2016’s Best New Music: R&B and Hip Hop

We’re rounding up the best new music of 2016, and this time it’s all about R&B and hip hop! From breakout artists like Chance the Rapper to established superstars like Beyonce, there’s something for everyone on this list. So crank up the volume and get ready to groove!

Best New Artist: Chance the Rapper

The young Chicago artist set the hip-hop world on fire this year with his debut album, Coloring Book. A rootsy, spiritual successor to Kanye West’s The Life of Pablo, the album cements Chance as one of the most exciting and inventive rappers working today. His lyrical prowess and willingness to experiment with genre and form set him apart from his peers, and he’s quickly become one of the most buzzed-about artists in music. We can’t wait to see what he does next.

Best New Album: Lemonade by Beyonce

This past year has seen some great new music from a variety of genres, but R&B and hip hop have really stood out. Among the best of the best is Lemonade, the new album from Beyonce.

Lemonade is a masterful work, full of emotion and power. Beyonce’s voice is at its absolute best, and the production is top-notch throughout. The album is also deeply personal, with Beyonce reflecting on her own life and relationships in a way that is both vulnerable and honest.

If you’re looking for some great new R&B and hip hop to check out, Lemonade should definitely be at the top of your list. It’s an incredible album that deserves all the praise it has been receiving.

Best New Song: “Formation” by Beyonce

“Formation” is a song recorded by American singer Beyoncé for her sixth studio album, Lemonade (2016). The song was written by Beyoncé, Khalif Brown, Asheton Hogan, Mike Will Made It, and Pluss. The production was handled by Beyoncé, Mike Will Made It, and Pluss. A hip hop and trap song with New Orleans bounce-inspired beats and samples, “Formation” contains elements of trap music and crunk. Lyrically, the song discusses black pride, police brutality towards African Americans, southern United States culture, and terrorism.

Upon its release as a single on February 6, 2016, “Formation” debuted on the US Billboard Hot 100 at number 10; it became Beyoncé’s twelfth top 10 entry on the chart as a solo artist. The song also peaked at number one on the US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart and at number two on both the US Rap Songs and US R&B Songs charts. Internationally, “Formation” peaked at number 21 in the United Kingdom and at number 23 in Australia.

Best New Collaboration: “No Problem” by Chance the Rapper feat. Lil Wayne & 2 Chainz

“No Problem” is a song by American hip hop recording artist Chance the Rapper. It was released on May 27, 2016, by Chance the Rapper Publishing LLC and licensed to Apple Music and iTunes Store. The song features guest appearances from fellow American rappers Lil Wayne and 2 Chainz. The song peaked at number 59 on the US Billboard Hot 100.

The song was nominated for Best Rap Performance and Best Rap Song at the 59th Annual Grammy Awards.

Best New Video: “Formation” by Beyonce

There’s no denying that Beyoncé slayed with her performance at the Super Bowl earlier this year. Not only did she put on an incredible show, but she also released a new single, “Formation,” and a music video to go along with it. The video, which was shot in various locations around New Orleans, is visually stunning and includes some powerful political messages. It’s no wonder that it quickly rose to the top of many “Best of 2016” lists.