2016's Angry Little Secret

I am seeing a lot of “Top” lists for 2016.  The top albums, top songs, the 2017 Grammy nominations were recently released; now is the time to summarize our year in music.  And here it is:

LEMONADE

Most reports on music in 2016 agree that nothing had a chance against Beyoncé’s latest album.  And I am going to be honest, I agree.  

But, when you look beyond “ladies now let’s get in formation,” the year in music is not really something to write home about.  I am a little disappointed.  I mean, let’s face it, we are ending the year with a collaboration with Maroon 5 and Kendrick Lamar (I can’t), and Beyoncé is nominated for a Grammy for Best Rock Performance (I really can’t). What is happening?!?!  If The Chainsmokers come out with a song featuring Robert Plant, call the paramedics—music is dead!

But, there is still hope.  There is great new music being released all the time—it is just not always given the attention it deserves.  For example . . .

On April 22^nd, 2016—an amazing album dropped.  NF, a Christian rapper released his second album, Therapy Session.  And.  It.  Is.  Amazing. 

I was listening to a random Spotify-manufactured workout mix one day.  I was enjoying all the testosterone-filled aggression-inducing tracks, when suddenly something caught my ear.  I heard the song “Grindin” by NF.  Who is this NF?

Well, he’s 25.  He’s from Michigan.  He had a hard childhood.  And he is PISSED.

But luckily, we as music consumers get to reap the benefits of his anger because he turns his rage into incredible music.  I like rap that gets me fired up.  I like my rap like I like my rock—angry, aggressive, in your face. 

This album combines the creative lyrical rap style of Eminem with the innovative instrumentals of a end-of-world movie preview and the heaviness rock and roll.

If you are looking to find some realness in the same 2016 that brought us the lyrics, “sex with me so amazing” and “panda, panda, panda,” than this might be just the refreshing dose of authentic emotion and feeling you are looking for.  Please check out the album and if you are not interested in giving the whole album a try, check out the best songs on the album:

“Grindin”

“I Just Wanna Know”

“Intro 2”

“Therapy Session”