Friendly Fires

Biggest Artists of 2016:

1. Chance the Rapper

Breaking barriers with his streaming-only mixtape, Coloring Book, performing multiple times on SNL, Ellen, Jimmy Fallon and many other shows, along with those adorable Kit Kat commercials, Chance has been a topic of discussion - mostly praise - all year long. Oh, and the Cubs won the World Series so he’s gotta be feeling good.

2. Solange

Solange received her first number one album this year with A Seat at the Table, and deservedly so. She performed on a few television shows, and used her platform to speak up on Twitter about social issues that affect her country. She was also just deeply fabulous and her black girl magic inspired so many.

3. Beyoncé

She released her second visual album, performed at the Superbowl with Black Panther visuals, executed one of the largest and most spectacular tours of the year, launched a line of exercise clothes, and still found time to return to Instagram. Do I really need to explain?

4. Adele

Last year, Adele came back to us. This year, she gave us a tour, an absurdly adorable Carpool Karaoke with James Corden, and racked up countless awards. The whole world loves Adele and a few years of minding her own business could never change that. Adele can do no wrong, and it just feels so good to have her back.

5. Rihanna

Let’s see: she released an album, filmed a movie or two, went on tour, was awarded the distinguished Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award at this year’s VMA’s, released a new shoe line and somehow managed to look like a work of art everyday. Rihanna is magic and I refuse to believe otherwise.

6. Lin-Manuel Miranda

As if Hamilton wasn’t already a ridiculous success universe of its own, Miranda also wrote the music for Disney’s Moana, and was adorable on every show and major online site that you encountered. His daily tweets motivated many to get up and start their journeys, he accomplished a childhood dream of his by hosting SNL, and he just has the cutest kid. He’s had a crazy good year.

7. Twenty One Pilots

From the depths of indie/emo music to the top of the music charts. Twenty One Pilots felt like an overnight success - but with lots of hard work and patience as well. They had at least four songs in rotation on the radio at a time and you couldn’t change a station without finding yourself singing along to “I’m taking my time on my riiiiiiiiiiide.” It was truly great. This duo is bringing alternative rock back to mainstream radio and I’m so grateful for it.

8. DNCE

They’ve generally been agreed upon as the best new artist of the year, with infectious pop-rock hits that saturated the airwaves. They’ve managed to shake the easy moniker of “Joe Jonas’ new project” and instead have created a lane all their own. With their “wild child” personas and playful music style, it’s exciting to see where DNCE is going to go from here.

9. Fifth Harmony

Honestly, “Work from Home” was one of the biggest hits of the year. Their album, 7/27, was full of fun sing-along jams and their performances were buzzworthy all year long. Most of the girls also had solo interests that were working on on the side, but that wasn’t enough as it was announced Camila Cabello was leaving to pursue a solo career. Good or bad, this fivesome were highly talked about and I don’t think that will change for a while.

10. Ariana Grande

Most Anticipated Albums of 2016:

Jay Z - TBA

Lorde - TBA

Haim - TBA

Vampire Weekend - TBA

Drake - More Life (TBA)

Dua Lipa - Dua Lipa (February 10)

Sampha - Process (February 3)

Charli XcX - TBA (May)

Gorillaz - TBA

2016 Albums You Should Try:

1. Yuna’s “Chapters”

for fans of: Jhene Aiko, Pharrell, YouTube to international fame success stories

2. Gallant’s “Ology”

for fans of: MNEK, BJ the Chicago Kid, that one song that played during every commercial on Empire

