
For The Culture: The 25 Best Albums Of 2016
These 25 projects stayed in our playlists all year 'round.
2016 proved to be a revolutionary one in music. Genre bending artists like Kaytranada, Rihanna and Solange blessed us with three of the most intriguing albums of the year. While rap's most wanted helped keep the fire going with projects like Blankface LP, Coloring Book and Birds In The Trap Sing McKnight
READ: Fists Up: The 20 Blackest Albums Of 2016
You can consider all the excessive name-dropping as hints for who made VIBE's 25 Best Albums of 2016 list. It was truly a daunting task to comb through the hundreds of albums that our staff cherished this year. Add the fact that artists are still dropping new albums as we speak, and it's one chaotic challenge. We set a firm cut off date of Nov. 25 for eligibility this year. All albums released after Thanksgiving 2016 will be in contention for 2017's list.
Now, for the main event! The next 25 works of art were among the most impactful, influential and sought after releases of the year. This comprehensive list features both official studio albums and mixtapes.
Get your comments ready and click away.


25. Lil Yachty Lil Boat
Why: There's no question that we will be receiving flack for our 25th pick, but we couldn't deny Lil Yachty's impact on hip-hop in 2016. Whether you love him or hate him, Lil Boat helped place the red haired rapper into the major leagues.
His unique style of monotone crooning, propelled by autotune, takes some getting used to. That much we can admit, but his melodies become more infectious and addictive with each spin. This boat may get you seasick, but thekids can't get enough of Yachty.
Did we mention he is up for a Grammy with D.R.A.M.?
Guest Features: Burberry Perry, Quavo, Skippa Da Flippa and Young Thug, Big Brutha Chubba and Byou
Notable Producers: Ducko McFli, DigitalNas, Burberry Perry






19. BJ The Chicago Kid In My Mind
Why: This Windy City singer's voice is a true diamond in the rough in these autotune obsessed times. True vocalists are a rare find in music today, so consider BJ a musical unicorn.
In My Mind's thick layers gives listeners a glimpse into the inner struggles that the crooner faces on a daily basis. From his desire to remain as a strong Christian man to his taste for temptations -- it's all there in the album's 15 tracks. The Kendrick Lamar-assisted "The New Cupid" is a prime example of how flawlessly BJ intertwines classic soul and modern R&B.
BJ also earned himself a VIBE digital cover earlier this year.
Guest Features: Buddy Constantine, Buddy, Chance The Rapper, Isabella, Isa, Eric Ingram, Kendrick Lamar
Notable Producers: DJ Khalil, DJ Reflex, Da Internz


17. YG Still Brazy
Why: There's no doubt that YG was hip-hop's most vocal anti-trump activist out there. His "FDT" single was heard loud and clear by the world. However, Still Brazy was also filled with 16 other tracks of raw Bompton rap.
"Twist My Fingaz" helped fans get back in tune with the red loving rapper -- while comrades Drake and Kamiyah helped YG extend his middle fingers to the detractors.
Guest Features: Sad Boy, A.D., Bricc Baby, Slim 400, Syke 800, Duce, Marley Blu, Burnt Out, Lil Wayne, Drake, Kamaiyah, Joe Moses, Jay 305, The Homegirl, Nipsey Hussle
Notable Producers: Hit-Boy, Ty Dolla $ign, P-Lo



14. Future Purple Reign
Why: Future and DJ Esco's run didn't slow up in 2016, the Atlanta duo continued to burn down mixtapes and clubs with hit after hit. The rapper's Purple Reign project was his most sonically pleasing of the year.
The release can literally be played from front to back in the club without any sleepy moments.
Guest Features: None.
Notable Producers: Metro Boomin, Zaytoven, DJ Spinz




10. ScHoolboy Q Blankface LP
Why: Arguably TDE's most charismatic member, ScHoolboy Q released his most polished work to date with the Blankface LP. Lead by the Kanye West-assisted "That Way," Q also ties in social commentary throughout the album's tough gangsta shell.
ScHoolboy flips flows on "By Any Means," connects with Cali legends, Tha Dogg Pound on "Big Body," and gives the world a glimpse into the mind of a living graduate from the gang infested streets.
Guest Features: Kanye West, Jadakiss, Lance Skiiiwalker, Vince Staples, Candice Pillay, E-40, Tha Dogg Pound, SZA, Anderson Paak, Miguel, Justine Skye, Traffic, TF
Notable Producers: Swizz Beatz, Tyler, The Creator, Cardo






4. Chance The Rapper Coloring Book
Why: Before he earned himself a whopping 7 Grammy nominations off of a mixtape, we already knew Chance The Rapper was the truth. He painted his Coloring Book with enough pieces of rare art to fill several museums. “No Problem” (feat. Lil Wayne and 2 Chainz) became an anthem for rappers who choose to stay independent. The project’s intro alone is powerful enough to turn a murderer sinner into a pastor.
Chicago’s wunderkind followed no trends on his critically acclaimed release, instead he created his own styles that were quickly duplicated, which seemed to even have influence on one Kanye West. See: Ultralight Beam.
Coloring Book is equal parts uplifting, entertaining and served as the answer to hip-hop fans seeking music that truly pushes the culture forward. For the culture? Chance is redefining it.
The Guest Features: Kanye West, Chicago’s Children’s Choir, Lil Wayne, 2 Chainz, Jeremih, Francis & The Lights, D.R.M., Young Thug, Lil Yachty, Saba, Towkio, Knox Fortune, Jay Electronica, cousin Nicole, Future, T-Pain, Kirk Franklin, Eryn Allen Kane, NoName, Ty Dolla $ign
Notable Producers: The Social Experiment, Kaytranda, Francis & The Lights

3. Beyonce Lemonade
Why: To put it frankly, Beyonce is the queen and king of music right now. If JAY Z is a business, man, than Bey is the corporation that calls the shots. The impact and influence of Lemondae ran most of 2016 -- even if it did fuel some ugly rumors,
When it was time for the ladies to get into “Formation,” she was there. When it was time to flip the bird to ex-lovers, she also there with the perfect answer. It also had the best videos that turned the LP into a stunning visual ride.
Bey’s chart topping album was bold, brave and a showcase of the singer’s desire to remembered as the greatest of all time. She opened up like never before about her love life and personal feelings while inviting listeners to truly feel her pain when the cameras are off and it’s time to confront Becky with the good hair.
Guest Features: Kendrick Lamar, The Weeknd, Jack White, James Blake
Notable producers: Mike WiLL Made It, Diplo, Just Blaze

