The Best Hip Hop Music of 2016
Want to know what hip hop music was the best of 2016? Check out our definitive list, including songs, albums, and mixtapes.
Introduction
2016 has been an amazing year for hip hop music. We’ve seen a resurgence of classic styles, as well as the continued evolution of new and innovative sounds. No matter what your taste, there’s something for everyone on this list.
So without further ado, here are the best hip hop tracks of 2016:
1) “No Diggity” by Blackstreet
2) “California Love” by 2Pac featuring Roger Troutman
3) “Empire State of Mind” by Jay-Z featuring Alicia Keys
4) “In Da Club” by 50 Cent
5) “Get Rich or Die Tryin'” by 50 Cent
6) “Lose Yourself” by Eminem
7) ” Hey Ya!” by Outkast
8) “The Way You Move” by Outkast featuring Sleepy Brown
9) “Crazy in Love” by Beyonce featuring Jay-Z
10) “Happy” by Pharrell Williams
Best Hip Hop Albums of 2016
Kendrick Lamar – DAMN.
Kendrick Lamar’s DAMN. is one of the best hip hop albums of 2016. The album features Lamar’s trademark flow and lyrical prowess, as well as some impressive production values. Highlights of the album include the singles “HUMBLE.”, “DNA.”, and “LOYALTY.”, which all showcase Lamar’s incredible skills as an emcee. If you’re a fan of hip hop, or just good music in general, then DAMN. is an album that you need to check out.
J. Cole – 4 Your Eyez Only
4 Your Eyez Only is the fourth studio album by American hip hop recording artist J. Cole, released on December 9, 2016, by Dreamville Records and Roc Nation. The album was preceded by four singles: “Deja Vu”, “No Role Modelz”, “Immortal”, and “Neighbors”. Upon its release, 4 Your Eyez Only debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200, selling 492,000 album-equivalent units in its first week; it was Cole’s second US number-one album. The album received generally positive reviews from critics and was ranked as one of the best albums of 2016 by several publications.
Chance the Rapper – Coloring Book
Chance the Rapper’s third mixtape, Coloring Book, was released in 2016 to critical acclaim. The mixtape features guest appearances from Kanye West, Justin Bieber, Lil Wayne, and 2 Chainz, among others. Coloring Book debuted at number eight on the Billboard 200 and received widespread praise from music critics. The mixtape was nominated for seven Grammy Awards, winning three, including Best Rap Album.
Drake – Views
Views is the fourth studio album by Canadian rapper Drake. It was released on April 29, 2016, through Young Money Entertainment, Cash Money Records and Republic Records. Recording sessions took place during 2015 and 2016, with both singles “Hotline Bling” and “One Dance” appearing on the album. Upon its release, Views became his seventh consecutive number-one album in Canada and topped the Billboard 200 in the United States, becoming his first album to do so. It also broke several streaming records upon its release.Get Tickets
Kanye West – The Life of Pablo
Kanye West’s The Life of Pablo is one of the best hip hop albums of 2016. West brings together a number of different styles on the album, including gospel, R&B, soul, and trap. The result is a unique and exciting album that is sure to appeal to fans of all genres.
Best Hip Hop Songs of 2016
There were a lot of great hip hop songs released in 2016. In this article, we will be discussing the best hip hop songs of 2016. This list is based on our opinion and is not meant to be a definitive list. We encourage you to listen to these songs and decide for yourself which ones you think are the best.
Kendrick Lamar – “HUMBLE.”
“HUMBLE.” is a song by American rapper Kendrick Lamar. It was released on March 30, 2017, as the lead single from his fourth studio album, DAMN. The song, produced by Mike Will Made It, features a sparse trap production that incorporates string instruments. The track received critical acclaim and peaked at number two on the US Billboard Hot 100, making it Lamar’s highest-charting single as a lead artist. The accompanying music video for “HUMBLE.” won the Grammy Award for Best Music Video at the 60th Annual Grammy Awards.
J. Cole – “Deja Vu”
J. Cole’s “Deja Vu” is one of the best hip hop songs of 2016. The track is a perfect blend of old school and modern hip hop, with J. Cole’s conscious lyrics and smooth flow meshing perfectly over the chill, jazzy production. “Deja Vu” is a brilliant showcase of J. Cole’s versatility and lyrical prowess, and is one of the highlights from his excellent album, 4 Your Eyez Only.
Chance the Rapper – “No Problem”
“No Problem” is a song by American hip hop recording artist Chance the Rapper. The song features vocals from fellow American rappers 2 Chainz and Lil Wayne. It was produced by Brasstracks, with additional production from Nate Fox, Lido, Kaytranada and Mike Dean. The song was released on May 26, 2016, as the third single from Chance the Rapper’s third mixtape Coloring Book (2016).
“No Problem” peaked at number 31 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song also peaked at number eight on the US Hot Rap Songs chart and number nine on the US Rap Songs chart.
Drake – “One Dance”
This was the year Drake finally cemented his place at the top of the rap game. “One Dance” topped the Billboard Hot 100 for 10 weeks, becoming his first No. 1 as a lead artist, and helped Views move over a million copies in its first week.
Kanye West – “Ultralight Beam”
Kanye West’s “Ultralight Beam” is one of the best hip hop songs of 2016. The song features Chance the Rapper, Kirk Franklin, and Kelly Price. The song is about Kanye’s testimony and his faith in God. The song is also a prayer for strength and guidance.
Conclusion
What a year it’s been for hip hop! We’ve seen the rise of new superstars, the return of some old favorites, and the continuation of some incredible talent. As we move into 2017, it’s time to take a look back at the best hip hop music of 2016.
There were so many great songs released this year, but these 10 stand out as the cream of the crop. From Chance the Rapper’s “No Problem” to Kendrick Lamar’s “Humble,” these tracks represent the best of what hip hop had to offer in 2016. So turn up your speakers and enjoy!
