We can all agree that 2016 was the absolute worst year. In fact, some might argue that one of the few good things that spawned from this year was music. Critically lauded artists, such as Beyoncé and J. Cole released albums that were well received across the nation. However, there were some artists that weren’t given the same recognition for their amazing tracks and lyricism.
1. Luving U — 6LACK
Genre: R&B/Hip-Hop
6LACK (pronounced Black), is easily one of the most underrated artists of 2016. He dropped his heartfelt and honest album, FREE 6LACK, in mid-November. Each song was like a page torn from his journal. He fed us glimpses of his experience with toxic relationships and heartbreak. The story in Luving U should be taken as a cautionary tale for people finding themselves in a similar situation. His most popular single, Ex Calling, was brilliant but people fail to give Luving U the same praise.
2. Falling – Opia
Genre: EDM
I’m not too familiar with Opia because I’m not a frequent listener of EDM. Despite this, Falling was an addicting track that I couldn’t stop myself from putting on repeat. The singer’s voice felt like smooth peanut butter in my ear drums. Not only was his singing soothing, but the producer did a remarkable job with creating the beat.
3. The Otherside – Russ
Genre: R&B/Soul/Hip-Hop
Russ deserves all the praise he gets. He writes his own songs and produces his own beats. He must be one of the most genuine artists that I have ever stumbled upon. His latest single, Losing Control, was an instant hit, but not many talk about The Otherside. The way the piano beat switched from a slow tempo to a fast pace made the song incredible and emotional.
4. Hypnotizing – Aaron Camper
Genre: R&B/Soul
I admit, the cover art was what drew me to the track when I was browsing through Spotify. The track is as mesmerizing as the cover art. I describe the sound as a blend of R&B and EDM, to a certain degree. The lyrics are simple, but that doesn’t stop it from getting it’s point across. Hypnotizing would definitely be included in a playlist designed for two consenting adults.
5. Empty – Kevin Abstract
Genre: R&B/Soul/Pop
The world was not prepared for the release of Kevin Abstract’s album, American Boyfriend. I suggest listening to this masterpiece when you’re going for a long drive or before you’re going to sleep. Empty illustrated the way he dealt with his parents and his community treating him poorly for his bisexuality. He decided that the healthiest thing to do for himself was to run away from home and the track takes us through the beginning of this journey.
6. Frustrated – R.LUM.R
Genre: R&B/Soul
Frustrated shares a similar sound to Hypnotizing, but the theme is about his struggle with communicating and understanding his girlfriend. He kind of sounded like Sam Smith, especially when he reached that high pitch. His voice was angelic and despite what the song was about, I felt uplifted.
7. Diddy Bop – Noname Ft. Raury and Cam O’ Bi
Genre: Hip-Hop
Before she was featuring in tracks by Chance the Rapper and Mick Jenkins, she was a slam poet. You can hear how she blends poetry with hip hop to create a unique style. Her lyrics are impeccable, vivid and descriptive. Diddy Bop was my favorite track from her album. The song was just as playful and nostalgic as her other songs, but Raury’s verses won me over.
8. Losing Your Mind – Raury Ft. Jaden Smith
Genre: Hip-Hop/Funk
It makes sense that Raury is on this list twice because he is constantly being slept on. I heard this song when I was watching the Netflix original, The Get Down. The track implemented 70’s funk because that’s when the show takes place. As soon as they released the soundtrack, I downloaded this song and got hyped. Losing Your Mind is a fun song that you can dance to and further proof that Jaden Smith is a very talented rapper.
9. Be That As It May – Herizen Guardiola performing as Mylene Cruz
Genre: Soul/Disco
The Get Down blessed us with an amazing soundtrack and beautiful performances. Herizen performed Be That As It May as her character, Mylene Cruz, an aspiring disco singer. This song had my heart sinking towards the end. Her voice was powerful and consistent. The idea behind the song can resonate with anyone because it’s very open ended. It’s up to the listener to determine what the track means to them personally and how they respond to it emotionally.
10. Love Inside – BJ the Chicago Kid Ft. Isabella
Genre: R&B/Soul
His intentions are very clear from the beginning of the song, which makes the content raw and honest. Although her accent kind of threw me off, Isabella’s piece made the track even more realistic to the feeling it was trying to evoke. Overall, the vibe was soft-spoken and a bit intense, which is why it did such a good job at being provocative.
11. No Mercy – Kiya Lacey
Genre: Alternative R&B/Soul
I respect the simplicity of the beat in comparison to her authentic and unique verses. I can only describe her as a mix of Jhene Aiko and Alicia Keys. You’ll find yourself getting so lost in her comforting voice that by the time it ends, the last two and a half minutes of your life will seem unaccounted for.
12. De Ja – Lil Silva Ft. Kent Jamz
Genre: EDM
Because Lil Silva is based in the UK, he is practically unheard of over here. Every time I blast this song in public, someone asks me for the title or the artist’s name. Kent Jamz is the artist that should be commended for the singing, while Lil Silva should be praised for producing such a fantastic track.
If you want to check out these songs or these artists, they are all available on Spotify.
