Kamal Morgan
A&E Editor
2018 has been an exciting joyride of new artists, accomplishments, issues and most importantly, new projects. Hip-hop is getting older and reinventing itself as new rappers have come onto the scene introducing avid listeners to new rhymes and sounds and older rappers, proving they have not lost a beat in their music. This year saw the release of Meek Mill from prison, Kendrick Lamar being the first non-jazz or classical artist to win the Pulitzer Prize and the deaths of Fredo Santana, XXXTentacion and Mac Miller. It also saw issues being put in the forefront, such as BROCKHAMPTON who kicked out core member Ameer Vann following allegations of sexual misconduct, rappers discussing mental health and drug abuse. Most importantly, this year has seen the release of many great projects which has pushed the hip-hop culture forward and leaving fans wanting for more. This is a list, not in any order, of some of the best albums of the year so far of 2018.
“Astroworld” by Travis Scott: The long-awaited album from Travis Scott was released this year with high regard. Scott provided everything his fans wanted from beautiful production, changeups and amazing features from Drake, Frank Ocean and Migos. He led us into his vision of his perfect amusement park and dazzles the ears of his fans with upbeat and mellow songs.
“Tha Carter V” by Lil Wayne: After a lengthy legal battle with Cash Money Records and disputes with label head Birdman, Lil Wayne’s “Tha Carter V” was released in September. It contained songs that were four to five years old, but still produced poignant songs that resonated for all that were waiting. Songs such as “Uproar,” “Mona Lisa” and “Famous” stood out for their wonderful features and Lil Wayne did not disappoint with his cunning and poetic lyricism.
“Daytona” by Pusha T: The first of five albums produced by Kanye West in his “Wyoming Sessions,” Daytona pushes Pusha T to the forefront of rap luxury. His sharp, seductive lyricism combined with West’s wizardry production cast a chilling vibe with every song. The content, which is reminded in the track “If You Know You Know,” is difficult to understand, but Pusha T scripts his album to tell his story of dealing drugs and death in his life.
“KOD” by J.Cole: “Kids on Drugs, King Overdosed, Kill Our Demons” is what J.Cole said to his fans about what “KOD” means and left the rest of the album up for their interpretation. Cole’s album dove deep into the traumas of drugs and what they does to people and the next generation. He stays away from crafty punchlines and is straightforward with his messages towards fans, rappers and all who will listen.
“Room 25” by Noname: Her first project since her debut album “Telefone,” Noname proves she is one of the up and coming rappers of this generation. Her album improves in production with up-tempo jazz and sweet choruses that awake the soul and keep you wanting more. She explores her blackness, love life and how she fits in the world around her in “Room 25.”
(Photo from HipHop2018)