2016 has been a phenomenal year for the music industry. With albums from the likes of Beyoncé and Rihanna, Kanye West and Drake, Chance The Rapper and Frank Ocean, and more, practically every major album drop this year has taken over the majority of our radios, streaming platform playlists, entertainment news shows, and social media feeds -- and it's being produced by tons of People of Color. But in the midst of all the big names slaying in our musical lives as they always do (here's looking to Beyoncé every time she snatches my edges with a digital drop), there is a whole host of musical talent being made by people of color that flew right under our radar. Probably because we were too busy trying to nurse our edges back to health.

However, due to the fact that I personally had no idea what a dope artist Solange Knowles is prior to her most recent release, A Seat at the Table, I have put together a list of seven female artists of color that I feel are very underrated. In order of personal taste, here are my top seven underrated female artists of color.

7. Abra

Even though I just got hip to Abra myself, she definitely fits into my style of music. Born in New York but raised in London, Abra moved to Atlanta, Georgia at 8 years old. Abra favors mostly slow, sultry, and shadowy R&B tracks that don't resemble any sounds of mainstream artists right now. In fact, Abra's seductive voice, which sounds very familiar to Teena Marie, can typically be heard atop old school funk beats, often featuring sounds from an electric organ. To date, she has released two EPs ('Blq Velvet' and 'Princess') and one studio album (Rose). This young woman is definitely an alternative R&B artist that may not appeal to everyone. But if she does appeal to you, her music is available on Apple Music, Spotify, and Soundcloud.

Personal Favorites: "Crybaby" and "Fade 2 Blaq"

6. Esty Leone

A 22-year-old producer, guitarist, pianist, and singer-songwriter, Esty Leone has plenty of talents to put into her music. Though she hasn't put out too much music, it is easy to see that Esty is a must watch in the industry through her first and only EP, 'Darkroom'. The EP can be described as an auditory pleasing trip through painful and dark emotions stemming from the singer's previous relationship. Even through the pain, she still has a bright and vibrant sound to her music. The artist has been alluding to coming new music through her Twitter account and on her website. To stream her music, check out her SoundCloud page.

Personal Favorites: "Darkroom" and "LoveLorn"

5. Ella Eyre

As an England-born singer of Jamaican and Maltese descent, most of Ella Eyre's fanbase is in the United Kingdom. I stumbled across Ella Eyre one night when I was in my feelings and listening to the 'Beyond the Lights' soundtrack. Despite her lack of a strong fanbase here in the United States, Ella Eyre's talent is not unnoticed. Featuring music that features trumpets and snare drums, Ella Eyre's self-titled debut album is a soulful introduction into the music introduction. Many of the songs feature simple melodies from full bands and orchestras, giving listeners a variety of soulful sounds throughout the album. Her debut album can be found on Apple Music and Spotify.

Personal Favorites: "We Don't Have To Take Our Clothes Off" and "Home"

4. Kilo Kish

Kilo Kish has one of the funkiest, vibe-y, yet fun sounds I've heard in a while. An alternative R&B singer, songwriter, and occasional rapper, Kilo Kish recently released her latest album, Reflections in Real Time. A deeply personal album, Reflections in Real Time flickers between fully developed songs and fragmentary interludes. Yet, even the interludes are artfully crafted and truly are diverse musical breaks in the overall listening experience of the album. Kilo Kish's other EPs and mixtapes add to the plethora of great music coming from this up and coming artist. Most of Kilo Kish's music is available on Apple Music, Spotify, and SoundCloud.

Personal Favorites: "Age + Self Esteem: A Funhouse Mirror" and "Frustrations + Solutions"

3. Jillian Hervey of LION BABE

LION BABE is actually a neo-soul duo, composed of singer Jillian Hervey and record producer Lucas Goodman. As a clearly integral part to the duo, Jillian Hervey is truly the face of LION BABE. After being urged to channel Erykah Badu and Lauryn Hill in her singing in 2011, Hervey began to develop her own sound, leading to the creation of the group. With Lucas Goodman providing upbeat, modern tracks behind Jillian Hervey's drawn out twangs and runs, LION BABE's most recent album Begin is a major hit, with only one feature from Childish Gambino. Their music is available to listen on Apple Music and Spotify.

Personal Favorites: "Wonder Woman" and "Jump Hi"

2. Syd tha Kyd of The Internet

As the lead singer of the neo soul group The Internet, Syd tha Kyd's distinct voice lends to the overall vibe of the group. Striving to deviate from simple hit-seeking commercial R&B, the group aims to create a sound involving understated vocals and live instrumentations. Providing much of the song-writing for their most recent album Ego Death, Syd tha Kyd shows off her artistic skill and value through song. A light and airy voice, Syd tha Kyd definitely has and is contributing to a sort of quality sound that is hard to find elsewhere in the music industry. Their music can be found on Apple Music, Spotify, and SoundCloud.

Personal Favorites: "Special Affair" and "Under Control"

1. NAO

I am completely and utterly biased when it comes to this British singer-songerwriter. NAO captured my ears when I first heard 'Bad Blood', so when she released her debut album For All We Know I thought I was going to have a heart attack. Her long awaited debut album is carefree and oozes a sultry, laidback confidence as it redefines electro-soul and R&B. The entire album is a gem, full of great basslines underneath airy trills from NAO. Lyrically, the album contains many heartfelt ballads, ranging from feelings of adoration to heartbreak and bittersweet nostalgia. A definite nod to 1990s music, For All We Know and NAO's style in general will make you want to add her to your music library. Check her out on Apple Music and Spotify.

Personal Favorites: "Adore You" and "In The Morning"...Every song on For All We Know tbh.

Happy listening!