I consider 2016 to be a year for music. Reflecting over the past 12 months, I have come to the conclusion that this year was the year for artists to bring originality back into the music industry. 2016 proved to be the year in which music fans (from just about every genre) got a taste of what artists can bring to the table in regards to imagination, creativity, and artistry. As an avid music listener, I have considered the wide range of albums released this past year and selected the albums that I found the most profound, aesthetically pleasing, and original:

10. Passion, Pain, & Demon Slayin' - Kid Cudi

Favorite Song: "Rose Golden (ft. Willow Smith)"

9. Run the Jewels 3 - Run The Jewels

Favorite Song: "Talk To Me"

8. Telefone - Noname

Favorite Song: "Diddy Bop"

7. The Colour in Anything - James Blake

Favorite Song: "I Need A Forest Fire (ft. Bon Iver)"

6. Untitled Unmastered - Kendrick Lamar

Favorite Song: "untitled 07 / 2014-2016"

5. We got it from Here... Thank You 4 Your service - A Tribe Called Quest

Favorite Song: "We the People"

4. Freetown Sound - Blood Orange

Favorite Song: "Best to You"

3. A Seat At The Table - Solange Knowles

Favorite Song: "Cranes in the Sky"

2. "Awaken, My Love"- Childish Gambino

Favorite Song: "Terrified"

1. Blonde - Frank Ocean

Favorite Song: "Nights"