For years to come, April 2016 will be remembered as the month that brought purple snow in the form of Prince’s death. In the wake of his departure, there have been countless tributes in the form of covers of his songs, new releases dedicated to him, and vaulted gems that have surfaced. One such hidden treasure is the official remix to “Batdance” that Prince recorded with Big Daddy Kane back in 1989.

While Prince’s shadow looms large, there was also a lot of great Hip-Hop that was released during the month that should not be overlooked. Black Thought, Styles P and 9th Wonder collaborated on the thunderous “Making A Murderer.” Method Man and Havoc used lyrics as weapons over an Alchemist beat on “Buck 50’s & Bullet Wounds.” Big K.R.I.T., Joyner Lucas and Dave East took over popular tracks by Kanye West, Desiigner and Fat Joe & Remy Ma, respectively, and made them their own. Grand Puba, DJ Quik and CL Smooth made welcomed returns. And, MC Shan and KRS-One re-kindled the Bridge Wars in a major way.

Hear The Best Hip-Hop of March 2016 In One Playlist (Audio)

All those songs, as well as new heat from Royce 5’9″, A$AP Ferge, Consequence, ScHoolboy Q, Action Bronson, DJ Shadow with Run The Jewels, and more can be heard in the Best Hip-Hop of April 2016 playlist below.