Looking back on the year 2009, it clearly was a year filled with seminal events with the biggest loss being Michael Jackson. Still cannot fathom he is no longer with us. The documentary “This Is It,” highlighted his capability of really coming back stronger than ever. We lost far too many talented people in 2009. We witnessed the diabolical display of arrogance from Kanye West. Chris Brown caught a case of crazy on Rihanna. Lady Gaga’s scary performance at the VMA’s illustrated that one’s fans can love you to death (I was moved by it). Jay-Z’s Blueprint 3 with New York’s anthem “Empire State of Mind,” and later performing it at the World Series. It was an eventful year which made it hard to distinguish the good music that actually came out.

Below are the musical highlights I found interesting and enjoyable. Hope you enjoy the selections.

Muphoric Sounds’ Best of 2009

13. Erik Rico “So Much Better” (single)

12. Major Lazer – Guns Don’t Kill People…Lazers Do

11. De La Soul – Rise ‘n Shine feat. Raheem Devaugh from Are You In?

10.  DJ Terry Urban – Southerngold

9. Harmonic 313 – When Machines Exceed Human Intelligence

8. Little Dragon – “Thunder Love” from Machine Dreams

7. Dâm-Funk – Toeachizown

6. Cubic Zirconia – “Fuck Work” (Dâm Funk Remix)

5. Shafiq Husayn – En’A-Free-Ka

4. Nicolay – City Lights Vol. 2: Shibuya

3. Maxwell – Blacksummer’s Night

2. Georgia Ann Muldrow – Umsindo

1. Electric Wire Hustle – Electric Wire Hustle

With 2010 just two days away, marks the start of a new flow of music. The most anticipated being Sade’s album Soldier of Love; D’Angelo’s comeback album and tour with the help of the ultimate dream team ever — Prince, Questlove, and Raphael Saddiq (D’Angelo better not play us!); Black Milk’s Album of the Year; projected new release from Radiohead; new album from one of my favorite singers of this time, Bilal Oliver; and new music from other underground artist who haven’t spilled the beans on their projects yet. I’m excited about 2010 and its discoveries, not only on a personal level, but with what this new decade will bring for all.

All the best for 2010 and let’s continue to create fulfilling possibilities for our lives!

What can be said about Mark de Clive-Lowe? He is a musical genius, the Herbie Hancock of our times, an amazing producer, who is devoid of categorization. His biological make-up (part New Zealand and Japanese), has provided him with this eclectic approach to music, where damn near everyone in the future soul, nu-jazz, hip-hop, and experimental sounds communities want to work with him. Collaborating with the likes of Restless Soul, DJ Spinna, Dego (4Hero), Bugz in the Attic, Wajeed (Platinum Pied Piper), Bembe Seque, Omar, Lyric L, Tawiah, to name a few, it is an honor that Mark agreed to put together a list of his Top 10 musical highlights for 2009 – especially during his busy schedule while in Barcelona! His tastes in music are so varied, which only further exemplifies his aptitude of an outstanding producer. He truly appreciates music.

Keep your ears open for forthcoming musical pleasures from Mark, who has projects in the works with Jody Watley, Sy Smith, Omar (yay!!!!), and the legendary Leon Ware.

Mark de Clive-Lowe’s 2009 Top Ten Picks

10. Dam Funk – Toeachizown (Album)

9. Julien Dyne – Pins & Digits (Album)

8. Shafiq Husayn – “Nirvana” Original + Remix from En’ A-Free-Ka Album

7. Joy Jones – “Over” on Godchild (Album)

6. Slum Village – featuring Marsha Ambrosius – “Cloud 9″ (Single)

5. Phil Asher – “9 Minutes of Fun” (Single)

4. Rob van de Wouw – Tunnelvision (Album)

3. Sterling Ensemble – feat. Sara Devine – “Life Ain’t What It Seems” (Single)

2. Mos Def - ‘Quiet Dog’ Live on Letterman

1. Esperanza Spalding – Esperanza (Album)