Despite the turmoils of what 2016 brought us there were several brighter periods, mainly thanks to the artists we know and love providing us with so much great music to keep us going. From the ever-impressive Kendrick to a surprise comeback from A Tribe Called Quest here are my top 10 tracks of 2016:
10 -GLOWED UP – Kaytranada ft. Anderson. Paak
What a year it has been for both artists. Anderson. Paak swept us off our feet with Malibu, whilst Kaytranada’s ever-impressive production skills once again left us in awe. With both of these artists combining together during arguably their hottest year yet, it’s no surprise that they claim a spot on the list.
9- Without You – Anderson. Paak
Not only does Paak claim two spots on my list but this track is a stand out for so many reasons. The gentle piano chords sooth the song into play whilst he executes the singing and rapping perfectly. It may not have received the recognition it deserved but it’s easily one of his best ever recorded tracks.
8- Really Doe – Danny Brown ft. Ab-Soul, Kendrick Lamar & Earl Sweatshirt
Danny Brown’s latest album is an incredible fusion of Hip-Hop, jazz and really everything else in between, but this single features some of this generation’s best lyricists and does not fail to disappoint. Plus hearing Earl rapping again should make this a stand-out track alone.
7- Summer Friends – Chance The Rapper
Despite my conflicting and ever changing opinions on Chance this single blew my mind. The minimalist, bass heavy track and cunning lyrics resonated with me and helped to make Coloring Book his best album to date.
6- 30 Hours – Kanye West
Again, the stripped back tracks reign supreme. The infectious drums make it impossible to hate this masterpiece and the inclusion of Andre 3000 made it that much better, even if he sadly didn’t gift us with a verse.
5- By Any Means – Schoolboy Q
Schoolboy had a phenomenal year with The Blankface LP which showed a darker, more methodical side to the rapper. The tracks hit hard throughout the LP and the accompanying film makes it a masterpiece but for me By Any Means just flowed so well and has a new, deeper meaning with each listen.
4- We – Mac Miller ft. Cee-Lo Green
Mac Miller also showed us a new side with his passionate, love album The Divine Feminine packed with soulful love songs. Cee-Lo Green’s warm vocals add great depth to this track and the staggered guitars make it nothing short of genius.
3 – Dis Generation – A Tribe Called Quest
With arguably the best comeback of the year, A Tribe Called Quest flew straight back into our hearts with an instant classic as well as a final goodbye to the recently departed Phife Dawg. “Dis Generation” managed to feature all the legends who made ATCQ one of the greatest groups to have ever graced us with their mic skills, and this album as a whole stands out well above the rest.
2- Real Friends – Kanye West
Kanye has had another roller coaster of a year when he finally released his latest album, The Life Of Pablo and after months/years of torment it was not one to disappoint. It may not be his best album to date but with the creativity of tracks like “Real Friends” it shows us why he is still on top of his game.
1 – Panda – Desiigner
Perhaps the most famous hit this year seemingly came out of nowhere. Who would have thought a track where no one can understand the words and by an 18 year-old unheard of artists would take over the charts? Despite the conflicted opinions no one can knock it’s success and it’ll be exciting to see just how he’ll be able to top it.