Best Hip Hop Music of 2016
Check out our list of the best hip hop tracks of 2016. From Chance the Rapper to Kendrick Lamar, these are the songs that defined the year.
Best Hip Hop Albums of 2016
It’s been an amazing year for hip hop music, with a wide variety of sounds and styles coming out of the genre. We’ve seen the rise of trap music, the continued popularity of conscious hip hop, and the evolution of the sound of mainstream hip hop. With so much great music to choose from, it’s hard to narrow it down to just a few albums. However, these are our picks for the best hip hop albums of 2016.
Kendrick Lamar – DAMN.
Kendrick Lamar’s DAMN. was one of the best hip hop albums of 2016. It was a commercial and critical success, debuting at number one on the US Billboard 200 and receiving widespread acclaim from critics. Lamar’s lyrics explored a range of topics including social injustice, race relations, and personalstruggles. The album features guest appearances from Rihanna, U2, and Zacari.
J. Cole – 4 Your Eyez Only
Cole announced the album with two singles “False Prophets” and “Everybody Dies” in early December 2016. Upon its release, 4 Your Eyez Only received generally positive reviews from critics and debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200, selling 492,000 album-equivalent units in its first week. The album was Cole’s fourth US number-one album.
Chance the Rapper – Coloring Book
Fresh off the success of his 2013 mixtape, Chance The Rapper returns with his third mixtape, Coloring Book. The project is a gospel and hip-hop hybrid, with Chance rapping about his faith and personal life over lush, soulful production. Coloring Book was released exclusively on Apple Music, making it the first streaming-only album to receive a Grammy nomination.
Best Hip Hop Songs of 2016
The best hip hop songs of 2016 include hits from Drake, Chance the Rapper, and Desiigner. If you’re looking for a great hip hop song to listen to, check out these three artists.
Kendrick Lamar – “HUMBLE.”
“HUMBLE.” is a song by American rapper Kendrick Lamar, from his fourth studio album DAMN., released on April 14, 2017. The lead single from the album, it peaked at number two on the US Billboard Hot 100.
The song was produced by Mike WiLL Made-It, with co-production from DJ Dahi and Anthony “Top Dawg” Tiffith. It features a sample of ” DNA.” by American rock band Imagine Dragons. The song’s artwork was designed by Karn David.
Lyrically, “HUMBLE.” finds Kendrick bragging about his wealth and success, while also taking shots at other rappers. The song’s music video was directed by Dave Meyers and the little homies, and features cameos from actor Don Cheadle and Lamar’s Compton High School basketball team. It won Best Rap Video at the 2018 MTV Video Music Awards and was nominated for eight additional awards at the BET Hip Hop Awards, including Video of the Year and Best Cinematography.
J. Cole – “Deja Vu”
J. Cole’s “Deja Vu” is one of the best hip hop songs of 2016. The track features a soulful beat and Cole’s lyrical prowess is on full display. The song is introspective and reflective, and Cole’s delivery is flawless. “Deja Vu” is a standout track from 2016 and is proof that J. Cole is one of the best rappers in the game.
Chance the Rapper – “No Problem”
“No Problem” is a song by American hip hop recording artist Chance the Rapper featuring Lil Wayne and 2 Chainz. It was released on May 13, 2016, by independent record label Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE). The song was produced by Brasstracks and written by Carter, Khaled Rohaim, Wayne and Dwayne Carter. The track serves as the lead single from his third mixtape Coloring Book (2016).
Best Hip Hop Music Videos of 2016
The best hip hop music of 2016 brought us a lot of great music videos. From Drake’s “Hotline Bling” to Chance the Rapper’s “No Problem,” there was a lot of great visuals to go along with the great music. Let’s take a look at some of the best hip hop music videos of 2016.
Kendrick Lamar – “HUMBLE.”
“HUMBLE.” is a song by American rapper Kendrick Lamar. It was released on March 30, 2017, through Top Dawg Entertainment, Aftermath Entertainment and Interscope Records. The song, produced by Mike Will Made It, features production from fellow American record producer Sounwave. Lyrically, the track has been described as having “respectful but hard hitting” lyrics by XXL and its title refers to Kendrick Lamar’s desire for more humble people. The song debuted at number two on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart dated April 15, 2017.
J. Cole – “Deja Vu”
J. Cole’s “Deja Vu” is one of the best hip hop music videos of 2016. The video tells the story of a young couple in love, and how their relationship changes over time. The video is shot in black and white, and features some amazing visuals.
Chance the Rapper – “No Problem”
“No Problem” is a song by American hip hop recording artist Chance the Rapper featuring Lil Wayne and 2 Chainz. It was released on May 27, 2016, by Chance the Rapper as the lead single from his third mixtape, Coloring Book. The song peaked at number 59 on the US Billboard Hot 100.
