Here is the definitive Top 15 list of 2016. Lists like these are highly subjective, but I’m a dope writer and my taste is impeccable and this is the only list you need to know what music was hot in 2016. If you disagree, share your opinion in the comments.
15. J. Cole 4 Your Eyez Only
I know the Cole haters are going to give me grief about this, but I don’t care. Give credit where it is due. 4 Your Eyez Only is J. Cole delivering a concept regarding the parallel of his life to his friends and it’s delivered with ease. Cole manages to bring his distinct flow to life over some extremely musical well-arranged and produced tracks. The standout song, “Fold In Clothes” has a driving bassline playing in the background while Cole says he loves his lady so much he will do her laundry. That’s love.
14. Anderson Paak Malibu
When you hear Paak’s voice there is a truth that emanates from his vocal cords. The raspy quality of his delivery is endearing. Paak’s third album Malibu is the example of a seasoned artist going all out with his creativity. Paak is able to sing and rap with ease as his voice and musical prowess weave throughout the entire album. “Come Down” is the standout track from this project. If the rhythm doesn’t get you, the vocals will.
13. BJ The Chicago Kid In My Mind
BJThe Chicago Kid has been playing the powerful balladeer for may of the contemporary artists of the day. Kanye, TDE, Chance the Rapper and Anderson Paak have all had the privilege of having BJ bless their song. This year BJshowcased these talents for himself and delivered a solid work with his official debut release on Motown In My Mind. It feels like BJ has been here before. When he sings you can hear Sam Cooke, Marvin Gaye, Smokey Robinson and a host of other soul titans. In the song “Church” feat Chance The Rapper, BJ is playing both sides of the morality coin as he fights his carnal urges, ’cause he has church in the morning. In My Mind is the soul album of the millennium. It contains an unapologetic sense while still embracing love to its core. The standout track on In My Mind is “Love Inside” feat. Isabella. I saw him perform this live at Reggie’s with some drums and it was ridiculous! Plus, it sounds awesome on the album too.
12. Kaytranada 99.9%
This Haitian-born Canadian DJ has been quietly smashing the game for the past four years. He has done everything from opening up for Madonna to producing some of the freshest remixes you have ever heard. His album 99.9% is a glimpse of what he can do behind the boards. The project features Syd Tha Kyd from The Internet, Phonte, Aluna George Vic Mensa and Grammy Award nominated Anderson Paak. Those are just a few of the artists featured on the album. The reason this project is so special is because it can’t really be pinned down into a genre and every track sounds fresh and new with a tinge of experimentation. The standout track is “Glowed Up” featuring Anderson Paak.
11. Robert Glasper Art Science
Since winning the Best R&B Album Grammy of 2013 for Black Radio, Glasper has been touring the country providing the masses with a heavily jazz influenced production. Art Science picks up where Black Radio left off. The project begins with “This is Not Fear.”. At first, you would think you are listening to some classic jazz album from the legendary Blue Note label, but then something happens. The song blends into an introspective ode to hip-hop. It’s like candy for the ears. Everything is on this album. You may find some funk, some R&B, some Jazz, some fusion and it never gets old. The stand out song on the project is “Find You” towards the end of this song a little girl gives the most impassioned speech about police brutality you have ever heard.
