As this year comes to a close and lists are brought up, I can’t help but to think of the music projects that shaped my year and made my year so much better. After looking at my list of top albums of 2016, I came to the conclusion that I was more focused on different sounds as well as where each artist’s head was at in the making of their particular project. Yes, The Life of Pablo and Coloring Book are a couple of the top albums of the year, but I’m different and these following works of art have gotten me through this weird 2016. Check em out!
Allan Kingdom – Northern Lights
Allan kingdom dropped this project at the top of the year and till this day I find myself playing Northern Lights at least on a weekly basis. From the first track, Kingdom gets your attention and doesn’t let it go. My favorite track, “Interruption” talks about his come up, how his parents are “some immigrants”, and when he met Plain Pat. The rest is pretty much history. Allan Kingdom definitely carved his own lane with this project. Favorite tracks: “The Ride”, “Interruption”, and “Disconnect”.
Travis Scott – Birds In the Trap Sing McKnight
I mean what can I say about Birds In The Trap Sing McKnight that hasn’t been said already. In my opinion, this album was definitely snubbed from the Grammy nominations and should be in talks for best Hip Hop Album on everyone’s list. It looks like Travis has found his sound and has now perfected his craft. Each track on Birds In The Trap Sing McKnight is can arguably be considered an anthem. Say what you want about Scott’s lyrical abilities, it doesn’t matter to me when you have an ear for music like his. My favorite tracks: “goosebumps”, “pick up the phone”, and “wonderful”.
Astonish – To Whom It May Concern
By far, To Whom It May Concern is one of my favorite projects to come out of the city. The whole project blends well and you can tell that Astonish put all of his blood, sweat and tears into this one. We do get to hear a feature from the deceased homie, JDott Trife on “Ride” as well as from Mano of Treated Crew on “My Theme Song”, both tracks are amazing. My favorite track though is definitely “Get Away” which is the perfect companion for any recreational activity that one may have. Take a listen to Astonish’s project as you’ll feel everything that Astonish has been through to give us this project. Favorite Tracks: “Get Away”,”My Theme Song”, and “We Got Now”.
Kaytranada – 99.9%
There’s no genre that this particular project fits under, and I’m perfectly fine with that. When you have Vic Mensa and Craig David on the same project, you can do whatever you want. 99.9% is so versatile, that I find myself listening to this project during a workout, on a Sunday morning and even on weekend night drive in the city. I’d love to see what Kaytranada will do to top this masterpiece. My favorite tracks: “Got It Good”, “Glowed Up”, and “You’re The One”.
Anderson .Paak – Malibu
I’m pretty positive this album made it onto everyone’s list this year, and I wouldn’t be happy if it wasn’t in mine. This year really was Anderson .Paak’s year, everything he touched sounded amazing. Anderson brings a unique but confident sound to Malibu that makes me wish I was around for 60’s soul/funk music but also happy I was present for the hip hop music I grew up with. Favorite tracks: “Am I Wrong”, “The Dreamer”, and “Celebrate”.
theWHOevers – R U Down?
Here’s another project from some local peeps! theWHOevers have been putting in work through our existence as a media outlet and we can definitely tell that everything they put out, includes soul. R U Down? Is only a seven track project, but when you want quality, these seven tracks are more than enough. I think I heard through the grapevine that theWHOevers will be making an extended version of this particular project and I couldn’t be more excited to see what they have in store. Listen to R U Down? and vibe out to what the homies have to offer. Favorite Tracks: “4 Finger Ring”, “R U DOWN”, “Penny Pinchin’”
Mac Miller – The Divine Feminine
I’m not sure what has happened with Mac Miller for the past couple years, Mac’s definitely changed his style and sound. My guess is that he’s now a grown up and has been through different situations that led to this artistic change. I’m not mad at the change at all! The Divine Feminine is Mac Miller’s best work to date when it comes to sound and sophisticated rhymes. Don’t get me wrong, I love the stoner and rebel sound that we fell in love with originally, but the sound and instruments that he uses on this project are amazing. Favorite Tracks: “Cinderella”, “Dang!”, and “My Favorite Part”.
Vic Mensa – There’s Alot Going On
With so much on Vic Mensa’s mind comes a lot creativity and feelings on projects. Mensa’s There’s Alot Going On was one of my favorite projects to come out this summer because of his unapologetic message that related to everything that was and is going on in our city. “Shades of Blue” hit me the instant I heard it as I could definitely relate to “talking about the revolution”, but spending the money on other “movements”. Let’s just say that this whole project changed me and I thank Vic for this. Favorite Tracks: “Shades of Blue”, “There’s Alot Going On”, “16 Shots”
Ravyn Lenae – Moon Shoes
What a year Ravyn Lenae has had thus far! I’m sure the success that she has had will carry on to 2017 and further, as she’s so young but so talented. Moon Shoes is an incredible project that I normally play during stressful situations, maybe it’s Ravyn’s soothing voice that reassures me that whatever is going on in life, will be alright. Ravyn’s project was mostly produced by Monte Booker, who is one of the best out there. Give Moon Shoes a listen, you won’t regret it. My Favorite Tracks: “Free Room”, “Right of Spring”, and “Greetings”.
StarRo – Monday
I’m pretty sure Mondays aren’t everyone’s best friend and most can agree that they actually hate Mondays. In comes StarRo who sees Mondays a little different. He sees Mondays as the most productive day of the week, a day where it’s easy to get a hold of people and a time when you can actually get the ball rolling. He’s such a big fan of Monday, that he actually named his debut project, Monday. This particular project has definitely tapped into some of my creative juices and made me think about things from a different perspective and view. If you’re looking for something differently amazing, look no further than Monday. My favorite tracks on here “Yams”, “Serendipity” and “You”.
