I’ve been meaning to write about this subject much earlier, but since the Grammy nominations have been announced today, the timing could not be any better. This year music songs were not just about love and heartbreak, it was another year where artists openly spoke about race, sexism and politics. This list is based on what my favourite albums were this year, and last year. As the list goes on, there will be explanations as to why I chose certain albums to be on the list along with the standout songs from each record. These records are solely based on my opinions and no one else’s input… but I hope you enjoy. Here are the six albums that I enjoyed this year.

6. Lemonade- Beyonce

I know this album was released over a year an a half ago, but there was no way for me to listen to it unless I downloaded Tidal which is owned by Beyonce’s hubby Jay Z. It was due to me being stubborn, that’s all I can say.So this year as I was coming back from Spain, on the plane, I finally got the chance to listen to the highly talked about album of last year. All I can say is thank you Beyonce for creating a masterpiece! With topics that dealt with love, being cheated on, and the Black Girl Magic movement along with black pride, Beyonce did not skip a beat. She took a risk and it definitely paid off. Who else thought that she deserved to win more Grammys this year? Awards are not everything which is why she needed to be on this list.

Standout Track: Formation

5. 4 Your Eyes Only- J Cole

For his precise and direct form of storytelling, I don’t think J Cole gets enough recognition. His fourth effort proves just that; with him reflecting on the death of his friend in the song Change or how cops broke into his house on Neighbours.  Even though he is not as commercial as the other rappers out there, I think that’s also why J Cole has a big following, (I saw him live so I have the proof), and why he has the voice that’s not only needed in Hip Hop, but art in general.

Standout Track: Deja Vu

4. 4:44- Jay Z

It is so fitting that Jay Z’s  13th album is placed at number four combined the album being called 4:44. So since Beyonce’s album was partially about Jay Z cheating on her, he responded with an album not only eloquent in expression, but mature within definition. It’s a response that puts no blame towards the other but shows that even as a respected artist like the Brooklyn native himself, Jay Z makes mistakes like everyone else. Some may say that Hip Hop has not been friendly towards the LGTBQ community, but again in the heartfelt song, Smile, Jay Z proves the critics towards his tribute to his mother coming out as a lesbian which is also a reflection to his relationship to her along with his wife.

Standout Tracks: The Story of O.J., Smile and 4:44

3. “Awaken, My Love!” – Childish Gambino

I was pleasantly surprised by Childish Gambino’s vocals. I knew he could sing, but not like Prince vocals along with the Jimi Hendrix inspired instruments. This psychedelic record from beginning to end embodies the eccentric quality, with the splash of soul and rock genres being combined. It doesn’t sound like any of his previous records which is why I feel like he should nab a few of those Grammy nominations. Plus the album cover grabs the attention, it certainly grabbed mine.

Standout Track: Redbone. Did anyone see the movie Get Out?

2.  Ctrl- SZA

Ever since I saw the singer-songwriter at Jhene Aiko’s concert a couple of years ago, I was hooked. SZA’s voice is one to be reckoned with and her debut album showcases that. It’s a modern twist with influences of  the 90’s R&B, but SZA owns every track on the record. It’s relatable, expressing the raw emotions of an everyday millennial like myself (fun fact we’re the same age), just being a normal girl while Netflix and chilling with her friend with benefits on the weekend on the effortless track The Weekend (sampled by one of my favourite songs from Justin Timberlake: Prelude/Until the End of Time). SZA beautifully describes the everyday struggles of life poetically and realistically.

Standout Tracks: The Weekend, Drew Barrymore, Love Galore Featuring Travis Scott and Normal Girl

1. DAMN- Kendrick Lamar

This year is where Kendrick Lamar stood out. It’s not necessarily just based on releasing his fourth album, but the buildup of how spectacular he has been over the last six years. Damn just cements the reason as to why he is needed in music period. It’s another solid effort that boldly goes onto his swagger in HUMBLE, his trace of royalty and loyalty in DNA, and his upbringing in FEAR. Kendrick Lamar is as woke as any Hip Hop artist can be in this era. The aggression in this record is as loud as rapper Ice T, woke like Public Enemy, and spiritual like Tupac. This album proves the importance of the art of storytelling combined with activism needed today. Albums like this will show over the years of how relevant it will be. Issues about race, body image and black culture won’t go away in a span of time. It’s evident that this was Lamar’s year. Plus I suggest if you like his music, go see him live if possible…it was the best birthday gift that I was able to see him on that day!

Standout Tracks: Humble, DNA, Loyalty Featuring Rihanna, God, Lust, Element, XXX featuring U2 and Fear