The year 2016 has been full of losses to the entertainment world: from the deaths of music icons such as Prince, David Bowie, Leonard Cohen, George Michael and many other greats. It has definitely not been the ideal year, but in terms of new music, it has been a good year for many artists including, but not limited, to Chance the Rapper, Solange Knowles and Frank Ocean who each put out chart-topping albums this year. Here is Affinity’s take on the 15 best R&B and Hip-Hop Albums of 2016.
15. Anti – Rihanna
2016 has been a fantastic year for Rihanna. She collaborated with Puma creating her own clothing and shoe line which debuted on the New York Fashion week stage. Along with a successful year in fashion, Rihanna released her eighth, long-anticipated album Anti earlier this year. The album includes, “Work”, the dancehall-style pop tune with a catchy hook topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart for nine consecutive weeks. We also heard Rihanna take a very soulful turn on some emotional ballads such as “Love on the Brain” and “Higher”. Even though this album may be disappointing to some because of the changes in her music style, I believe this album was overall fantastic. We heard a great deal of emotion in her well-developed raspy voice which pairs up with the raw lyrics of her songs.
14. Yes Lawd – NxWorries
After the release of “Suede” in 2015, there was much excitement about what was in store for the newly formed duo consisting of R&B singer, Anderson .Paak and producer, Knxwledge. Still rising up from the great success of his album Malibu, Paak delivers sweet velvety tones once again but in the form of great singles such as “Lyk Dis” and “Wngs”. Every song is soothing and pleasing to the ear and the heart. This could not have been done without the skill and power of Knxwledge’s warm and funky beat selection and samples.
13. The Sun’s Tirade – Isaiah Rashad
Two years after releasing Civilia Demo, TDE signee Isaiah Rashad has released greatness once again. In this album, Isaiah raps about his hardships, struggles with addiction and self-loathing in “Stuck in the Mud”, but also displays his growth and development in not only his music but in his personal life. We hear Isaiah reflect on his childhood and financial struggles in “Free lunch”. In “4r Da Squaw”, Isaiah pays homage to some of his friends back in Tennessee and is grateful for his new career in music as he is able to support himself and his family. The album includes a plethora of features such as; Kendrick Lamar, Sza, and Syd, who add to the greatness of this album.
12.99.9% – Kaytranda
The debut album of Canadian producer Kaytranda includes a variety of musical guests such as Syd, Vic Mensa, Anderson .Paak, Gold Link and others who collaborated well with his masterpiece productions. Starting out as a well-known name on Soundcloud, the long awaited album reflects the hard work that Kay went through to ensure that he makes a positive dent in the future of music production.
11. Bucket List Project – Saba
One of Chicago’s prominent artists, Saba opens up with “In Loving Memory” which is one of the greatest openers I’ve ever heard. He raps about being ambitious and staying true to his goals. This song sets the precedent for this amazing album that talks about spirituality, struggling while living in Chicago but still being positive and grateful all while keeping his dreams and aspirations. What makes this album different is not only the varied messages but also the input of some of his featured guests: Noname, Chance the Rapper, Lupe Fiasco, Ravyn Lenae, Jean Deaux, Smino, and others. Hence the name, Bucket List Project, the ending of all the songs features a voicemail recording of some of these guests listing things off their bucket list. Lupe Fiasco states that on his bucket list he would like to win the Noble Peace Prize, and Chance says, “Learning how to play the drums has always been on my bucket list, Um, drummers just…they get the girl.”
10. Awaken, My Love – Childish Gambino
This anticipated, yet mixed-emotion album definitely showed the world a new side of Donald Glover. Donald is known as very multi-talented, and his occupations include actor, writer, producer, director, comedian, rapper, singer, and song-writer. Along with the success of his TV show Atlanta, Donald released this jewel in early December. The first single released, “Me and Your Mama”, surprised many because of the expectation that Donald would continue to rap like on his previous releases. However, instead of rapping, we hear a very soulful, funk-heavy, Donald especially on the more popular next released single, “Redbone”. Even if Donald had lost fans on this new beautiful project, he certainly has gained many new admirers, who love this new George Clinton-esque, Donald.
9. Telefone – Noname
The well-awaited debut album of Chicago’s very own first lady talks about black femininity and childhood experiences living in Chi-Town. She raps about struggles in the black community and imagines being shot by the police on “Casket Pretty”. Noname also talks about growing up and making a name for herself while also remaining focused and committed to her community. Besides the message of this meaningful project, it also had some great features like; Raury, CamO’bi, theMIND, Saba, and others who helped to express the messages behind this great project.