3. Mac Miller’s “The Divine Feminine”

for fans of: Odd Future, Logic, every other Mac Miller single

4. H.E.R.’s “Vol 1”

for fans of: Solange, SZA, chill house parties

5. Tkay Maidza’s “Tkay”

for fans of: Angel Haze, LE1F, Azaelia Banks except........not

6. Tinashe’s “Nightride”

for fans of: Aaliyah, Kehlani, sexy, fun, sometimes unexpected pop

7. Hayley Kiyoko’s “Citrine”

for fans of: Halsey, Troye Sivan, young LGBTQIA+ representation

8. Jojo’s “Mad Love”

for fans of: Brandy, Jordin Sparks, the year 2004

9. Thomston’s “Topograph”

for fans of: Lorde, Mikky Ekko, dancing alone in your bedroom

10. AlunaGeorge’s “I Remember”

Best Albums of 2016:

1. Chance the Rapper’s “Coloring Book”

May 13, 2016. Singles: “Angels,” “No Problem,” “Summer Friends” Leave it up to Chance to change the game. Fans anticipated Chance the Rapper’s third mixtape and his unique brand of goofy and experimental hip hop, but what we received blew expectations out of the water. Chance’s mixtape is critically acclaimed and has hit many accomplishments, including being the first streaming-only album to ever receive a Grammy nomination (and most likely, a win).

2. Solange’s “A Seat at the Table”

September 30, 2016. Saint Records & Columbia Records. Singles: “Cranes in the Sky” Solange is many things all at once: a trendsetter, innovator, activist, eloquent, unique and daring. Nothing illustrates these points better than her third studio album. A Seat at the Table is bold in showcasing the many facets of being a black woman in today’s society. She moves through a range of emotions - anger, despair, empowerment - in time with a range of musical styles - funk, neo soul, R&B. It’s both classic and modern in a way that only Solange could ever get away with.

3. Beyoncé’s “Lemonade”

April 23, 2016. Parkwood Entertainment & Columbia Records. Singles: “Formation,” “Sorry,” “Hold Up,” “Freedom,” “Daddy Lessons,” “All Night” When life hands you lemons, you kick the world in the teeth while it’s asleep. At least that’s what you do when you’re Beyoncé. Everyone is aware that Mrs. Knowles-Carter can do exactly what she wants, when she wants. For example: release not one, but two, full visual concept albums without anyone’s knowledge. Beyoncé’s sixth studio album, and second visual album, has been lauded for being a raw and honest look at the intricacies of rebuilding trust after betrayal - in more ways than one. It’s heartfelt, introspective, infectious and just plain good.

4. “The Hamilton Mixtape”

December 2, 2016. Atlantic Records. Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Broadway musical Hamilton has swept the nation, but Miranda long intended for a mixtape of selected songs from the musical to be released. We waited, he delivered. Various artists - from The Roots and Nas to Sia and Regina Spektor - collaborated to bring another perspective to an already larger than life phenomenon.

5.  Ariana Grande’s “Dangerous Woman”

May 20, 2016. Republic Records. Singles: “Dangerous Woman,” “Into You,” “Side to Side” With an incredible voice and a penchant for creating pop perfection, Ariana Grande’s third studio album was exactly what radio needed. A big chorus and an even bigger voice can cure anything during those summer months, and Grande delivers just that. She stuns with her variance in styles, from the Old Hollywood feel of “Dangerous Woman” to Future’s trap influences on “Everyday.” This album shows how she’s experimenting and maturing in terms of sound, but still feels so much like the same Ari. 

6. BANKS’ “The Altar”

September 30, 2016. Harvest Records. Singles: “Fuck with Myself,” “Gemini Feed,” “Mind Games,” “To the Hilt” Jillian Banks is back with a vengeance in her sophomore album, a confident and unapologetic take on her battles with love and personal growth. Banks’ knows her craft well, seamlessly flowing across her genre with sultry vocals and large choruses that dare you not to sing along. 

