The Best of 2016: According to Neighbor Joseph Marshall

Question: Can anyone tell us where the year went? As climatic, and at times, tragic as 2016 as been, it’s been a relatively great year in terms of music.

For the second year in a row, we are letting a few of our favorite Neighbors share their favorite albums and songs of the year. The Grammys never seem to get it right so…

Kicking off our series is the hilarious Joseph Marshall, host of popular local podcast Logical Nonsense. Joe is a self-described “black man with an unhealthy love of big asses, sex and R&B music.” All of which are reflected in his flawless musical taste. Click the link the below to find out what a black man with a healthy sexual appetite has been listening to all year.

First things first, I am not a writer nor do I pretend to be. I am just a black man with an unhealthy love of raw sex, big asses, and great R&B music! 2016 was a great year for R&B music, which makes it that much harder for me to pick my top albums of the year! The amount of baby oil and plan B music that was released this year was beautiful and I hope 2017 gives us the same thing.

Solange - A Seat at the Table

Beyoncé who? Sister Knowles dropped a masterpiece that is both sexy and woke! My personal favorite “Cranes in the Sky” will forever have me feeling as if I am getting a wallie from an angel in Crab House with a fresh cut from a Bevel blade done by God himself!!! If anyone questioned Solange’s ability, this album should shut them up!

Stream: Apple Music, Tidal, Spotify

BJ The Chicago Kid - In My Mind

This album was a scrotum jumper for sure! Severely slept on, BJ The Chicago Kid drops one of the most complete projects of the year. “Resume” featuring Big KRIT is the standout track on the album and baby oil and contraceptives are required when listening because it is that kind of track! Big KRIT’s bars add to the smooth and seductive feel of the track! If you have not then I suggest you check this one out!

Stream: Apple Music, Tidal, Spotify

Ro James - ELDORADO

Ro James probably had my favorite song of the year with “Permission”, which is what led me to his ELDORADO album, and MY NINJA, I was not disappointed! As you probably already guessed, “Permission” is the standout track on the album and is perfect for that third Netflix & chill date when you trying figure out if you can go to the promise land! Overall, Ro James delivers a solid project from top to bottom that you should check out.

Stream: Apple Music, Tidal, Spotify

H.E.R. - H.E.R. Volume 1

The mysterious one!! I love this project! Every track has me dreaming of slow dancing with a thick queen in the middle of my neighborhood Shop Rite as the chicken on grille sizzles! I have so any favorites that it is hard for me to choose, but if I had to choose, it would be “Focus.” Just a woman wanting her man to stop worrying about LeBron and worry about that ass and cash! It’s an inspiration for woman dealing with “Ain’t Sh*t” fellas. H.E.R. is definitely one to look out for!

Stream: Apple Music, Spotify

Childish Gambino - Awaken, My Love

How talented can one man be? Childish Gambino delivers a beautifully crafted album that takes you back to the pool halls and numbers days! Every time I listen to this album I feel like I just came home from the war and I’m trying to run numbers for Kirby in Dead Presidents! My favorite track on the album is “Redbone.” The track drops and I need a joint, some Thunderbird, and a Nubian queen! It is just beautiful. Just like the album!

Stream: Apple Music, Tidal, Spotify

Honorable Mentions: Jojo - Mad Love; Yuna - Chapter; Ari Lennox - Pho; Lizzo- Coconut Oil; Jacquees - Mood; NAO - For All We Know; DVSN - Sept 5th; Xavier Omar- The Everlasting Wave