10 Notable Hip-Hop Projects/Tracks of 2016

k-os - Views From The Stix

k-os was back at it again in 2016 with his mixtape titled Views From The Stix. As usual, he presented listeners with an eclectic array of songs. It features production from the likes of Kaytranada and Boi-1da and also includes guest artists, such as Saukrates, Kardinal Offishall, Choclair, Shad and the late King Reign.

A Tribe Called Quest - We Got it from Here... Thank You 4 Your Service

Legendary hip-hop group A Tribe Called Quest dropped their latest album, We Got it from Here... Thank You 4 Your Service, in November, which marked their first studio album release since 1998. This album has that classic Tribe sound with a bit of a new school vibe and features some big name rappers like Andre 3000, Kendrick Lamar and Kanye West, among others.

Apollo Brown & Skyzoo - The Easy Truth

Producer Apollo Brown and rapper Skyzoo are both highly skilled in their respective fields, and their

new collaborative album, The Easy Truth, is a perfect blend of soul-filled beats and multi-faceted lyricism. In my opinion, it's one of the best rap albums of the year! 

PRhyme ft. MF Doom & Phonte - Highs and Lows

Although this track was released near the end of 2015, I'm still including it in my 2016 list. "Highs and Lows" is from PRhyme's deluxe edition of their self-titled debut album. It features MF Doom and Phonte. PRhyme consists of Royce Da 5'9" and the one and only DJ Premier. The beat on this track is fire, and the lyricism is dope as well! MF Doom spits some funny punchlines, which is to be expected from the enigmatic emcee. 

ScHoolboy Q - Blank Face LP

Blank Face LP is a well-rounded album by Cali rapper ScHoolboy Q. It's gangsta rap with a modern twist. Q has cemented himself as one of the most popular rappers in the game. The LP is flooded with quality songs, but my personal favourites are "Groovy Tony" and "THat Part."
 

Classified - Noah's Arc 

On "Noah's Arc," Halifax rapper Classified raps about the current state of affairs in society, and how things are topsy turvy. The track is from the album, Greatful, and Saukrates provides the vocals.

Westside Gunn ft. Action Bronson - Dudley Boyz

Westside Gunn teamed up with Action Bronson on "Dudley Boyz," which is a reference to a former tag team duo in wrestling. Alchemist handled the production duties. The track is off Westside Gunn's debut studio album titled FLYGOD. 

Robbie G - Inner Outer Space

Inner Outer Space is the latest album from Guelph lyricist Robbie G. He is known for creating positive music, and this release is no different. There are many producers and artists who unleash their skills on this album, most notably, Swollen Members, who are legends in the Canadian rap scene. My favourite songs are "Fun House" and "Mind Made Up." 

Joey Bada$$ - Front & Center

Joey Bada$$ has accomplished a lot in his career thus far, despite only being 21 years old, and "Front & Center" is another banger to add to his portfolio. The beat was created using a sample from the Narcos theme song.
 

99 Wolves - Meat The Street V mix

Montreal producer duo 99 Wolves, which is comprised of ELMNT and Moses, released their premiere mix titled "Meat The Street V mix" in 2016. It's a varied electronic mix of many different tracks, including hip-hop. If this is any indication of what's to come from this duo in 2017, then music fans are in for a treat!

Robbie G ft Moka Only - Koolin' (prod. by Dave Alexander) [Video]

Guelph, ON - Robbie G is back at it again with his latest video, "Koolin'." It's the first single off his upcoming album and it features Moka Only, who has been in the rap game for a minute. It's a feel-good summertime track that was filmed in picturesque Kelowna, BC. The beat was created by Dave Alexander, and it has a West Coast G-funk vibe. The video footage was shot by Matt Bhird. You can check out the video above and get ready for more music from Robbie G! 

Eh Vee - Get Ya Bars Up Feat. Young Stitch, Sese & Words [Audio]

Guelph, ON - Guelph-based lyricist Eh Vee has carefully crafted another hard-hitting single titled "Get Ya Bars Up." The song is lyrically potent with a rugged beat and features some talented emcees such as Young Stitch, Sese and Words. Production duties were handled by JSG. Make sure to check out the link below to listen to the track!

Kirk Knight ft. Joey Bada$$ - 5 Minutes [Video]

Westside Gunn - Dudley Boyz ft. Action Bronson [Audio]

Eh Vee - Back To Basics Feat. Zaze & Young Stitch [Video]

Guelph, ON - The hip-hop scene in Guelph continues to blossom and Eh Vee is a major reason why. His latest single "Back To Basics" pays homage to classic hip-hop from the 90s. The track includes guest verses from Zaze (9-0 Nickel Entertainment) and Young Stitch (Sentral Soldiers Entertainment). It was produced by Young K, features cuts by DJ Docta (KOTD) and was mixed by JSG. The artwork was created by Steven K Original. The video was directed and shot on location at The Palace in Ajax, ON, and edited by Director Dread of 7 Pillar Productions. Check out the video above!

JR Fillion [Interview] / Northern Lights [Album]

London, ON - Up-and-coming rapper JR Fillion is trying to maneuver his way through the underground hip-hop maze in Canada. His new album, Northern Lights, will surely get the attention of hip-hop heads and blogs in the musical landscape of this country. I had the pleasure of interviewing him over the phone earlier today, where we discussed his musical influences, the new album and his career goals as an artist. Check out the link below to listen to the interview, and there is another link below where you can stream his new album!

Robbie G - Not Showing Off ft. Ava Silver (Prod. by Fresh Kils) [Video]

Guelph, ON - A few weeks ago, Guelph rapper Robbie G dropped the visuals for "Not Showing Off." It is the fourth video released off the Stay Grounded album, which dropped back in September. Check out the video above!