7. The 1975′s “I like it when you sleep, for you are so beautiful yet so unaware of it”

February 26, 2016. Dirty Hit, Interscope Records, Polydor Records, Vagrant Records. Singles: “Love Me,” “UGH!,” “Somebody Else,” “The Sound,” “A Chance of Heart,” “She’s American” The 1975 sure does know how to make some fucking weird pop brilliance. After a bit of social media induced panic, fans of The 1975 just wanted the second album they could get high and cry to. What they got was only partially that. I Like It When You Sleep... is youthful and reflective in the same way their debut album was, but with a lot more funk and tumblr aesthetics. It’s young love with lots of gang vocals and self-deprecating humor. It’s 2016 - odd and beautiful.

8. Rihanna’s “ANTI”

January 28, 2016. Westbury Road & Roc Nation. Singles: “Work,” “Kiss It Better,” “Needed Me,” “Love on the Brain” Rihanna has a trend of releasing albums one right after another, so when the wait for her eighth studio album spanned almost four years, no one really knew what to expect. ANTI provides the radio-ready hits that we know and love, but also ventures into belting ballads and melodic string-led waltzes. It’s edgy and adventurous in true Rihanna fashion and keeps you on the edge of your toes (and the middle of the dance floor).

9. NAO’s “For All We Know”

July 29, 2016. Little Tokyo Recordings. Singles: “Bad Blood,” “Fool to Love,” “Girlfriend” Let’s start here: “Nay-O.” There’s your pronunciation, now let’s get into the nitty gritty. The wave of synth/electropop and alternative R&B musicians has been big, but just when you think you’ve heard it all, there’s always a newcomer who takes your breath away. Enter NAO. She’s featured on other artists’ albums, such as Disclosure and Mura Masa, but it was time for her to astonish with her own creations. The album is a soothing feel good vibe that invokes a dreamy state of mind. For All We Know takes you to several different places, but you’re always happy to be along for the ride.

10. Little Mix’s “Glory Days”

Best Music Videos of 2016:

1. “Lemonade” - Beyoncé

Directed by: Khalil Joseph, Melina Matsoukas, Todd Tourso, Dikayl Rimmasch, Jonas Akerlund, Mark Romanek. Released: April 23, 2016.

2. “Fade” - Kanye West

Directed by: Eli Russell Linnetz. Released: August 28, 2016.

3. “Cranes in the Sky / Don’t Touch My Hair” - Solange

Directed by: Solange, Alan Ferguson. Released: October 2, 2016.

4. “Lazarus” - David Bowie

Directed by: Johan Renck. Released: January 7, 2016.

5. “God is Gangsta” - Kendrick Lamar

Directed by: Jack Bergert, PANAMÆRA.  Released: December 31, 2015.

6. “Friends” - Francis & the Lights ft. Bon Iver & Kanye West

Directed by: Jake Schreier. Released: July 7, 2016.

7. “Middle” - DJ Snake ft. Bipolar Sunshine

Directed by: Colin Tilley. Released: March 16, 2016.

8. “Child’s Play” - Drake

Directed by: Aubrey Grahama, Carlos “Spiff TV” Suarez. Released: September 3, 2016.

9. “Augustine” - Blood Orange

Directed by: Devonté Hynes. Released: June 27, 2016.

10. “Lite Spots” - Kaytranada

Sleeper Hits / Most Slept On of 2016:

1. “If You Let Me” - Sinead Hartnett ft. GRADES [iTunes] [Youtube]

Don't tell me that it's not enough, my time is up, you're over us. 'Cause I think I might do anything for you, if you just let me.

2. “Who Do You Think Of?” - M.O [iTunes] [Youtube]

'Cause every time I leave, it's like you know I'll be there. Who do you think of when you’re lonely? 

3. “Superlove” - Tinashe [iTunes] [Youtube]

They will never love you babe, like I love you. Say you'll never take my love away.

4. “Do You Miss Me At All” - Bridgit Mendler  [iTunes] [Youtube]

Do you miss me at all? Do you wonder what I’m up to without you? Do you wanna leave a message on my phone saying “I’m coming home?”

5. “Activated” - Cher Lloyd  [Youtube]

Baby, just wait I'm in. When I do the damn thing, just watch me. Ooh.... I'm charged up, I'm getting activated!

