Well, 2016 was not a good year for a lot of us. A lot of sucky things happened, friendships ended, car accidents, family members passed, political and social situations came to a head. Nonetheless, 2016 was an amazing year for music, especially in the hip-hop/R&B/soul world. With that being said, here is a list of some artists and their albums, in no particular order, that helped get me through the year, as well as bring a plethora of positive vibes.
Disclaimer: Not all of these songs were created this year, I just happened to get to them later, or still appreciated them the same.
The Internet
I don't know how to describe how happy I am that I found them. Branching off from Tyler the Creator's Odd Future, The Internet is a neo-soul band started by front-runner Syd The Kid and Matt Martians along with Patrick Paige, Christopher Smith, Jameel Bruner and Steve Lacy. I was initially captured by their song "Girl" from their third, most recent, album, "Ego Death," and it went from there. This is the album that critics claim created their freedom from association with Odd Future, giving them their own reputation and name. Listen to the album. I would also advise you to listen to all of their albums. But if you need a quick pick-me-up to start off your day, listen to this one from their second album, "Feel Good."
Frank Ocean
I don't know where to start with Frank. I fell in love with Frank Ocean in 2012 after hearing "Thinkin Bout You." He took the hearts of thousands and then disappeared for almost five years, leaving us with broken hearts and empty promises. His album "Channel Orange" to me isn't just an album but a deeply conceptual, cathartic, artistic experience. I was playing that for years until August, when he dropped a project called Endless, featuring his second studio album, "Blonde," a visual album, and a magazine, "Boys Don't Cry" all at once. "Blonde" is also a beautiful album. It still holds deep conceptual meaning while standing apart from "Channel Orange." If you need to feel better or understood, I would say listen to anything by him. I mean anything. Just be cautious when boarding that ship.
Anderson .Paak
This man has so much soul. I came across him thanks to my best friend, and he has yet to disappoint me. Anderson .Paak has such a knowledge and appreciation for those who came before him and it shows. His music is like the euphoric lovechild of joy and painful emotion. His most recent independent album, "Malibu," has my heart as well. Start with "The Bird," and see where your day goes from there. He also just dropped an album last month called "Yes Lawd!" with Knxwledge. Check it out.
Chance The Rapper
Chance The Rapper has always, ALWAYS, been true to himself and his values. Hailing from Chicago, he has never conformed to societal standards and managed to create a name for himself without the help of a record company, similar to his counterpart, J. Cole. He is the epitome of Black Boy Joy. His most recent album, "Coloring Book," displays countless instances of fantastic wordplay and verbal imagery. There were so many bars... I couldn't not be hype. It was necessary. "Coloring Book" is also, like his previous mixtapes, free to the public anywhere, everywhere.
NoName
Also hailing from Chi-Town is Fatimah Warner, otherwise known as NoName. NoName first captured hearts with features like on Chance the Rapper's Lost. Her first actual album, "Telephone," is just wonderful. It's an intimate look at the artist herself and gives you an honest experience of nostalgia; happy, sad, angry, mellow, peaceful nostalgia. I'm so glad I was introduced to her. This is the kind of album you listen to straight through for a while. She has a divine way with words and an interesting story palette. And although she isn't as well known yet, and simply doesn't care too much to be, she is getting there soon. Even if no one knows her name yet.
Kendrick Lamar
Anybody who really knows my black revolutionary behind knows I love this man. His rhetoric is so tasteful, his words are like soft butter along with the sharp knife you used to avoid washing the butter knife. I know his album, "To Pimp A Butterfly," was made in 2015, but you cannot say it doesn't apply perfectly to this year. The American system of government and justice served exactly what it was meant to — racism at its finest — time, after time, after time leaving us grasping blindly for the right words to listen to, something to hold onto, remind us of our pride, which can't be taken from all of us. That's what this gave me, empowerment.
Solange
Last, but absolutely not least, I give you Solange's "A Seat At The Table." This album was the icing on top of an amazing year for black music and culture. It hit No. 1 on the Billboard charts. I needn't say anything else; it softly, yet loudly speaks for itself. Go listen to it straight through, no skips, no jumping. I promise you will understand why. And you're welcome.
