The year 2016 has been a hot one for the hip-hop music industry. A lot of hyped up albums have been released, and some are most definitely listened to.
Here are some of the year's five best albums that you have to listen to from 2016.
1. "Starboy" - The Weeknd
The release of "Starboy" was long awaited from the Weeknd, and it is also one of his best albums. Although longer than the rest of the Weeknd's albums at 18 tracks, it is definitely a good one, and a must listen if you are a big fan of the Weeknd's Michael Jackson-like voice. After the release of 2015's ''Beauty Behind the Madness" it is pretty slow in terms of melodies and falsetto singing, but "Starboy" does bring a new side to the Weeknd, other than his new short hairstyle. Also, the featuring artists like Kendrick Lamar, Future, Daft Punk and even Lana Del Rey make for an exciting experience.
2. "Blonde" - Frank Ocean
This album remains the most controversial album from Frank Ocean after his announcement for it came back in 2014. While it was supposed to be released in July of 2015 under a different name, "Boys Don't Cry," a series of unfortunate delays ultimately postponed it to the summer of 2016 with no explanation as to why these delays occurred. While it is not as good as 2012's "Channel Orange," which is deemed his magna opus by a lot of his fans, it still contains some heavy experimental melodies and a handful of memorable and relaxing songs.
3. "We Might Die" - Dumbfoundead
One of the best Asian-American rappers in the industry, Dumbfoundead has finally released his newest mixtape after three years of touring, collaborations and travelling after the release of his last album in 2013, "DFD." This new mixtape is a good deal since Dumbfoundead has made it free across multiple platforms, and even posted a free download link on his soundcloud. Listening to this album brings a fresh look on youth, aging and ultimately death and the afterglow of what is left behind. Dumbfoundead talks about his own personal legacy and his mark on Koreatown, Los Angeles.
4. "Views" - Drake
Another good album from a rap and hip-hop star. Drake's album was widely anticipated and highly received. Drake was able to blend R&B, reggae and hip-hop nicely in this album. This is a must listen for the year 2016, and is pretty amazing. It has a lot of emotion, ranging from the highest of euphorics to the lowest of lows. It is best to note that the only criticism it's received is that it switches back and forth from uptempo to mellowed out songs as the album goes on.
5. "4 Your Eyez Only" - J Cole
2014's "Forest Hills Drive" was a good album that brought J Cole's name to the minds of many, and this follow-up album cements his name into hip-hop's hall of fame. While 2014's "Forest Hills Drive" tells multiple short stores from the tracks, "4 Your Eyez Only" tells one long story, and each track is like a chapter. While many fans speculated that Cole was going on retirement, a preorder for this album came up, and fans were mostly pleased that he was not going to retire... yet. "4 Your Eyez Only" relies a lot on Cole's personal safety, like his family and fans, and his down to earth lyrical styles, which he communicates fluidly.
From these albums, it can be said that 2016 is a good year for hip-hop. Please enjoy these albums respectfully.
