featuring ASAP Rocky, Schoolboy Q's sophomore set is the unapologetic, screw-face counterweight to good kid, m.A.A.d city, the brainy masterpiece of his Black Hippy compatriot, Kendrick Lamar.   (Photo: Top Dawg Entertainment)

Two Eleven - Now after an 18-year career, Brandy drops the very personal Two Eleven today! Don't miss her special performance and appearance on 106 & Park tonight at 6P/5C!  (Photo: RCA Records)

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Brandy, Two Eleven - Brandy's first album in four years is also one of her best. She make a strong case for reclaiming her lost diva-dom with her performance here, showcasing her voice's muscular mix of grit and sweet, beautifully overconfident, quirky production.  (Photo: RCA Records)

Miguel, Kaleidoscope Dream - Miguel grew up quickly on his second album, with the eccentric flair he’s always shown sartorially showing up in his music. Spotlighted by the breezy “Adorn,” perhaps the year’s best R&B song, the LP combined smooth ’80s R&B and futuristic electro touches to create its own unique, fully formed aesthetic.   (Photo: RCA Records)

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Miguel, Kaleidoscope Dream - Miguel grew up quickly on his second album, with the eccentric flair he’s always shown sartorially showing up in his music. Spotlighted by the breezy “Adorn,” perhaps the year’s best R&B song, the LP combined smooth ’80s R&B and futuristic electro touches to create its own unique, fully formed aesthetic.  (Photo: RCA Records)

Album of the Year: Nas – Life Is Good - Nas went for maturity and personal healing with the release of his 10th studio album, Life Is Good. The critically hailed LP finds the Queensbridge great doing what he does best by turning adversity (divorce, tax problems) into positively inspiring music for his fans.   (Photo: Def Jam)

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Nas, Life Is Good - Ten albums and 20 years deep into his legendary legacy, Nas’s latest proves that he still has the gift that once had many calling him the Second Coming. Grimy, throwback beats from No I.D. and others put Nas in a ’90s New York state of mind, and songs like “Daughters” and “The Don” stand up to his seminal work from back then. (Photo: DEF Jam Records)

Frank Ocean, Channel Orange - Though one could argue his 2011 "mixtape," Nostalgia, Ultra, was his true first album, Ocean's incredible studio debut, Channel Orange, not only inspired this list, but it's a worthy inclusion. With songs like "Thinkin Bout You" and "Pyramids," it's already safe to say that Frank's one of the best, most introspective, most innovative soul-music lyricists in years.   (Photo: Courtesy Island Def Jam Records)

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Frank Ocean, Channel Orange - Frank Ocean’s first studio set is one of the best R&B debuts in years—even the Grammys know it. His raw vocals, progressive musical vision and, above all, his deeply personal songwriting breathed life and perspective into a genre that was growing increasingly safe, shallow and stodgy. (Photo: DEF Jam Records)

Album of the Year: Kendrick Lamar – good kid, m.A.A.d. city - Kendrick Lamar rocked critics and listeners alike with the release of his debut album good kid, m.A.A.d. city, which went platinum and is considered a classic in many circles.   (Photo: Interscope Records)

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Kendrick Lamar, good kid, m.A.A.d city - When Dr. Dre, Game and Snoop crowned Kendrick Lamar the King of the West Coast at a concert in L.A. last year, it felt premature to some of us. But when good kid, m.A.A.d city dropped in October, Lamar more than lived up to the royal expectations. The beautiful production gave glimpses of the past—golden-era Outkast to be specific. Kendrick, however, is a rapper from the future, with triple-time rhyme patterns, multiple deliveries and voices, and some of the most thoughtful, conceptual lyrics hip hop ever heard.  It’s shame the word “classic” gets thrown around so loosely in rap, because good kid, m.A.A.d. city is the first album in a while that’s actually worthy of consideration.  (Photo: Interscope Records)

Photo By Interscope Records