King's List: 2016 in Hip-Hop

So. What have you been listening to lately? 2017 has just kicked into gear (woop!), and while we’re awaiting some new releases, we’re still jamming out to some songs from 2016! Here’s a playlist featuring some of my favorite hip-hop songs from last year, in no particular order.

  • J. Cole – “Neighbors”

Probably one of my favorite tracks from 2016 lyrically, this gem dropped at the tail end of the year off of Cole’s “4 Your Eyez Only” album. The refrain in the hook is just as simple as it is catchy, and the production compliments Cole’s verses perfectly. It’s one of my favorite productions from the album, and I was pleased to find out it’s also the only song on the album Cole produced all by himself.

  • Childish Gambino – “Redbone”

Seriously. Just listen to it. After the 100th listen, you probably can take a break now. This song is literally addicting, I get excited about leaving class just to listen to it. Sonically, this number sounds like it could have came straight out the 80s. The nostalgic chords, the melodies, as well as Danny Glover’s vocal arrangements all fuse together to make this an instant classic.

  • Kid Cudi – “Rose Golden” (feat. Willow Smith)

If you don’t feel like you have the capability to take over the universe after listening to this new album cut from Scott Mescudi, I frankly don’t know if you heard the right song. One of the most effortlessly motivating anthems I’ve heard in years. Whether you’re at the gym, warming up for a big event, or just need a little push — put this one on. Rose Golden features just-enough vocals from Willow Smith and is on his latest album, Passion, Pain & Demon Slayin‘.

  • Kodak Black – “Purp”

Not going to lie, it took me a minute to actually give Kodak a chance. Probably because I’ve been working on an album myself for the past two years so my ear isn’t as open as it usually is, but giving new artists a chance is scary. Sometimes you’re only willing to give them one chance; one song; that’s it. I had heard Kodak’s breakout “No Flockin” single in the clubs before and grew to love it, but it wasn’t until I heard “Purp” from his Lil Big Pac mixtape that made me a fan. “I’m tryna keep everybody happy but I just end up hurt,” he raps on the song’s hook. “And Lord knows that I’m blessed but sometimes I feel cursed.” I found myself relating to Kodak Black in just those two lines more than I’ve felt relating to anyone – in a very long time.

  • Kid Cudi – “By Design” (feat. André Benjamin)

  • Damez – “2 Points” (feat. Cartier)

  • J. Cole – “Jermaine’s Interlude”

  • Drake – “Too Good” (feat. Rihanna)

  • Kanye West – “Real Friends”

  • ScHoolboy Q – “THat Part” (feat. Kanye West)

  • J. Cole – “4 Your Eyez Only”

  • Migos – “Bad and Boujee” (feat. Lil Uzi Vert)

  • Kid Cudi – “Baptized in Fire” (feat. Travis Scott)

  • Aminé – “Caroline”

  • Chance the Rapper – “No Problem” (feat. Lil Wayne & 2 Chainz)

  • Future – “Married to the Game”

  • Kodak Black – “Skrt”

  • Kap G – “Girlfriend”

  • Migos – “T-Shirt”

Damien HendersonComment