The Xmas Hot List 2012

Most of you do not read my ramblings for tips on the black man's music. But you should know that there are a few loyalists out there who do. So this post is for them. 

A yearly tradition is me driving from LA up to San Francisco for Christmas. When that occurs, I put together my Xmas Hot List to listen to on the way up. It consists of the best songs of right now. Produced and performed by (mostly) black people.

Herewith is this year's edition:

1. "Rise Above" - Wiz Kalifa, Pharrell (I thought Pharrell died. Seriously, he was everywhere, and then he was gone. Maybe he was doing that stupid NERD side project that I don't care about)

2. "Ridin" - A$AP Rocky featuring Lana Del Rey (I never understood this Lana Del Rey chick, she sucked ass on SNL, but this track made me understand)

3. "Misunderstood" - R. Kelly and Jeremih (you think I'd have a hot mix without R. Kelly? Shame on you)

4. "Miss Right" - NeYo (currently looking for an attractive lady who appreciates the new NeYo album as much as I do. Harder to find than you would think)

5. "Beauty" - Wale

6. "Fuckin' Problems" - A$AP Rocky featuring Drake, 2 Chainz, and Kendrick Lamar

7. "My Life" - 50 Cent featuring Adam Levine and Eminem (Upset alert! Adam Levine made the hot list, no one saw that coming. He's the Jeremy Lin of this list)

8. "All That" - Game featuring Lil' Wayne, Fabolous, Jeremih

9. "Diced Pineapples" - Rick Ross featuring Wale and Drake

10. "To the World" - Kanye West featuring R. Kelly (R. again!)

11. "Thinkin' Bout You" - Frank Ocean (many listens, but it's still great)

12. "Tell Somebody" - Chris Brown (this is not an endorsement. This is about music. Please don't judge me)

 13. "Don't Judge Me - Chris Brown (I told you not to judge me!)

14. "Amen" - Meek Mill featuring Drake

15. "Show Me" - Usher (star of "In the Mix")

16. "Jealous" - NeYo

17. "The Recipe" - Kendrick Lamar featuring Dr. Dre (aka the best song of the year)