The Best R&B and Hip-Hop Songs of 2016
Looking for the best R&B and hip-hop songs of 2016? Look no further! We’ve compiled a list of the top tunes of the year, so you can stay up-to-date on the latest and greatest hits.
The Best R&B Songs of 2016
There’s no doubt that 2016 has been an interesting year, to say the least. But through all the craziness, the music has remained constant. As we near the end of 2016, it’s time to reflect on the year that was in R&B and hip-hop music. From Beyoncé’s Lemonade to Chance the Rapper’s Coloring Book, there was no shortage of great music this year. Here are our picks for the best R&B and hip-hop songs of 2016.
“Formation” – Beyoncé
This song, which was released as a single on Beyoncé’s Lemonade album, quickly became an anthem for the Black Lives Matter movement. With its references to Hurricane Katrina and police brutality, “Formation” is a powerful and timely song that resonated with many people this year.
“No Problem” – Chance the Rapper featuring Lil Wayne and 2 Chainz
This upbeat track from Chance the Rapper’s Coloring Book mixtape is a feel-good song about success and friendships. With verses from Lil Wayne and 2 Chainz, “No Problem” is one of the best tracks on an already great mixtape.
“Black Beatles” – Rae Sremmurd featuring Gucci Mane
This Rae Sremmurd song topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart for seven weeks, thanks in part to its catchy chorus and viral “Mannequin Challenge.” But beyond its social media momentum, “Black Beatles” is just a great song that deserves all its success.
These are just a few of our favorite R&B and hip-hop songs from 2016. What are some of your favorites?
The Best Hip-Hop Songs of 2016
The best hip-hop songs of 2016 include singles released by some of the biggest names in the genre as well as newcomers who are destined to make their mark. Kendrick Lamar, Drake, A Tribe Called Quest, and Chance the Rapper are just a few of the artists who released standout tracks this year.
One of the biggest surprises was Lil Wayne’s “Grateful,” which featureshim rapping over a sample of flip phones ringtones. The track is vintage Wayne, full of his trademark wordplay and clever punchlines. Another stand out was Chance the Rapper’s “No Problem,” which features Lil Wayne and 2 Chainz. The track is an ode to independence, with all three rappers boasting about their success without the help of a major label.
Other highlights includeDanny Brown’s “Really Doe,” featuring Kendrick Lamar, Ab-Soul, and Earl Sweatshirt; J. Cole’s “Neighbors”; Kanye West’s “Ultralight Beam”; and Drake’s “One Dance,” featuring Wizkid and Kyla. These are just a few of the best hip-hop songs of 2016 — there are too many great ones to list them all here!
The Best Rap Songs of 2016
The year 2016 was a huge one for rap music. Some of the biggest names in the genre released new albums, while up-and-comers continued to make their mark on the charts. It was also a year that saw a number of surprise hits, as well as some sadly missed opportunities.
In terms of sheer quality, there were few rap albums that could match Kendrick Lamar’s “untitled unmastered.” The album, which compiled previously unreleased demo tracks, was a stunning display of Lamar’s lyrical prowess and cemented his status as one of the greatest rappers alive. Elsewhere, Chance the Rapper continued to impress with his third mixtape, “Coloring Book,” which featured some of the most joyous and inventive rapping of the year.
Other highlights included Young Thug’s boundary-pushing ” Slime Season 3,” Danny Brown’s dark and twisted “Atrocity Exhibition,” A Tribe Called Quest’s triumphant comeback album “We got it from Here… Thank You 4 Your service” and De La Soul’s excellent return to form with “and the Anonymous Nobody.”
There were also a number of breakout hits from lesser-known artists, including Lil Uzi Vert’s “XO TOUR Llif3” and Migos’ “Bad and Boujee.” But perhaps the biggest story in rap this year was the continued rise of Cardi B, whose single “Bodak Yellow” made her the first female rapper to top the Billboard Hot 100 in nearly 20 years.
Here are our picks for the best rap songs of 2016:
“Bodak Yellow” – Cardi B
“Humble” – Kendrick Lamar
“DNA” – Kendrick Lamar
“Mask Off” – Future
“Bad and Boujee” – Migos feat. Lil Uzi Vert
“XO TOUR Llif3” – Lil Uzi Vert
