The Best New Music of 2018: Rap and Hip Hop

2018 has been an amazing year for rap and hip hop music, with a plethora of new albums and singles being released by some of the biggest names in the genre. Here are some of the best new music of 2018:

Kendrick Lamar – DAMN.
One of the most highly anticipated albums of the year, Kendrick Lamar’s DAMN. did not disappoint, with the rapper delivering one of the most masterful and thought-provoking hip hop albums in recent memory.

J Cole – 4 Your Eyez Only
J Cole’s fourth studio album 4 Your Eyez Only was another strong offering from the rapper, showcasing his impressive lyrical ability and ear for catchy hooks and beats.

Big Sean – I Decided.
Big Sean’s third album I Decided. was a return to form for the rapper, who had been struggling to find his place in the rap game in recent years. The album featured some of Sean’s best work to date, including the single “Bounce Back.”

Migos – Culture
Migos’ second album Culture was one of the most fun and enjoyable hip hop releases of the year, with the trio delivering a collection of infectious tracks that had everyone from kids to adults bumping their heads along.

The Best New Music of 2018: Pop

Pop music had a big year in 2018, with hits from artists like Ariana Grande, Cardi B, and Drake dominating the charts. But there were also plenty of great deep cuts and album tracks to be found, if you knew where to look. Here are our picks for the best pop songs of 2018.

The Best New Music of 2018: Indie

The best new music of 2018 includes, but is not limited to, the following:

Albums:

-Ella Mai – “Boo’d Up”
-Kendrick Lamar – “Black Panther”
-Migos – “Culture II”
-SZA – “Ctrl”

Mixtapes:
-6LACK – “East Atlanta Love Letter”
-Cardi B – “Invasion of Privacy”
-Denzel Curry – “TA13OO”
-Mac Miller – “Swimming”

Singles:
-Childish Gambino – “This Is America”
-Drake – “In My Feelings”
-Juice WRLD – “Lucid Dreams”

And many more!

The Best New Music of 2018: Country

Every year, music critics and publications from all over the world release their lists of the best albums of the year. Here are some of the most highly acclaimed country albums of 2018, according to Pitchfork, Rolling Stone, American Songwriter, and other publications.

Paste: The 10 Best Country Albums of 2018
#1 – Kacey Musgraves – Golden Hour
#2 – Ashley Monroe – Sparrow
#3 – Margo Price – All American Made
#4 – Brothers Osborne – Port Saint Joe
#5 – Chris Stapleton – From A Room: Volume 2
#6 – Amanda Shires – To the Sunset
#7 – Brandi Carlile – By the Way, I Forgive You
#8 – Midland – On the Rocks
#9 null- null-

American Songwriter’s 50 Best Albums of 2018
10. Chris Stapleton – From A Room: Volume 2
9. Lindi Ortega – Liberty

The Best New Music of 2018: EDM/Dance

This year has seen the continued rise of popularity for Electronic Dance Music (EDM) and Hip Hop. In terms of sheer output, it was certainly a banner year for these two genres, with a number of artists releasing excellent new albums and singles. Here are our picks for the best music of 2018 in these genres.

In the world of EDM, it was finally time for a new album from Swedish House Mafia. The trio’s reunion tour had been one of the most anticipated musical events in years, and their album “Until Now” did not disappoint. Featuring a mix of old fan favorites and brand new tracks, the album was a welcome return for the group. Elsewhere in EDM, French duo Daft Punk released a new album entitled “Random Access Memories.” The album was something of a departure from their previous work, but nonetheless featured some excellent tracks, including the single “Get Lucky.”

In the world of hip hop, there were two very different sounds on offer this year. On one hand, Kanye West continued to push the boundaries of what rap music could be with his album “Yeezus.” On the other hand, Kendrick Lamar released what is arguably the best rap album in years with “good kid, m.A.A.d city.” Lamar’s album was a more traditional offering than West’s, but was no less innovative or exciting.

The Best New Music of 2018: Rock

Rock music has seen a resurgence in popularity in recent years, thanks in part to the rise of streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music. If you’re looking for the best new rock music of 2018, you’ve come to the right place. Here are some of our favorite new artists and albums of the year.

One of the breakout stars of 2018 has been Greta Van Fleet, a young Michigan-based band that harkens back to the sounds of classic rock icons like Led Zeppelin and Jimi Hendrix. Their debut album, “Anthem of the Peaceful Army,” went to #1 on the Billboard rock charts and has been praised by critics for its soulful vocals and exciting guitar work. Another band that’s been turning heads this year is Shame, a post-punk group from London whose debut album “Songs of Praise” was named one of the best albums of 2018 by Pitchfork. And Swedish punk band Refused are back with their first album in 17 years, “War Music,” which is just as ferocious and relevant as their classic releases from the 1990s.

