Taking inventory of what was hot musically this year when you’re a puritan, is a difficult task. Commercially, a lot came out, and equally in the underground music world. For me, the highlights were Little Dragon, with their sophomore album and Maxwell‘s long-awaited fifth album release.

Turning the challenge over to UK rapper Ty, to find out what moved him this year, you’ll see that a lot of great music from interesting artists came out this year — from solo projects, debuts, to the long-awaited. Check out Ty‘s list below, and if you don’t own any of them, I suggest you treat yourself to some good music for the holidays — you deserve it.

“TY’s 2009 Top 10 Picks”

10. Q-Tip – Kamala the Abstract

9. Eric Roberson – Music Fan First

8. Raekwon – Only Built 4 Cuban Linx… Pt. II

7. Micheal Olatuja - Speak (Check him out on Youtube)

6. Noisettes - Wild Young Hearts

5. Georgia Anne Muldrow – Early

4. Shafiq Husayn – En’ A-Free Ka

3. Erik Rico – Reworks Project

2. Nneka – No Longer at Ease

1. Joy Jones – Godchild

While you’re here, watch the video of Ty during his recent visit to Amsterdam for the “Straight Up Jazz” event at The Bitterzoet. (Thanks to Moovmnt for the great footage.) Ty will be releasing his fourth studio album, A Second Kind of Fool, early 2010.