Hip hop has dominated the music charts and captured the hearts of millions around the world for decades. The year 2016 was a standout for the genre, with numerous artists releasing albums that challenged the status quo, pushed the boundaries of the genre, and provided fans with anthems that would carry them through the year and beyond. Today, we dive into the top 10 hip hop albums of 2016, examining each for its lyrical prowess, production quality, and overall impact.
#10: YG – Still Brazy
Opening the top ten list is YG’s sophomore album, “Still Brazy.” Released in June 2016, this album is a West Coast hip hop staple, featuring sharp social commentary and YG’s unapologetically raw delivery. With tracks like “FDT” (F*** Donald Trump) and “Who Shot Me?”, YG provides a gritty narrative of life on the streets while addressing political and personal topics. The album’s production seamlessly complements its hard-hitting lyrics, making it a standout project in YG’s discography.
#9: Gucci Mane – Everybody Looking
Next up is Gucci Mane’s ninth studio album, “Everybody Looking,” which marked a triumphant return for the Atlanta rapper after a stint in prison. The album, which was mostly recorded in six days, features collaborations with Kanye West, Drake, and Young Thug. Gucci’s introspective storytelling and refreshed mindset post-incarceration captivate listeners, illustrating his growth and renewal. The album’s success helped re-establish Gucci as a major influence in the hip-hop scene.
#8: Mac Miller – The Divine Feminine
Mac Miller’s experimentation with different genres and styles came to fruition in “The Divine Feminine.” An album that delves into themes of love and relationship, it showcases a more vulnerable and melodic side of the Pittsburgh rapper. With notable features from Anderson .Paak, Kendrick Lamar, and Ariana Grande, Mac Miller created a lush and soulful soundtrack that bravely stepped away from his typical rap persona, enabling fans to connect with him on a deeper level.
#7: A Tribe Called Quest – We Got It from Here… Thank You 4 Your Service
“We Got It from Here… Thank You 4 Your Service” was the long-awaited return and final album by legendary hip hop group A Tribe Called Quest. Released in November and featuring the late Phife Dawg, the album serves as a timely and powerful statement on the social and political issues of the time. Enlisting help from the likes of André 3000, Kendrick Lamar, and Elton John, this album is a vibrant and potent blend of jazz, hip hop, and messages of unity and resistance that resonates as much today as it did upon its release.
#6: Anderson .Paak – Malibu
Anderson .Paak’s “Malibu” is a genre-bending journey that straddles the lines between hip hop, soul, and R&B. Released in January, Paak’s raspy, expressive vocals and the seamlessly produced instrumentals create a sun-soaked, introspective experience for listeners. Standout tracks like “The Season / Carry Me” and “Am I Wrong” showcase his versatility and establish Anderson .Paak as an artist to watch in the years to come.
#5: Travis Scott – Birds in the Trap Sing McKnight
The sophomore release from Travis Scott, “Birds in the Trap Sing McKnight,” is a psychedelic and auto-tuned journey into the Houston rapper’s world. The album boasts unmistakable hits such as “goosebumps” and “pick up the phone.” Scott’s atmospheric production and catchy hooks made this album a commercial success and solidified his place in the hip hop landscape. Its influence can still be heard in contemporary trap and hip hop music.
#4: Kanye West – The Life of Pablo
Kanye West’s presence in the hip hop industry is undeniable, and “The Life of Pablo” is no exception to his influential catalog. The album’s release was a spectacle involving a changing tracklist and evolving songs even after its initial release, demonstrating West’s unique approach to music creation. Featuring a diverse roster of collaborators and an eclectic mix of gospel, soul, and electronic influences, “The Life of Pablo” has become one of West’s most discussed and dissected works.
#3: Chance the Rapper – Coloring Book
Chance the Rapper’s third mixtape, “Coloring Book,” is a jubilant and gospel-infused masterpiece that played a significant role in blurring the lines between mainstream and independent music. Without a record label and relying on streaming platforms, “Coloring Book” achieved widespread critical acclaim and commercial success. Tracks like “No Problem” and “Blessings” exhibit Chance’s knack for catchy choruses and uplifting messages, making the mixtape a feel-good sensation.
#2: Kendrick Lamar – Untitled Unmastered
Kendrick Lamar surprised fans with “Untitled Unmastered,” a compilation album of unreleased demos from his “To Pimp a Butterfly” sessions. The project may come across as raw and unfinished, but this only adds to its allure and provides insight into Lamar’s creative process. The collection is a testament to Kendrick’s lyrical prowess and commitment to addressing racial and societal issues head-on. Each track is a testament to his status as a poet and a vital voice of his generation.
#1: J. Cole – 4 Your Eyez Only
At the pinnacle of 2016’s hip hop releases is J. Cole’s gripping narrative album, “4 Your Eyez Only.” Serving as both a personal reflection and a story told from another’s perspective, the album tackles themes of love, fatherhood, and the African-American experience. With its minimal features and Cole’s storytelling at its most poignant, “4 Your Eyez Only” resonated with listeners looking for authenticity and depth. Songs like “Neighbors” and the title track “4 Your Eyez Only” showcase Cole’s matured vision as an artist, and the album’s conceptual nature has made it a classic in modern hip hop.
As we conclude our journey through 2016’s top hip hop albums, it’s evident that the year offered a diverse array of sounds and narratives. Each album on this list brought something unique to the table, affirming that hip hop is a genre that continues to evolve and inspire. The importance of these albums lies not just in their musicality but in their ability to reflect the times, challenge listeners, and elevate the genre to new heights.