If you’re looking for something a little more experimental, check out Mount Eerie’s “Now Only,” an emotionally devastating concept album about loss and grief, or British psychedelic rockers smoke fairies’ “Darkness Brings The Wonders Home,” which features some of the most beautiful vocal harmonies you’ll hear all year. And for fans of old-school punk rock, don’t miss The Interrupters’ “Fight The Good Fight” or Beach Slang’s “The Things We Do To Find People Who Feel Like Us.”

The Best New Music of 2018: R&B/Soul

When it comes to R&B and soul music, 2018 has already been a estate year. We’ve seen comebacks from legends like Janet Jackson and Anita Baker, new music from established greats like Mary J. Blige, and breakout hits from exciting newcomers like H.E.R. and Ella Mai. And that’s just scratching the surface — there’s been so much good music in this genre already this year, it’s hard to keep track of it all.

To help you out, we’ve rounded up some of the best R&B and soul albums and songs of 2018 so far. From smooth slow jams to hard-hitting anthems, there’s something here for everyone — so sit back, relax, and enjoy the Ride.

The Best New Music of 2018: Jazz

The Best New Music of 2018: Rap and Hip Hop

In a year when rap and hip hop continued to dominate the musical landscape, there were plenty of standout albums released in 2018. From Cardi B’s debut Invasion of Privacy to Pusha T’s third solo album Daytona, here are the best rap and hip hop albums of 2018.

Cardi B – Invasion of Privacy

Easily one of the most anticipated albums of 2018, Cardi B’s debut LP Invasion of Privacy did not disappoint. Featuring hits like “Bodak Yellow” and “I Like It”, the album solidified Cardi B as one of the hottest rappers in the game.

Pusha T – Daytona

Pusha T’s third solo album Daytona was one of the best releases of the year. Produced entirely by Kanye West, the seven-track album is a return to form for Pusha T, with hard-hitting beats and stellar lyrical performances throughout.

Kendrick Lamar – DAMN.

Kendrick Lamar’s DAMN. was one of the most critically acclaimed albums of 2017, and it only got better with age in 2018. Featuring standouts like “HUMBLE.” and “DNA.”, Kendrick Lamar proved once again why he is one of the best rappers in the business.

The Best New Music of 2018: Latin

The best new music of 2018 includes a wide variety of Latin genres, from pop to hip-hop to electronic to regional Mexican. Below are some of the year’s most exciting releases.

J Balvin, Vibras
The Columbian singer’s fifth studio album is full of bangers, with features from Beyoncé, Pharrell, and Bad Bunny. It’s an exuberant record that celebrates Latinx culture and Balvin’s place as one of the genre’s biggest stars.

Nicky Jam, Fénix
Nicky Jam had a banner year in 2018, releasing his first studio album in five years and starring in the blockbuster film xXx: The Return of Xander Cage. Fénix is a stylish blend of reggaeton, trap, and R&B, with Jam’s silky smooth vocals front and center.

Banda La Trakalosa de Monterrey, En Honor a la Verdad
This regional Mexican group from Monterrey scored a huge hit with their 2016 album De Parranda, and they’re back with another winner in En Honor a la Verdad. The album features the band’s signature brand of party-ready norteño-influenced pop music.

Los Angeles Azules, Infinito
The undisputed kings of cumbia have been making music for over three decades, and they show no signs of slowing down with Infinito. The album is full of the band’s trademark sound — gorgeous melodies and lyrics that capture the joys and sorrows of love.

The Best New Music of 2018: World

There was a wealth of great music released in 2018, and it would be impossible to cover all of it in one article. But we’ve compiled a list of some of the best new music of the year, focusing on rap and hip hop.

In 2018, we saw a surge in the popularity of trap music, with artists like Cardi B, Lil Pump, and Juice WRLD breaking through to the mainstream. We also saw the rise of a new generation of female rappers, including Nicki Minaj, Cardi B, and Rapsody. And we saw established artists like Kendrick Lamar and Drake continuing to dominate the charts.

Here are some of the best rap and hip hop albums of 2018:

Kendrick Lamar – “ DAMN.”

Cardi B – “ Invasion of Privacy”

Drake – “ Scorpion”

Lil Wayne – “ Tha Carter V”

The Best New Music of 2018: Rap and Hip Hop