10 Best Albums of 2016 — So Far
A few weeks ago, I was chatting with a friend who has been underwhelmed — to say the least — with this year’s album releases so far. And sure, there have been quite a few duds and overhyped disappointments.
But you don’t have to look very hard to find quality music — you just might have to turn off your radio to do it.
Let’s look at 10 rap and R&B albums, in no specific order, that are ahead of the pack. As a reminder, this list will exclude mixtapes and EPs (sorry, Chance).
2016 ain’t so bad. Here are 10 reasons why.
Honorable mentions: Kanye West, The Life of Pablo; Corinne Bailey Rae, The Heart Speaks In Whispers; Musiq Soulchild, Life on Earth; SWV, Still
Anderson Paak, Malibu
It’s hard to categorize this album as R&B or hip-hop. Instead, it’s a masterful amalgamation of both genres and serves as a coming-of-age story of one of the game’s most promising young talents. Don’t let Paak fly under your radar, he’s truly an artist to watch.
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Tweet, Charlene
It took nearly 10 years, but Tweet finally delivered her third album, and it was certainly worth the wait.Her patented soulful sound is a breath of fresh air in a genre currently experiencing an identity crisis. It’s one of the most cohesive listens of the year so far, even eclipsing her 2006 sophomore album.
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Elzhi, Lead Poison
In recent years, Elzhi has quietly become one of hip-hop’s premier lyricists. But thanks to Lead Poison, the game’s best-kept secret is finally getting a chance to roar. Nearly every track here is vivid portrayal of expert storytelling, taking well-worn topics like career struggles and relationship woes into new directions. Hip-hop doesn’t get any better than this.
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Anthony Hamilton, What I’m Feelin’
Anthony Hamilton has never been shy about embracing his gospel roots but on What I’m Feelin’, his seventh LP, they shine brighter than ever before. Every track brims with Hamilton’s brand of Southern soul, but are accentuated by arrangements that sound straight out of your grandma’s choir stand. It’s a great combination that makes this one of Hamilton’s best outings to date.
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Royce 5’9, Layers
How long have we been calling Royce “underrated?” I’m sure Royce is sick of hearing it — that’s why he raps with such a chip on his shoulder on Layers, one of his finest albums yet. Wicked wordplay and mind-bending metaphors are on tap for every track as Royce posits about life, faith, social justice and the fateful night that birthed both his son and career. Royce raps with his heart on his sleeve, and that’s why he’s so much more than “underrated.”
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Lion Babe, Begin
These days, my wife is so disillusioned with mediocrity in R&B that she mainly listens to old Faith Evans and Sade albums. So it’s very telling that the duo Lion Babe has caught her ear. Singer Jillian Hervey and producer Lucas Goodman have concocted an eclectic cocktail of neo-soul, disco and house, with a slight dash of hip-hop. It’s hard to call this “alternative” R&B — it’s more like a return to the genre’s diverse roots. Maybe that’s why the wifey likes it so much. It’s worth your time as well.
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Flatbush Zombies, 3001: A Laced Odyssey
I can’t front — the Flatbush Zombies have flown under my radar for years. I’m certainly familiar with their offbeat sound but unfairly wrote them off as A$AP Mob clones. How wrong I was. 3001: A Laced Odyssey is more accurately described as a throwback to the Boot Camp Clik — smart wordplay mixed with dashes of humor and air-tight production. I slept on them before but never again.
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Kendrick Lamar, untitled unmastered.
Only Kendrick Lamar could gather up scraps of unreleased recordings, package them up and wind up with one of the best albums of 2016. This collection of outtakes shows that even K Dot’s leftovers are stronger than most of his peers’ entire catalog. Kendrick’s patented social commentary is intact here, giving the set substance. This isn’t just a quick cash-in, it’s yet more proof that Kendrick is still at the top of his game.
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Beyonce, Lemonade
Yeah, I’m guessing you’ve heard of this album. And while it’s been needlessly overhyped, don’t overlook this fact — Lemonade is Beyonce at her creative peak. This isn’t simply a “Jay Z breakup album” or whatever they’re mumbling over on Twitter today, it’s a journey into the psyche of a black woman who is wrestling with infidelity and, yes, forgiveness. Top-notch storytelling here.
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KING, We are KING
KING has spent the past five years as almost an urban legend, a group that came out of nowhere, dropped a couple of head-turning tracks, then disappeared. But when they finally returned this year, they came strong — stronger than anyone expected. Their harmonies blend seamlessly with the lush production, making every single song instantly infectious. With a diverse set of soundscapes and nearly flawless vocal performances, KING no longer a myth, they’re R&B royalty — and my pick for best album of 2016 (so far).
Which albums did we overlook? And what are your favorites of the half-year? Let us know in the comments below.
I love the picture you used at the top of the article. Well written and good choices.