The Neptunes produced dozens of indistinguishable hits this year for teen singers desperate to appear down, but they saved the really good stuff for themselves. Mixing rock, rap, irony, and lap dancing, they proved that hip hop still has a sense of humor, and they let everyone in on the joke.
Top Tracks: Lapdance, Truth or Dare, Rock Star
The Piano Man conquers Broadway, Eminem goes Hollywood, plus the rest of TIME's picks for the best of the year