Among other genres, hip hop is on of the most popular types of music in modern society. According to studies, rock music is the most popular genre in North America, with hip hop coming in a close second. Among younger people, hip hop is the most popular genre. These 10 albums feature some of the best hip hop songs released so far in 2016.

Number 10

Untitled Unmastered by Kendrick Lamar

Released on March 4th, 2016

Untitled Unmastered is the fourth album released by Compton rapper Kendrick Lamar. This album is a compilation album, meaning that although all the songs were released in 2016, many of them were written and recorded several years prior to their release. On this album, my favorite song is “untitled 02” because of its use of samples from other songs. The album is filled with samples of jazz and soul music, making it very different from most hip hop albums released recently.

Number 9

Lil Uzi Vert vs. The World by Lil Uzi Vert

Released on May 27th, 2016

Lil Uzi Vert vs. The World is the fourth mixtape released by Lil Uzi Vert. It featured two songs titled You Was Right and Money Longer, which reached a spot on the Billboard Hot 100. My favorite song on this album is “Team Rocket” because of its catchy hook. This album was one of the artist’s first pieces of music to reach the Top 100.

Number 8

4 Your Eyez Only by J. Cole

Released on December 9th, 2016

4 Your Eyez Only is the fourth album released by J. Cole. In my opinion, this album is a much more lyrically detailed album then most others  The album is influenced by the 2 Pac album All Eyez on Me, which was released over 20 years ago. The album featured many good songs, and will be remembered as one of the best of the year.

Number 7

Bobby Tarantino by Logic

Released on  July 1st, 2016

Bobby Tarantino is the fifth mixtape released by Maryland rapper Logic. My favorite song on this album is “Super Mario World” because of its catchy hook, although it was not a very well written song. Although the rapper received criticism for basic lyricism and lack of depth on some of the songs from the album, Logic’s 2016 release was still a great album and gave some hints towards the rapper’s upcoming album, which is expected to release in 2017.

Number 6

Birds in the Trap Sing McKnight by Travis Scott

Released on September 2nd, 2016

Birds in the Trap Sing McKnight is the second album released by Travis Scott. Although its release was postponed multiple times, it was released in September of 2016 and reached the number one spot on the Billboard 200 chart soon after being released.

My favorite song on this album is “Lose,” which sounds very similar to a song which could be written by the artist Drake. The album was not as positively received by critics as some of the other albums released in 2016, but it was still one of the best albums of the year.

Number 5

SremmLife 2 by Rae Stremmurd

Released on August 12th, 2016

SremmLife 2 is the second album written by American hip hop duo Rae Stremmurd. My favorite song on this album is “Look Alive“, because it is catchy and has a good tempo. The album was released on August 12th, 2016. This album features the hit song Black Beatles, which was made famous in part by the mannequin challenge trend.

Number 4

Views by Drake

Released on April 29th, 2016

Views, the fourth album released by Canadian rapper and singer Drake, featured some of the best songs of 2016. Although it was not as well received by many as his other albums, Views was still a very well written album, and eventually gained more popularity. Songs such as my personal favorite “Too Good“, which featured Rihanna, helped the album rise to the top of the charts.

Number 3

Starboy by The Weeknd

Released on November 25th, 2016

Starboy, the third album written by The Weeknd, builds upon the success of his previous album, which was titled The Beauty Behind the Madness. My favorite song on this album was “Six Feet Under“, because it features the artist Future. It delivers songs that are between pop and R&B. The style of The Weeknd’s songs is unique and catchy, and his music deserves the respect and popularity it receives.

Number 2

Coloring Book by Chance the Rapper

Released on May 12th, 2016

Coloring Book, the third mixtape written by Chance the Rapper, is described by some as an upbeat gospel rap album. Many of the songs feature gospel music style vocals. Singles from the album such as “Angels“, which is my favorite, or “No Problem” are examples of the well written and produced songs featured on the album.

Number 1

The Life of Pablo by Kanye West

Released on February 14th, 2016

The Life of Pablo, the much awaited seventh album from American hip hop artist and celebrity Kanye West, is an incredible album and debatably the best hip hop album released in 2016. The album featured many different styles of music, with songs such as the soul style “Ultralight Beam” and “Father Stretch My Hands Part 1“, which is my favorite, to the upbeat song Fade.

West worked on this album for nearly three years, and, although it may not have been everybody’s favorite, it was definitely one of the best albums of 2016.