6. “Cool Girl” - Tove Lo  [iTunes] [Youtube]

No, let's not put a label on it, let's keep it fun. We don't put a label on it, so we can run free, yeah. I wanna be free like you.

7. “Not in Love” - M.O ft. Kent Jones  [iTunes] [Spotify]

I'm not in love, I'm not in love no more. And I wanna shout it and tell the world I-I-I love it, I'm not your girl.

8. “Cruel” - Foxes  [iTunes] [Youtube]

Baby, you're so cruel, 'cause you got me bound to you. This love I can't undo, 'cause you got me bound to you, bound to you.

9. “Hotter than Hell” - Dua Lipa  [iTunes] [Youtube]

Cause we're hot like hell, does it burn when I'm not there? When you're by yourself, am I the answer to your prayers?

10. “Bad 4 Us” - Superfruit  [Youtube]

Best Songs of 2016:

1. “Closer” - The Chainsmokers ft. Halsey

So baby, pull me closer in the backseat of your Rover, that I know you can’t afford. Bite that tattoo on your shoulder.

2. “Work” - Rihanna ft. Drake

You took my heart and my keys and my patience. You took my heart on my sleeve for decoration. You mistaken my love I brought for you for foundation.

3. “Work from Home” - Fifth Harmony ft. Ty Dolla $ign

I know you're always on the night shift, but I can't stand these nights alone. And I don't need no explanation, 'cause baby, you're the boss at home.

4. “Formation” - Beyoncé

I like my baby hair with baby hair and afros. I like my negro nose with Jackson Five nostrils. Earned all this money, but they never take the country out me. I got hot sauce in my bag, swag.

5. “Side to Side” - Ariana Grande ft. Nicki Minaj

This the new style with the fresh type of flow. Wrist icicle, ride dick bicycle. Come true yo, get you this type of blow. If you wanna Minaj, I got a tricycle.

6. “Panda” - Desiigner

I got broads in Atlanta, twistin' dope, lean, and the Fanta. Credit cards and the scammers, hittin' off licks in the bando.

7. “24K Magic” - Bruno Mars

Players, put yo' pinky rings up to the moon! Girls, what y'all trying to do? Twenty four karat magic in the air!

8. “Cake by the Ocean” - DNCE

Walk for me, baby. I'll be Diddy, you'll be Naomi, whoa-oh. Let's lose our minds and go fucking crazy. I keep on hoping we'll eat cake by the ocean.

9. “No Problem” - Chance the Rapper ft. 2 Chainz & Lil Wayne

If one more label try to stop me, it’s gone be some dread-headed hittas in yo lobby!

10. “Stressed Out” - Twenty One Pilots

Best Pop Songs of 2016:

1. “Into You” - Ariana Grande

A little bit dangerous, but baby that’s how I want it. A little less conversation, and a little more touch my body, cause I’m so into you.

2. “Shout Out to My Ex” - Little Mix

I hope she gettin’ better sex, hope she ain't fakin’ it like I did, babe. Took four long years to call it quits, forget that boy, I'm over it.

3. “One Dance” - Drake ft. WizKid & Kyla

That’s why I need a one dance, got the Hennessy in my hand. One more time ‘fore I go, I have powers taking a hold on me.

4. “Hands to Myself” - Selena Gomez

Can’t keep my hands to myself, no matter how hard I’m trying to. I want you all to myself. You’re metaphorical gin and juice.

5. “Close” - Nick Jonas ft. Tove Lo

'Cause if I want you, and I want you, babe. Ain't going backwards, won't ask for space. ‘Cause space is just a word made up by someone who's afraid to get too.

6. “Toothbrush” - DNCE

Baby you don’t have to rush, you can leave a toothbrush at my place, at my place.

7. “That’s My Girl” - Fifth Harmony

You've been down before. You've been hurt before. You got up before. You'll be good to go.

