For The Culture: The 25 Best Albums Of 2016

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

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23. Vybz Kartel King Of The Dancehall Why: Caribbean music made a huge mark on hip-hop and pop culture this year. Artists like Drake and Rihanna embraced dancehall music, but we really must thank Vybz Kartel for birthing many of the styles associated with current music in the genre. From behind bars, the pioneer released yet another album that resonated with fans. The legend had little to no support from major U.S. companies, but Vybz' latest project featured hit singles -- "Fever," " Lipstick," & "Western Union" -- which all have millions of plays on Youtube. Guest Features: MonCherie and Demarco Notable Producers: Inhouse team.  Listen Here

22. Rae Sremmurd Sremm Life 2 Why: When folks were starting to question if Rae Sremmurd could do it again, the young duo became hip-hop's "Black Beatles" before our very eyes. Slim Jxmmi and Swae Lee worked their way to the very top of the Billboard charts and the social media world with the Gucci Man assisted single. Mike WiLL Made It helped guide these young brothers to a place where no critic expected. Additional singles from SremmLife 2 like "Yoga" and "Look Alive" are also party starters with the young millennial crowd. Guest Features, Gucci Mane, Lil Jon, Kodak Black, Gucci Mane, Bobo Swae Notable Producers: Mike WiLL Made It

20. De La A Soul And The Anonymous Nobody Why: New York originators De La Soul's first Kick Starter funded album earned the group a Grammy nomination for Best Album this year. Teenagers may need do their Googlez to get fully acquainted with the Long Island rap group, but they proved lyrics still matter in hip-hop. Anonymous_Nobody combines the best elements of rap music -- storytelling, social consciousnesses and beats composed of real instrumentation. Guest Features: Snoop Dogg, Jill Scott, Roc Marciano, Estelle, Pete Rock, Justin Hawkins, David Byrne, Usher, Little Dragon, 2 Chainz, David Goldblatt, Damon Albarn Listen Here

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

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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

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16. Bruno Mars 24K Magic Why: Bruno's Magic was enough to get Gucci Mane dancing... do we really need to say more after that, people? There's few who could resist the urge to shake somethin' when the crooner's addictive melodies came through the speakers in 2016. 24K Magic finds the crooner reinventing his 70s inspired sound into pure funky bliss. Don't be afraid to put your cool down and admit that this album is fire.  Guest Features: None. Notable Producers: Shampoo Press & Curl, The Stereotypes, Emile Haynie Listen Here

13. A Tribe Called Quest Thank You For Your Service, We'll Take It From Here Why: With the passing of hip-hop legend Phife Dawg, A Tribe Called Quest released their final album in his memory. Thank You For Your Service, We'll Take It From Here was started prior to the 5 Foot Assassin's passing, but still has his DNA all over the LP. Q-Tip, Ali Shaheed Muhammad and Jarobi White, kept the album's sound true to the jazzy style of hip-hop that they perfected in the early 90s. The double disc is the perfect marriage of Beats, Rhymes & Life -- the 2017 version. Guest Features:Consequence Busta Rhyme, Elton John, André 3000, Marsha Ambrosius, Abbey Smith, Talib Kweli, Anderson .Paak, Kendrick Lamar, Katia Cadet Notable Producers: Self produced. Listen Here

11. Mac Miller The Divine Feminine Why: The evolution of Mac Miller has been a highly debated one. Pittsburgh's young talent went from a brushed off novelty rapper to a respected musician with qualities very few critics thought he possessed. The Divine Feminine is almost like Mac's senior thesis. He took all the best elements from each of his solo albums and elevated the musicality to another level. While he still needs some grooming to be considered one of the best, it should be clear that he's more than just a rapper Guest Features: Bilal, Anderson Paak, Ty Dolla Sign, Njomza, CeeLo Green, Ariana Grande, Kendrick Lamar) Notable Producers: DJ Dahi, Dâm-Funk, Vinylz Listen Here

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

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5. Frank Ocean Blonde Why: The elusive Frank Ocean finally returned in 2016 with his long awaited follow up to Channel Orange. While the wait was grueling, it proved to be well worth the excruciating wait. Blonde features soul touching tracks filled with intriguing songwriting and arrangements -- not from any common mold -- Mr. Ocean is an innovator. Beginning with "NIkes," Frank croons about the ills of society and grabs listeners with pure melodic genius. Who else could get Andre 3000 to spit a whole song for him? Frank faces his insecurities, romantic blunders and issues with America head on throughout the 17 track album. Songs like "Solo" are reminders of why the singer is one of the most sought after voices in modern music. Guest Features: Andre 3000, Additional vocals by Beyonce, Jamine Sullivan, Yung Lean and more. Notable Producers: Frank Ocean, Jon Brion, Listen Here

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

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1. Solange A Seat At The Table Why: There’s no doubt in our minds that Solange released the album that spoke to us the most in 2016. From Master P’s moving narratives to the social messages woven into the tracks, A Seat At The Table was there for us on our darkest days – and our brightest days. Standout songs like “Don’t Touch My Hair” and “F.U.B.U” pinned Solange’s honest views about black pride onto the album’s beautiful gown. With a cohesiveness that blends the themes of the LP together like a rich New Orleans gumbo, the transforming musician released a masterpiece that transcends musical boundaries. The Best 3 Guest Features: Master P, Lil Wayne, Sampha Notable Producers: Solange, Sir Dylan, Rapheal Saadiq Listen Here