Chris Brown, Lil Wayne & Nicki Minaj Among Billboard 2011 Top Hip Hop Artists

Chris Brown, Lil Wayne and Nicki Minaj are among the top R&B/hip-hop artists based on Billboard's 2011 music charts. Each earned different distinctions based on their hit music this past year and will look to continue into 2012 and beyond.

In 2011, Kanye West and Jay-Z released their highly-anticipated "Watch The Throne" album. However, another top release that many music fans were salivating for was "Tha Carter IV" by Lil Wayne. Due to the success of his album, it is the #1 R&B/Hip-Hop Album of the Year according to Billboard. Wayne also had four #1 hits this past year and 24 chart entries on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs listing for 2011. Not a bad year for Weezy as he enjoyed his freedom and musical abilities.

Following close behind Wayne was his female protege, Nicki Minaj. She had six top 10 hits on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs charts. One of those was the song "Moment 4 Life" featuring Drake (see video below). Nicki's album "Pink Friday" spent six-weeks at #1 on Top R&B Albums, giving her a close second place to Wayne's "Carter IV" for the album of the year distinction. She'll also be featured on Dick Clark's New Year's Eve special in several weeks to close out the year on a high note.

Then there's Chris Brown, who many say had a comeback of sorts, at least in terms of his music career. He earned Billboard's Top R&B/Hip-Hop Songs Artist of the Year based on two top 10 hits with the #1 song "Look At Me Now," and #3 "She Ain't You." The song "Look At Me Now" also features Busta Rhymes and Lil Wayne, and took the top Rap Songs title for 2011.

Other artists who got mention for their accolades in 2011 include Kelly Rowland with her first #1 hit on the Hot R&B/Hip Hop Songs chart in four years, with "Motivation." Also, Wiz Khalifa was able to grab the distinction of "New R&B/Hip-Hop Artist of the Year." He may want to thank the Pittsburgh Steelers for embracing "Black and Yellow," a catchy theme song they rode into last year's Superbowl. Wiz is certainly among the rookies of the year for 2011, although fans may contend there are other new hip-hop artists who could stake a claim!

Which hip-hop or R&B artist do you think had the best 2011 in terms of music - Lil Wayne, Nicki Minaj, Chris Brown, or another?

(Image source: Wikimedia)

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