YouTube Music Hip Hop Mix – The Best of 2018
Looking for a great hip hop mix to help get 2018 started off right? Look no further than YouTube Music’s “The Best of 2018” mix! This mix features some of the hottest tracks from the past year, so you can get your groove on and start the new year off right.
Best Hip Hop Songs of 2018
This was a great year for Hip Hop with a lot of amazing songs released. It was hard to narrow it down, but here are our picks for the best Hip Hop songs of 2018.
“SICKO MODE” – Travis Scott
“SICKO MODE” is a song by American hip hop artist Travis Scott. It was released on August 3, 2018, as the lead single from his third studio album, ASTROWORLD (2018). The song features guest appearances from American rappers Drake and Swae Lee, and contains a sample of the 1987 track “25 Lighters” by DJ DMD featuring Lil Keke and Fat Pat. “SICKO MODE” peaked at number one on the US Billboard Hot 100, becoming Scott’s first US number-one single as a lead artist.
“No Limit” – G-Eazy ft. A$AP Rocky & Cardi B
G-Eazy teams up with A$AP Rocky and Cardi B for the remix to his summer hit, “No Limit.” The three rappers trade verses about their lavish lifestyles over a bass-heavy beat. Cardi B provides the catchy hook, which is sure to get stuck in your head.
“Apeshit” – The Carters
“Apeshit” is a song recorded by American rapper Jay-Z and his wife, R&B singer Beyoncé, from their first collaborative album Everything Is Love (2018). It was released as the album’s lead single on June 16, 2018. The song samples “Ape Shrug” by Italian composer and record producer Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina.
The Carters’ “Apeshit” music video was filmed in late May 2018 at the Louvre in Paris, France. It was directed by Ricky Saiz, who also worked with the Carters on Beyoncé’s “Yoncé” (2013) and “Partition” (2014) music videos, as well as Jay-Z’s “The Story of O.J.” (2017) music video. The Carters paid homage to several artworks within the museum, including the Mona Lisa, Liberty Leading the People and Venus de Milo. The video received positive reviews from critics, who praised its lavish visuals and called it one of the best music videos of 2018.
“Nice for What” – Drake
Released in April of 2018, “Nice for What” quickly became one of Drake’s most popular songs. The music video, which features many powerful and successful women, further added to the song’s popularity. “Nice for What” is a perfect example of Drake’s evolution as an artist and hisability to create catchy and popular songs.
“Nonstop” – Drake
The first song on our list is “Nonstop” by Drake. “Nonstop” was released in 2018 and immediately became a fan favorite. The catchy beat and Drake’s smooth flow make this song an instant classic.
“Nonstop” is a great example of Drake’s ability to create a catchy hook and ride a beat. The production on this track is top-notch, and the mix of Drake’s vocals and the instrumental create a perfect storm of hip hop goodness. If you’re looking for a song to get your head nodding, “Nonstop” is it.
Best Hip Hop Albums of 2018
It’s been an incredible year for hip hop, with a number of artistes pushing the genre in new and exciting directions. From the conscious vibes of J. Cole’s “KOD” to the trap-infused sounds of Cardi B’s “Invasion of Privacy”, there’s been something for everyone. Here are our picks for the best hip hop albums of 2018.
“Astroworld” – Travis Scott
When Travis Scott’s third studio album, “Astroworld,” dropped in August, it was met with critical acclaim. The Houston native had been teasing the project for what felt like forever, and when it finally arrived, it did not disappoint. The album is a masterclass in modern hip-hop, blending Travis’ unique style with features from some of the biggest names in the game.
If you’re looking for a hip-hop album that breaks the mold, “Astroworld” is definitely worth a listen.
“Beerbongs & Bentleys” – Post Malone
Released in April of 2018, “Beerbongs & Bentleys” is the second studio album by American rapper Post Malone. It debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200 with 461,000 album-equivalent units, of which 322,000 were pure sales. The album broke several streaming records, including the record for most streams in a single day on Spotify. It was also nominated for five Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year and Best Rap Album.
“Invasion of Privacy” – Cardi B
In just 13 tracks, Cardi B announced herself as one of the most distinctive, magnetic rappers of the 2010s. She didn’t waste any time, either: “Get Up 10” and “Bodak Yellow” are immediate standouts, but the whole album is crackling with charisma and personality. Throw in some of the sharpest writing in recent memory – see “I Do” for evidence – and it’s no wonder that Invasion of Privacy went on to become one of 2018’s defining albums.
“DAYTONA” – Pusha T
Daytona is the third studio album by American rapper Pusha T. It was released on May 25, 2018, by GOOD Music and Def Jam Recordings. The album features guest appearances from Kanye West, Rick Ross, Sneaker Skit andpoetry readings from the late Whitney Houston and Maxine Waters. The production on the album was handled by a variety of record producers, including Kanye West, Mike Dean, seven other credited producers, and additional uncredited producers.
Pusha T’s return to music comes in the form of one of the strongest albums of not just his own career, but one of 2018 as a whole. From the beats to the features to Pusha’s rhymes, Daytona is proof that good things come to those who wait.
“Kids See Ghosts” – Kids See Ghosts
Kids See Ghosts is the self-titled debut studio album by American hip hop duo Kids See Ghosts, composed of Kanye West and Kid Cudi. It was released on June 8, 2018, by GOOD Music and Def Jam Recordings. The album features guest appearances from Pusha T, Yasiin Bey, Ty Dolla Sign and Mos Def, among others. The artwork was designed by Japanese painter Takashi Murakami.
The album debuted at number two on the US Billboard 200 with 143,000 album-equivalent units, becoming Kids See Ghosts’ only entry on the chart as well as west’s eighth consecutive top-two album. The album received generally positive reviews from critics, who praised its experimental sound and lauded the chemistry between West and Cudi.