8. “Starving” - Hailee Steinfeld & Grey ft. Zedd

I didn’t know that I was starving till I tasted you. Don’t need no butterflies when you give me the whole damn zoo.

9. “Cheap Thrills” - Sia ft. Sean Paul

Baby I don't need dollar bills to have fun tonight (I love cheap thrills!)

10. “i hate u i love u” - gnash ft. Olivia O’Brien

Best Country Songs of 2016:

1. “My Church” - Maren Morris

I’ve cusses on a Sunday, I’ve cheated and I’ve lied. I’ve fallen down from grace a few too many times.

2. “Blue Ain’t Your Color” - Keith Urban

Blue looks good on the sky, looks good on that neon buzzin’ on the wall but darling, it don’t match your eyes.

3. “Daddy Lessons” - Beyoncé

With his gun, and his head held high, he told me not to cry. Oh, my daddy said shoot. My daddy said shoot.

4. “Record Year” - Eric Church

Slowly plannin’ my survival in a three foot stack of vinyl. Since you had to walk on outta here, I’ve been having a record year.

5. “Nobody to Blame” - Chris Stapleton

I know right where I went wrong, I know just what got her gone. Turned my life into this country song, and I got nobody to blame but me.

6. “Different for Girls” - Dierks Bentley ft. Elle King

It’s different for girls, nobody said it was fair. When love disappears, they can’t pretend it was never there.

7. “You Should Be Here” - Cole Swindell

You’d be taking way too many pictures on your phone, showing them off to everybody that you know back home, and even some you don’t.

8. “Humble and Kind” - Tim McGraw

Hold the door, say please, say thank you, don’t steal, don’t cheat and don’t lie. I know you got mountains to climb, but always stay humble and kind.

9. “H.O.L.Y.” - Florida Georgia Line

You’re an angel, tell me you’re never leaving. Cause you’re the first thing I know I can believe in.

10. “Somewhere on a Beach” - Dierks Bentley

Best EDM/Electropop Songs of 2016:

1. “This is What You Came For” - Calvin Harris ft. Rihanna

Baby, this is what you came for. Lightning strikes every time that she moves. And everybody’s watching her, but she’s looking at you.

2. “I Took a Pill in Ibiza (SeeB Remix)” - Mike Posner

I took a pill in Ibiza to show Avicii I was cool. And when I finally got sober, felt 10 years older, but fuck it, it was something to do.

3. “Never Be Like You” - Flume ft. Kai

I’m only human can’t you see, I made-I made a mistake. Please just look me in my face, tell me everything’s okay.

4. “In the Name of Love” - Martin Garrix ft. Bebe Rexha

If I told you this was only gonna hurt, if I warned you that the fire’s gonna burn - would you walk in? Would you let me do it first?

5. “Never Forget You” - Zara Larsson ft. MNEK

I will never forget you, and you will always be by my side. From the day that I met you, I knew that I would love you till the day I die.

6. “Gold” - Kiiara

And if you love me, love me but you never let me go. When the roof was on fire, you never let me know.

7. “Let Me Love You” - DJ Snake ft. Justin Bieber

I used to believe we were burnin’ on the edge of something beautiful, selling a dream.

8. “Starboy” - The Weeknd ft. Daft Punk

Look what you’ve done. I’m a motherfuckin’ starboy.

9. “Love$ick” - Mura Masa ft. A$AP Rocky

I need you, I want you, come over here.

10. “Say You Do” - Sigala ft. Imani & DJ Fresh

Best Rock Songs of 2016:

1. “Ride” - Twenty One Pilots

I’d die for you, that’s easy to say. We have a list of people that we would take - a bullet for them, a bullet for you, a bullet for everybody in this room.

2. “First” - Cold War Kids

How am I the lucky one? I do not deserve to wait around forever when you were there first.

