AllMusic 2016 Year in Review
Favorite Rap and Hip-Hop Albums
It was a wild year for rap and hip-hop, with highlights including Kanye's constantly-evolving The Life of Pablo, Danny Brown's grim Atrocity Exhibition and Rae Sremmurd's SremmLife 2, as well as standout releases from ScHoolboy Q, Vince Staples, Young Thug and Common.
We Got It From Here... Thank You 4 Your Service
On their first record in 18 years, the group capture what made them great while giving their sound a modern update.
The A$AP Mob member's sophomore LP is a diverse success with an excellent guest list.
The esoteric rapper gets autobiographical on his first solo LP since 2012's Skelethon.
The alternative hip-hop group continue with the homecoming theme of their previous album but with a more positive and laid-back approach.
Stellar debut from the Interpol frontman and Wu-Tang leader that meshes so well it sounds like they were meant to be together all along.
The cancer survivor goes deep on this dark yet empowering album.
Triumphant and uplifting third mixtape from the charismatic Chancelor Bennett, operating at the top of his game.
The Los Angeles-based noise-rap trio's astonishing second album for Sub Pop is a dystopian science fiction opera.
Reunited with 1997-2007 collaborator Karriem Riggins, the rapper delivers some of the most thoughtful and vital material of his career.
The Detroit rapper, assisted by producer Paul White on ten tracks, is in top grim form on his first Warp release.
The California-based avant-garde hip-hop group gives listeners its fifth LP.
The Odd Future member makes his debut with help from Mac Miller, Wiz Khalifa, Juicy J, and Tyler, The Creator.
Exuding cheer and pure levity, the versatile rapper/crooner moves beyond "Broccoli" on a spirited and sweet debut.
The Brooklyn trio stun with an ambitious, conceptual, rock-solid debut album.
With Raheem DeVaughn and Young Buck as guests, the veteran rapper sounds renewed on this 2016 LP.
Future's surprise album is a dark and satisfying ride produced primarily by Metro Boomin and Southside.
The U.K. producer's third full-length is warm, wistful, sample-based electronic music equally informed by house and hip-hop.
After three years behind bars, the self-professed trap god returned to reclaim territory in a scene he helped popularize.
Top Dawg's faith in the troubled rapper's talent pays off and then some, with this riveting composite of grief and filth.
A fascinating and flawed return with support from Young Thug, Madlib, Kendrick Lamar, and others.
A vital assemblage of what its maker referred to as demos, most of which were recorded during the To Pimp a Butterfly sessions.
Hip-hop's most legendary eccentric sounds energized and surreal as ever on this collaboration-heavy, mostly self-produced full-length.
Crass and heartfelt love songs from the Rust Belt rapper, featuring collaborations with Ariana Grande, Anderson Paak, and Dâm-Funk.
Uplift and hope fill the underground rapper's 2016 LP, but expect edgy lyrics and challenging production instead of a crossover or clampdown.
Beatmaker L'Orange and conscious MC Mr. Lif join forces to produce a brief but powerful dystopian concept album.
Bringing a taste of the Golden Age of hip-hop into 2016, this collaborative album is a nourishing standout of solid production and hard-hitting bars.
Pegged as a one-hit wonder early on, this sophomore release proves the hip-hop duo are for real.
Phonte, Josh Krajcik, and Blueprint join the producer on this ambitious, '70s-flavored success.
Ryan Lewis / Macklemore / Macklemore & Ryan Lewis
Bookended by big, bold, and perhaps cumbersome tracks, the rest of Unruly equals, and often betters, this duo's Grammy-winning debut.
Fourth album of heavy, off-time beats and chopped-up samples from the Ann Arbor-born, Los Angeles-based hip-hop producer.
Justin Warfield joins the poet, rapper, and artist on a challenging and compelling concept album.
Inside a sprawling, excessive track list there's a classic album from the Top Dawg/Black Hippy MC.
A well-produced, very focused, and politically relevant album that isn't afraid to laugh in the face of prejudice.
A raw collection of protest music from the Atlanta rapper that is focused, deadly serious, and painfully relevant.
The Long Beach rapper faces inner darkness and societal ills on this unflinching and socially conscious EP.
Classic West Coast sounds and some caustic, compelling lyrics keep the rapper on G-Funk's top shelf.
Pusha T, 2 Chainz, and the massive hit "Down in the DM" all land on the Memphis MC's great 2016 LP.
Thrilling third mixtape of 2016 from the Atlanta trap icon featuring tracks named after Thug's idols, and appearances by Gucci Mane, Travi$ Scott, and Wyclef.