8. The Life of Pablo – Kanye West
After many delays and changes to the album’s name, this is West’s seventh and most personal album. West spent lots of time trying to perfect this album and introduce his new style. He wants listeners to recognize his hard work and ambition that has taken him to where he is now and reaching this high point in his career. The album features; Rihanna, Chance the Rapper, Frank Ocean and others who really bring together this new project.
7. We got it from Here…Thank You 4 Your Service – A Tribe Called Quest
The surprise sixth and final album of this timeless hip-hop group, who was originally composed of Q-Tip, Phife Dawg, Ali Shaheed Muhammad, and Jarobi White (who left the group in ’91) is one of the most influential music groups ever. Originating in Queens, New York, the groups’ music spread throughout the world, blazing the trail for other Jazz-Rap groups like Digable Planets. After many number one hits and albums, the group broke up in 1998 after their fifth album. It was assumed to be their final album, but the group had been working on another album in secrecy. After the death of Phife Dawg, the group announced their sixth and final album, also in loving memory of Phife Dawg.
6. Coloring Book – Chance the Rapper
The third project of this independent artist was exciting for his long-time fans, but also a magnet for attracting new fans. Chance always very optimistic and tenacious, has been against signing with a record label and always agreeing to do things on his terms. Chance has come a long way from his freshman project 10-Day to Acid Rap and now this glory, Coloring Book. Chance takes a new approach featuring some gospel singers on “How Great” and even expresses his feelings about the music industry on “Mixtape”. In his spirit of giving back, this album was also released for free in May with some huge features including; Kanye West, Young Thug, Lil Wayne, and other greats. This has definitely been Chance’s year.
5. Atrocity Exhibition – Danny Brown
A unique force to be reckoned with, this is by far the best project of Detriot native Danny Brown. He takes you on a dark, twisted adventure through his life of mental illness, addiction, and hardships. It is like a rollercoaster of emotions from fear to even some examples of insanity. Brown’s top-notch writing ability helps the listener to not only hear and enjoy the album but also being able to visualize it. The album would not be as great as it is without Paul White — the British producer behind this project who pairs up Brown’s grim ideas with his multi-genre production approach.
4. Lemonade – Beyoncé
The strongest and most powerful album Beyoncé has recorded; it details struggles of infidelity in her marriage, but it’s also a staple album for not only black female empowerment but also women empowerment in general. From hits like “Don’t Hurt Yourself” where Beyoncé expresses all her anger and emotions to the anthem “Freedom” which talks about gender equality and the “Black Lives Matter Movement”,Beyoncé delivers an amazing project that was definitely needed in 2016, along with some amazing features such as; Kendrick Lamar, Jack White, The Weeknd, and James Blake.
3. Malibu – Anderson .Paak
The world does not deserve Anderson .Paak. From being a very underrated artist in the music industry, Malibu was a huge wake-up call to the world that .Paak is a force to be reckoned with. This album features it all; doo-wop, rock, soul, punk, dance, and rap. .Paak talks about his past, living in California and being homeless, and the struggles he and his wife have been through. In “The Waters”, .Paak talks about his new fame, life, and the journeys that he has been through to get to where he is now. The album features .Paak playing the drums while singing at times, which just proves that this gifted man has great success in store for his future. Malibu will certainly go down as one of the greatest albums of all time.
2. A Seat at the Table – Solange
Four years since the release of her last album, Solange celebrates black culture in this album from singles like “Don’t Touch my Hair” and “Mad”. Solange speaks of the pain but also the greatness of black women and celebrates black history and culture. At a time where the nation is divided on race issues, this album was needed in reminding people of the strength of being united and staying true to your culture and roots.
1. Blonde – Frank Ocean
In the album we never expected after a long time coming, Frank managed to talk about important topics such as sexuality and race but his message also being under shadowed by his warm, soft voice. Every time you listen to the whole album you gain a new perspective which is what keeps it so fresh and timeless. It may be a while for us to get such a powerful album from Frank, but we are all grateful for this masterpiece.
Even though 2016 has been a rocky year in the entertainment industry, we can all agree that the music released this year were history making, and definitely sets the precedent for 2017’s music releases.
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