3. “Don’t Threaten Me With a Good Time” - Panic! at the Disco

This night is heating up. Raise hell and turn it up. Saying “if you go out you might pass out in a drain pipe.” Oh yeah, don’t threaten me with a good time!

4. “Way Down We Go” - Kaleo

Father tell me, we get what we deserve. Oh, we get what we deserve.

5. “Trouble” - Cage the Elephant

Trouble on my left, trouble on my right. I’ve been facing trouble almost all my life.

6. “Good Grief” - Bastille

What’s gonna be left of the world if you’re not in it? 

7. “Spirit” - The Strumbellas

I got guns in my head and they won’t go, spirits in my head and they won’t go. But the gun still rattles, the gun still rattles oh!

8. “River” - Bishop Briggs

How do we fall in love? Harder than a bullet could hit you. How do we fall apart? Faster than a hairpin trigger.

9. “Handclap” - Fitz & the Tantrums

Somebody save your soul, cause you’ve been sinning in this city, I know.

10. “Bored to Death” - Blink-182

Honorable Mentions:

1. Meek Mill

Shout out to Meek Mill for creating some of the best moments in 2015. Firing off at Drake gave us his Grammy-nominated “Back to Back” and the millions of memes that followed (which Drake used during an epic performance). You took a few L’s this year, but they turned into W’s for the rest of us.

2. Troye Sivan

Shout out to this Australian cutie for being the hot new up and comer on the scene. From performing for Jimmy Fallon and other late night giants, and being the favorite for music giants like Taylor Swift and Sam Smith, Troye’s had a crazy year.

3. Kanye West

Shout to Kanye West for never disappointing at entertaining #Kanye2020.

4/5. Charlie Puth and Meghan Trainor

Shout out to these two for making the already unbearable AMAs even MORE uncomfortable. Who did you think wanted to see that? Anyway.

6. DJ Khaled

Shout out to #wethebest for sharing the major 🔑 to success, and giving us some very quotable snapchat moments.

7. Zayn Malik

Shout out to my favorite ex-boybander for keeping me on my toes. Be on the lookout for “Befour,” his first single and the debut solo album coming early 2016. Also, shout out to Fader for reviving me after 10 months.

8. Dance Craze Creators (Silento, ILovememphis, Rich Homie Quan,T-wayne, Dlow)

Shout out to the artists who gave us something to do this year. The Internet was FILLED with vines of people dancing and trying to be the most extra, and it’s truly been great. Even white people got into it, which I’m sorry about it.

9. Missy Elliott

Shout out to a hip hop queen, a true legend, for returning to us, as well as continually being one of the most humble and supportive women/artists to ever do it.

10. Miley Cyrus

Biggest Artists of 2015:

1. Adele

Obviously. After a 3 year break and 24 weeks of 21 ruling the charts, Adele returned to us with a bang. Dropping her single “Hello” and its video soon after, Adele told us her album was not far behind. The album, 25, became the biggest selling album of 2015, and garnering the largest first-week sales since NSYNC’s No Strings Attached in 2000. She also announced a world tour to being in February 2016. Magazines and television shows were stepping over themselves to speak with her/have her perform, and she blew us all away, owning the spotlight and stealing our hearts all over again.

2. Justin Bieber

After a turbulent few years, the world watched the Comedy Central Roast of Justin Bieber, where he shocked all of us by apologizing for his actions and promising a change. A few months later, “Where Are U Now,” “What Do You Mean?,” and “Sorry” were all people could talk about. He appeared on numerous television shows, including a few Ellen attendance, and he seemed to really be a different person turning his life around. His sixth album, Purpose, debuted at #1, so I would have to say things are looking up for the Biebs.

3. The Weeknd

Going from underground Internet secret to mainstream superstar is a weird transition, but The Weeknd has done it. In 2015, The Weeknd released his second album, Beauty in the Madness, and it’s accompanying singles “The Hills” and “Can’t Feel My Face.” Along with this incredible feature on the 50 Shades of Gray soundtrack, the world fell in love with Abel Tesfayes’ unique and entrancing style. He won 12 awards this year, and is nominated for 7 Grammys in 2016, which is kind of a big deal. 

