Hitmakers of 2008

Hitmakers of 2008 - We celebrate the artists and performers whose music and styles are lifting them to the top of the R&B and Hip Hop hit lists. See who's on our list.

1 / 11

Hitmakers of 2008 - We celebrate the artists and performers whose music and styles are lifting them to the top of the R&B and Hip Hop hit lists. See who's on our list.

Backlash - "T-Pain In The *ss For Local Musos" was the headline that ran in South African newspaper, Sunday World, after the Tallahassee “rapper-ternt-sanga” angered local performers by allegedly having them kicked from the stage at the Macufe African Cultural Festival (Oct. 16th).

2 / 11

T-Pain - With collaborations including Kanye West, Lil Wayne, Ace Hood, Flo-Rida and a bevy of others, T-Pain's computerized vocals deemed him the go to guy for 2008.

Kanye West - Kanye West; The Hottest Mc in 2008.

3 / 11

Kanye West - Kanye West; The Hottest Mc in 2008.

Flo Rida - Though Mail on Sunday brought in less than stellar album sales, the smash hit "Low" annihilated every digital download record to date.

4 / 11

Flo Rida - Though Mail on Sunday brought in less than stellar album sales, the smash hit "Low" annihilated every digital download record to date.

Rick Ross - This shirtless head honcho is without a doubt the "biggest boss we've seen thus far" in 2008.

5 / 11

Rick Ross - This shirtless head honcho is without a doubt the "biggest boss we've seen thus far" in 2008.

ADVERTISEMENT
The-Dream (@officialdream) - With "Love King" being The-Dream’s last album, he’s prepared to go all out! “Video 6 and 7 let's go Radiokilla Records”

6 / 11

Dream - Whether you Love or Hate him, collaborations with the likes of Neyo, Mary J Blige, Usher, Mariah Carey and Rihanna solidified Dream's position amongst 2008's elite talent.

Mariah Carey - Surpassing her best opening week with the release of E=MC2 and charting 18 #1 hits (exceeding Elvis's old feat) MiMi held her own in 2008

7 / 11

Mariah Carey - Surpassing her best opening week with the release of E=MC2 and charting 18 #1 hits (exceeding Elvis's old feat) MiMi held her own in 2008

Lil Wayne - Guest features, a plethora of mixtapes and a whirlwind of controversy has made Lil Wayne the most sought after artist of 2008. Not to mention, The Carter III has become the most anticipated hip hop album in years.

8 / 11

Lil Wayne - Guest features, a plethora of mixtapes and a whirlwind of controversy has made Lil Wayne the most sought after artist of 2008. Not to mention, The Carter III has become the most anticipated hip hop album in years.

Usher - Usher's infectious "Love In This Club" marked the return of 2008's R&B king.

9 / 11

Usher - Usher's infectious "Love In This Club" marked the return of 2008's R&B king.

Rihanna - Def Jam’s princess, Rihanna, captivated audiences all around the world with the sounds of “Umbrella” deeming her as one of the most talked about artists in 2008

10 / 11

Rihanna - Def Jam’s princess, Rihanna, captivated audiences all around the world with the sounds of “Umbrella” deeming her as one of the most talked about artists in 2008

Soulja Boy - Soulja Boy leveled digital downloads and YouTube views as he "cranked" his way onto the Billboard charts.

11 / 11

Soulja Boy - Soulja Boy leveled digital downloads and YouTube views as he "cranked" his way onto the Billboard charts.