2016 has been a great year for music. Many talented artists gave us more of their wonderful music. Music is a huge obsession of mine, so I would like to share my 10 favorite albums of the year with you. However, I would like to extend my favorite music to not only albums but mixtapes as well.

1. Frank Ocean - Blond

Frank Ocean hands down gave us the best album of 2016. This album was overdue in the eyes of many people, as Frank Ocean seemingly disappeared after his last album in 2012. Even I was a little disappointed when several false dates for Frank Ocean's new album popped up on social media. However, I completely forgive Frank for his absence, as he delivered one of the best albums I've heard in a very long time. From the start, Blond was a brilliantly confusing illusion. Ocean had gained a reputation of speaking on political and societal issues on his first album and continued doing so. But the sound in this album is so very different in the best ways. Listening to this album for the first time was an amazing experience for me. Without percussion for most of the album, it is just isolated vocals and creative sounds. Frank Ocean set a whole new standard for creativity with this album. When listening, you can feel yourself in the mind of Ocean as he expresses the thoughts in his mind somewhat vaguely, but so purposefully. Blond is a must-listen album, but it is impossible to enjoy this album with a close-minded attitude. Thank you very much, Frank Ocean.

Favorite songs from the album: Self Control and Nikes

2. J Cole- 4 Your Eyez Only

Another long-awaited and highly anticipated album. And just like Frank Ocean, J Cole did not disappoint at all. J Cole is undoubtedly one of the best rappers today. He uses his incredible lyricism to paint beautiful pictures with words. Cole has been debating retiring as he has never been a fan of the fame that comes with being a genius artist. He has never been one to embrace the limelight. However, it seems that racial and political issues snapped him awake. Over time, Cole's thoughts in his music have gotten much darker. He expresses in this album multiple times that he debates whether or not he really wants to be alive. Despite the racism, he sees, the violence in the streets, and the harsh world in front of him, J Cole seems to have found hope- in love. He loves his significant other and his newborn child very much, which he expresses throughout the album. Although this album contains only 10 songs, it is not lacking in content at all. Also, there is a genius, underlying double-meaning behind the album. But I'm not going to spoil that because this is another must-listen album. I hope J Cole has enough hope and inspiration to continue making music.

Favorite songs from the album: She's Mine, Pt. 1 & 2 and 4 Your Eyez Only

3. Kanye West - The Life of Pablo

Kanye West has always been one of my favorite hip hop artists. I grew up listening to Ye. So, of course, I was overwhelmed when I discovered he was releasing another album. I screamed with excitement when he released the song "Facts" in which he throws shade at.. well just about anyone and everyone. Many people spout hate at Kanye West because he seemingly cares about no one but himself. But it is quite clear (and explained) in TLOP that Kanye is actually just a restless husband and father. West drops his deepest and sincerest thoughts throughout the album, and if you piece them together correctly, you find out who Kanye really is. Kendrick Lamar, Chance the Rapper, and Chris Brown all contribute fantastic features. Although I will always prefer Kanye's older music, The Life of Pablo is no doubt another great album to add to his already existing collection.Take it easy Kanye, you've given us phenomenal music and deserve the rest.

Favorite songs from the album: Waves and Ultralight Beam

4. Chance the Rapper - Coloring Book

Chance the Rapper might be the undisputed King of making mixtapes. Coloring Book is one of the greatest mixtapes of all time in my opinion. This mixtape is a very spiritual work of art. Chance is a changed man, and how can we not love him for it? Whether you are religious or not, it is impossible to not feel cheery when listening to this music. Chance presents his values, his religion, and his strong stance on continuing to be an independent artist. Many people downgraded this mixtape, claiming that Chance was too focused on religion. I think it is inspiring (once again, religious or not) to see a person so dedicated to their message. Chance the Rapper is one of the best artists we have and deserves all the praise we can give him. Coloring Book is another must-listen for 2016.

Favorite songs from the mixtape: Juke Jam and Same Drug

5. Beyonce - Lemonade

Beyonce is without a doubt one of the most influential artists of this generations. This woman can legitimately move mountains with her words. She has always been known to be a powerful woman, but in Lemonade she delivers her most powerful messages yet. Black Lives Matter is a recurring issue in the album. Beyonce has become one of the strongest voices for the Black Lives Matter movement and does not forget this at all. However, this infinitely important racial issue takes a backseat for some of the album due to Jay-Z's alleged infidelity. Jay-Z cheated on Beyonce. This is definitely the other thing to take away from the album, as Beyonce is fiery as ever, making sure her husband knows what he's done. Beyonce is a fantastic voice for women and deserves the praise she receives. I hope Jay-Z learned his lesson, Beyonce.