4. Drake + Future

Separately, Drake continued to be the world’s favorite with undeniably catchy tracks, the most entertaining celebrity beef of the year, a mixtape that had us drooling for the album. Future released his third album, DS2, and provided us with some of the best trap tracks, one-liners and memes. Together, they released What a Time to Be Alive and effectively blew the Internet up, debuting at #1 and becoming a trending topic. 

5. Taylor Swift

In 2014, Taylor Swift gave us Red. In 2015, she gave us everything else. Riding off the high of her success, Taylor started on the 1989 World Tour in May which rode out through December. On this tour, not only did Tay Tay perform her own numerous hits, she also had a mind-numbing amount of special guests come onstage to perform (I can’t even give an example because there were just SO! MANY!). While on tour, she also managed to write a letter to Apple Music and “saving music” and narrowly avoided e-beef with Nicki Minaj and the Barbs. She ended the year by being named one of the 2015 Time 100 and being one of eight artists to receive a 50th Anniversary Milestone Award at the 2015 CMAs, so everything evens out.

6. Nicki Minaj

If she did nothing else this year, Mother Minaj blessed us with the “Feeling Myself” music video alongside King Bey and that alone is worthy of Artist of the Year. BUT SHE DID NOT STOP THERE. Beginning in March, Nicki Minaj embarked on her The Pinkprint Tour, graced the cover of several magazines including Cosmo and Rolling Stone, announced that she would be producing a scripted comedy series based on her life for Freeform (previously ABC Family),  and continued to rack up awards, including her 5th consecutive Best Female Hip Hop Artist BET Award. She also spoke out on several political issues, such as the #BlackLivesMatter movement and the lack of recognition of black artists at awards shows. Basically, she killed it.

7. One Direction

It’s been a rough year for everyone’s favorite boyband. On March 25, it was announced that Zayn Malik, the most beautiful man on Earth, was leaving One Direction. This news story shattered the hearts of million, and was a trending topic for MONTHS, being the focus of the three most retweeted tweets on Twitter this year. However, the remaining four boys banded together and Harry, Liam, Louis and Niall carried on with their On the Road Again Tour and finished putting together Made in the A.M., their fifth album in as many years. Though they are currently on break, their time leading up to this hiatus was filled with performances, interviews and crazy news stories. Hopefully, Directioners will have a quiet break in order to finally rest (but probably not).

8. Selena Gomez

It felt like Selena Gomez was everywhere this year. She featured on Zedd’s “I Want You to Know,” released her second solo album Revival in October (which debuted at #1), giving us the gem that is “Good For You,” along with sexy videos for all three of her singles. She performed at the Victoria Secret’s Fashion Show, became the face of Pantene, and starred in a few films and television shows. She worked hard this year, and still managed to look unbelievable on the daily. Goals.

9. Fetty Wap

On behalf of one Willie Maxwell II, I’M MAD. Fetty Wap, an XXL 2015 Freshman Class recipient, has blessed us with several great hits: “Trap Queen,” “My Way,” “Again,” “679″ AND YET, he was snubbed for just about every award he was nominated for this year. While only “Trap Queen” was eligible in the past award season, he now has a #1 album and two Grammy nominations, so expect to see that beautiful smile next year. 

10. Alessia Cara

Most Anticipated Albums of 2016:

Rihanna Anti

Zayn Malik TBA

Kanye West SWISH

Ariana Grande Moonlight

Panic! at the Disco The Death of a Bachelor (Jan 15)

The 1975 I Like It When You Sleep, For You Are So Beautiful Yet So Unaware of It (Feb 26)

Sia This Is Acting

Banks TBA

blink-182 TBA