Image via Complex Original
22.
Chance the Rapper andKanye West gave us gospel albums this year, and who are we kidding—we all could use some saving. Unlike another album that shall remain nameless, Coloring Book lived up to the hype. He might win the first Grammy off a mixtape, forget getting signed.
Coloring Book has 20 features, ranging from the Chicago Children's Choir to Young Thug to Justin Bieber. That's an eclectic crew. He also had some help from the Chi; Kanye, Jeremih, Saba, Towkio, and Noname all rep the Windy City. Some give complete verses, others spoken word, and some are just there for background vocals. This album feels like a Kanye album in the best possible way, given how it uses artists like instruments in an orchestra.
Coloring Book is already one of the best projects of the year and every featured artist contributed something worthwhile. But if you're curious about who came out on top, here's the ranking.
21.Francis & the Lights
Song: “Summer Friends”
Bon Iver much? Just kidding. I feel like asking my crush for a slow dance when I listen to this.
20.Kirk Franklin
Song: “Finish Line/Drown”
Kirk Franklin is holy water. We've been baptized by the sounds of soul. Let us pray for forgiveness during these trying times.
19.Eryn Allen Kane
Song: “Finish Line/Drown”
"Do do do" was really her only contribution, but without this the song would be lacking. I also think that's her at the beginning of the second half. Either way, her voice is the sweetest sound.
18.Kanye West
Song: “All We Got”
A little Auto-Tune action from 'Ye. That's it. That's all I got.
17.Chicago Children's Choir
Song: “All We Got”
They floated. The children are our future.
16.Noname
Song: “Finish Line/Drown”
The world needs more Noname.
15.D.R.A.M.
Song: “D.R.A.M. Sings Special”
D.R.A.M. is a talented cat. This song makes me feel special. I believe in myself so much right now.
14.T-Pain
Song: “Finish Line/Drown”
T-Pain can lead my choir any day.
13.Lil Wayne
Song: “No Problem”
This is one of Wayne's best verses in a minute. Maybe he should just do features instead of whole projects until he gets his shit together.
12.Knox Fortune
Song: “All Night”
Knox Fortune is on the come up. Listen to "Seaglass." He looks like he's too young to be drinking, though.
11.Saba
Song: “Angels”
I like how he comes on with the steel drum sounds behind him. More Saba, please. Save your money, kids.
10.Nicole
Song: “How Great”
Nicole, allegedly Chance's cousin, took us to church. Thank you, Nicole.
9.2 Chainz
Song: “No Problem”
A+ Petey Pablo reference. Chainz rarely disappoints on his guest appearances.
8.Towkio
Song: “Juke Jam”
Body roll up to shorty and whisper Towkio's lyrics in her ear. Boom, you found your spouse.
7.Jay Electronica
Song: “How Great”
Godamnit, Jay. Drop that shit, you takin' too long. He murked this shit, though. He's the Russell Westbrook of the game, only less prolific.
6.Jeremih
Song: “Summer Friends”
Jeremih is always a welcome addition to any song—especially helping a Chicago partner. His flow matches up perfectly.
5.Lil Yachty
Song: “Mixtape”
Yachty floated on this like a boat on water. Don't front on the youth.
4.
3.Future
Song: “Smoke Break”
Is Future a pastor? Because he sounded like he was in the pulpit on “Smoke Break.”
2.Justin Bieber
Song: “Juke Jam”
Let's talk about how Biebervelli has the voice of an angel. I clutched my chest when his voice came on. It's the resurrection of Journals Bieber.
1.Young Thug
Song: “Mixtape”
Pretty confident that Thugger could fit any beat in the history of beats. He's like a fungus that's beneficial to the host it's occupying.