Vince Staples

Sharp and transparent, the album radiates a California nonchalantness with astute lyricism.

She refashions conventions throughout the album, overlaying mellowness with pulsing electricity.

The album finds its strongest features in its simplicity: catchy beats, pointed lyrics and a narrative that, as expected, hits home.

'Limbo' undoubtedly feels less forced and commercialized than some of Aminé’s previous releases.

Music became a way for me to sort out my emotions and my identity — and what better way than to wax poetic with classic rock?

In order to reflect on the vast variety of music Black artists have put out and to celebrate Black artists all year round, check out this playlist of songs about Black empowerment.

OIL OF EVERY PEARL’S UN-INSIDES is a welcome introduction to SOPHIE the artist and persona and not just SOPHIE the producer.

Luckily, the “Black Panther” soundtrack makes “All The Stars” look like a chart-friendly bone tossed to the Marvel bigwigs.

Because his show was so popular, the Armory added another date for the next night. Tyler shouted, “I'll probably see some of y'all motherfuckers tomorrow.”

Across all genres, 2017 has seen some new breakouts and returning heavyweights tackle the roiling social and political climate this year has brought — or help us escape it.