Favorite songs from the album: Don't Hurt Yourself, Pray You Catch Me, and Freedom

6. Drake - Views

This list is my 10 favorite albums of 2016, and I believe Views does deserve a spot in the top 10. However, I put Views on this list more because I am still impressed with the amount of influence Drake has on this generation. As a hip hop fan and a Drake fan, I was disappointed with the album. Don't get me wrong, I like this album, but Drake let me down. Like most of Drake's work, the production on this album was outstanding. It is the message, or rather the lack of a productive message, that I was so disappointed with. Drake gets whinier as his music progresses. Part of what troubles me is how Drake portrays his hometown, Toronto, as some regretful place to live. Drake also continues to spout his disappointment with females in the album. The album has high points where you hear Drake really enjoying himself, which is always great to hear. However, Drake showed signs of wanting to progress his mind-state, but simply reversed back into an echo of himself. "Too Good" is one of the better tracks on the album, as we finally get to hear a female opposing viewpoint through the voice of the wonderful Rihanna. Views did pretty spectacular things from a business standpoint and rightfully deserves praise for it. However, I am afraid Drake will never use his influence to promote change or advocate for something he really believes in.

Favorite songs from the album: Too Good, Feel No Ways, and Weston Road Flows

7. The Weeknd - Starboy

This is a great album, basically from start to finish. A lot of people are still confused on who The Weeknd really is, and what he stands for. However, I believe the answer really isn't that complex at all. The Weeknd is a pop artist with a fantastic singing voice. His voice is so great he makes just about anything sound beautiful. I think some people are disappointed in this album because they are making The Weeknd out to be more than he really is. The Weeknd is not a genius lyricist or an artist that will really ever challenge your brain. The Weeknd makes hit songs that you can rock out to. Although I believe his last album was much better, Starboy is another solid album from one of the leading pop artists of today. Also, Kendrick Lamar and Lana Del Ray give brilliant features that you do NOT want to miss.

Favorite songs from the album: Sidewalks, Stargirl Interlude and All I Know

8. Various Artists - The Hamilton Mixtape

I randomly stumbled upon this one, and I'm so glad that I did. The Hamilton Mixtape is absolutely phenomenal and I highly recommend it for everyone. It includes a brilliant set of features from artists such as Nas, Chance the Rapper, John Legend, Sia, and several more. The Hamilton Mixtape portrays the life of Alexander Hamilton with a very heavy hip hop feel. The artists do a great job with linking the life of Alexander Hamilton to today's society. The nerd part of was completely obsessed with the insight on American History told through the use of hip-hop. The mood, tone, and message this mixtape hopes to deliver is carried out beautifully by the artists. Once again, this another must-listen to work of art. The one regret? "Washingtons By Your Side by Wiz Khalifa. The mixtape definitely could have done without that song.

Favorite songs from the mixtape: Dear Theodosia, Dear Theodosia (Reprise), Wrote My Way Out, Satisfied, and Who Tells Your Story

9. Post Malone - Stoney

I try not to judge music until I've listened to it a few times, but it was impossible not to with this album. There isn't a song I dislike on this album. Post Malone's debut album is exactly what his fans (myself included) hoped for. Post Malone has been determined by people as many different genres of music, and he has denied them all. He claims he is not a rapper, but merely an artist. In his debut album, "Stoney" takes us all over the spectrum. I still am having a hard time figuring out Post Malone's identity and what he stands for with his music. All I know for sure is that he continued to make very good music. I think Post Malone is clearly struggling with his new fame and is not completely aware of the consequences. As I like his music, I hope he is able to find consistency and deliver more good music.

Favorite songs from the album: I Fall Apart, Go Flex, White Iverson and Hit This Hard

10. Solange - A Seat at the Table

I didn't expect to like this album as much as I did. I had never heard of Solange, but I caught word that she spoke on racial issues throughout the album. This is a message I can always get behind, and Solange did not disappoint in any way. Solange has a beautiful voice that left me with chills multiple times throughout the album. Solange, as a black woman in 2016, obviously battles between the pain and pride of being who she is. She is so good at making you feel what she feels with just the sound of her voice. This album seems to be an ode to black women, and I love it because they deserve it. Throw in a collaboration with the legend himself, Lil Wayne, and Solange had herself one of the best albums of 2016.

Favorite songs from the album: Mad, Don't Touch My Hair and Don't Wish Me Well