13 Albums turning ten in 2026

As we enter 2026, a wave of albums that defined the culturally treasured year of 2016 will turn ten years old. A decade later, these projects have outlived the era that produced them, continuing to shape conversations around sound, culture and legacy. From mainstream breakthroughs to deeply personal statements, these projects capture a moment that still feels impossible to replicate.

Malibu by Anderson .Paak - January 15, 2016

Malibu continues to be underrepresented in the conversation of 2016’s defining albums. Front to back, the project delivers a soulful, lively sound that blends funk, R&B and hip hop with ease. Its longevity was evident when .Paak took the album on tour in 2024, nearly a decade after its release. Malibu also marked a major moment in his career, earning him his first Grammy nomination and setting the stage for what was to come.

ANTI by Rihanna - January 28, 2016

ANTI marked a sharp turn in Rihanna’s career, trading traditional pop structure for something looser, darker and more self-assured. The album embraced vulnerability and experimentation, reshaping expectations for a mainstream release and influencing the direction of pop and R&B that followed. Unfortunately standing as Rihanna’s last studio album to date, the project has only grown in cultural weight as we continue to wait for what may come next.

The Life of Pablo by Kanye West - February 14, 2016

Just before the evil Kanye arc, The Life of Pablo captured Kanye West at his most chaotic and boundary-pushing, blurring the line between album and performance art. It was an experience larger than the tracklist. The album reflected a restless creativity that defined both the album and the moment it arrived in.

untitled unmastred. by Kendrick Lamar - March 4, 2016

Arriving as a surprise release made up of previously unreleased recordings from the To Pimp a Butterfly era, the project offered a raw look into Kendrick Lamar’s creative process and reinforced his dominance during one of the most acclaimed runs in modern hip hop. Described by Pitchfork as “a small and quiet statement from an artist with little to prove at this moment,” a decade later it serves as an example of the quality of his work that continues to set him apart from his peers.

Lemonade by Beyoncé  - April 23, 2016

Weaving a narrative that spans multiple genres while remaining cohesive, Lemonade is rooted in vulnerability and honesty from a cultural giant. It set a new standard for storytelling at the highest level of pop, reshaping how albums can function as immersive artistic statements.

Views by Drake - April 29, 2016

Views was hits on hits, serving as a masterclass in chart dominance with records like “Too Good,” “Controlla,” and “One Dance” that defined Drake’s run at the top. The album soundtracked the summer of 2016, becoming unavoidable for years across radio, clubs and playlists, capturing a moment where commercial success and cultural saturation fully aligned.

99.9% by KAYTRANADA - May 6, 2016

99.9% introduced Kaytranada as a defining producer of the decade, blending electronic, funk and R&B into a signature sound that felt both futuristic and timeless. The album laid the foundation for one of the most influential careers in modern dance music.

Coloring Book by Chance the the Rapper - May 13, 2016

Coloring Book arrived as an independent release at the height of Chance the Rapper’s peak, blending gospel influences with vibrant, genre-spanning production. Its success without a traditional label deal marked a pivotal moment in the streaming era and cemented Chance as one of the most visible artists of the time.

Blonde by Frank Ocean - August 20, 2016

Possibly the most painful to include on this list, Blonde stands as a once-in-a-lifetime, generational album. It’s Frank Ocean’s last full-length release to date, built on emotional restraint and quiet introspection, with an absence that continues to be felt. Frank, come back. The kids need you.

The Divine Feminine by Mac Miller - September 16, 2016

The Divine Feminine showcased Mac Miller’s growth as an artist, focusing on love, vulnerability and musical experimentation. It remains the last album fully experienced through its complete rollout and era during his lifetime.

Atrocity Exhibition by Danny Brown - September 27, 2016

Atrocity Exhibition pushed experimental hip hop to new extremes, pairing abrasive, chaotic production with unfiltered and deeply personal lyricism. The themes of addiction and self-destruction that were ever-present throughout the album gain even more weight in hindsight, especially after seeing Danny Brown on the other side of his addiction with Stardust in 2025.

Starboy by The Weeknd- November 25, 2016

Starboy marked The Weeknd’s full transition into global pop stardom, balancing massive commercial success with the darker themes that defined his earlier work. The album expanded his reach in a major way, solidifying his place at the center of pop culture.

Awaken, My Love! by Childish Gambino - December 2, 2016

Awaken, My Love! saw Childish Gambino step away from rap almost entirely in favor of funk and psychedelic soul. As the Childish Gambino era has now come to an end, the album remains a defining statement from one of the decade’s most shape-shifting creatives.