With undisputable bangers like 'Man (Gang)', 'Shutdown' and 'That's Not Me' (all of which individually set YouTube alight with huge videos), big name collaborations such as Pharrell Williams, Young Lord and A$AP Nast along with an intense and polished sound, the album was an instant hit.
Grime is going global, and who better to serve as its overseas figurehead than Tottenham lyricist Skepta. One of the UK's most treasured MC's finally hit his deserved recognition with this year's LP 'Konnichiwa'. We also had a number of noteworthy comeback LP's, and some of the biggest names in rap music returned with projects that were as much noted for clickbait context as they were for the quality of the music the quality was most definitely there though. High Focus representatives Dabbla and Ocean Wisdom are also pushing progressive and forward-thinking product on their exciting releases, and on the other end of the spectrum we find London MC PhybaOptikz delivering some of the silkiest boom bap of the year with his under-appreciated project. UK based artists make up four of my Top 10 Hip-Hop Albums Of 2016, and Skepta has led a British invasion on American shores. Cole - 4 Your Eyez Only Album ReviewĪlong with 2016, as is the case with every twelve months that passes by, came the age-old complaints that 'hip-hop isn't the same' and that any progression or change is automatically a bad thing. Cole are unique and instantly recognisable with effortless cool and confidence he drops reflective introspection, and it results in an absorbing, encapsulating cut.Ĭontinue reading: J. 1' makes it a highlight of the LP, and the restrained production and vocal performances from J.
'Deja Vu' is a sure-fire radio hit, complete with knocking drums, catchy hook and cheesy sample, but it is executed flawlessly Cole's penchant for commercially viable material is unrivalled, but he never sacrifices his integrity or authenticity by churning out formulaic, simplified throwaways. The low, hard-hitting bass of 'Immortal' is matched with subtle vocals and textured production, and Cole's ability to switch between an aggressive, enthusiastic approach and a calm, collected presence makes his material diverse in both sound and in the audience it attracts. With a tracklist of only ten songs, the concise LP was an incredibly strong end to the year for Cole, and was a late contender for any self-respecting rap fan's album of the year.Ĭole, half-sung, opens the LP by crooning "I see the rain pouring down, before my very eyes" on the brilliant 'For Whom The Bell Tolls', and this melodic, soulful approach runs for the duration of '4 Your Eyez Only' the North Carolina lyricist's focus on mature, classy hip-hop is once again made clear from the first few minutes of the album, much like his revered '2014 Forest Hills Drive' project. Cole's return after his triumphant LP two years ago he is one of the leading writers of the new generation of MC's who pride themselves on technical ability, and in a genre where simplicity and a lack of any thought-provoking content have become overwhelmingly commonplace, the return of the Dreamville representative sent the hip-hop sphere into a frenzy.