The Best R&B and Hip-Hop Music of 2018
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R&B and Hip-Hop are two of the most popular genres of music. Here are the best R&B and Hip-Hop songs of 2018.
The Best R&B
R&B music has come a long way in the past few years. The genre has become more experimental, incorporating elements of trap, pop, and hip-hop. This has led to some amazing new music that has pushed the boundaries of what R&B can be. In 2018, we saw some incredible new music from known and up-and-coming artists alike. Here are some of the best R&B and hip-hop tracks of the year.
SZA, Ctrl
The album’s success was a much-needed bright spot in what was—for the R&B and hip-hop world, at least—a fairly bleak year. It wasn’t just that the album was good; it was that SZA made music that felt necessary, offering a candid and introspective take on the many joys and anxieties of young womanhood that rarely gets released into the mainstream. Her voice is sweet and often fragile, but it’s also forceful when it needs to be, carrying both the weight of her lyrics and the memories of her own misspent youth.
Khalid, American Teen
Khalid’s debut album American Teen is one of the best R&B and hip-hop albums of 2018. The 19-year-old singer from El Paso, Texas, burst onto the scene with his single “Location,” which became a viral hit. Khalid’s style is a mix of R&B, soul, and pop, with a warm voice that belies his young age. On American Teen, Khalid tackles topics like young love, heartbreak, and social media with an earnestness that’s both refreshing and relatable. The album also features the excellent singles “Young Dumb & Broke” and “Saved,” which showcase Khalid’s impressive range as a vocalist. If you’re looking for something to help you cope with your own teenage angst, or just want to enjoy some great music, Khalid’s American Teen is certainly worth a listen.
Daniel Caesar, Freudian
Daniel Caesar’s debut album Freudian was one of the best R&B and Hip-Hop albums of 2018. The album is a mix of classic R&B, Gospel, and Hip-Hop, with lyrics that are both personal and political. Caesar’s smooth voice and vulnerable lyrics make for an intimate listening experience. Highlights from the album include “Get You”, “We Find Love”, and “Blessed”.
The Best Hip-Hop
If you’re a fan of hip-hop, then you’re in for a treat. 2018 has been a great year for the genre, with a wide variety of artists putting out fantastic music. From Kendrick Lamar to Cardi B, there’s something for everyone. In this article, we’ll be taking a look at the best hip-hop and R&B music of 2018.
Kendrick Lamar, DAMN.
If you love smart, incisive, and socially conscious hip-hop, Kendrick Lamar is your man. The Compton MC’s third studio album, DAMN., presented a more introspective Kendrick, one who was trying to make sense of the fame and success that had come his way. “DNA.” and “HUMBLE.” were two of the biggest songs of the year, but Kendrick’s true genius was on display on tracks like “FEAR.,” “YAH.,” and “DUCKWORTH.” By turns thoughtful and bawdy, personal and universal, DAMN. is a classic in the making.
JAY-Z, 4:44
JAY-Z’s 13th studio album, 4:44, was released on June 30, 2017, without any prior announcement or promotion. The album was met with critical acclaim, and is being hailed as one of JAY-Z’s best albums to date.
4:44 is a introspective look at JAY-Z’s life and career, and features some of the best hip-hop production we’ve heard in years. The album’s standout tracks include “The Story of O.J.”, “Kill Jay Z”, and “Smile”, which features a guest verse from his mother, Gloria Carter.
If you’re a fan of rap music, or just want to check out one of the best hip-hop albums of 2017, be sure to give 4:44 a listen.
Migos, Culture
Migos’s second album, Culture, was released on January 27, 2017. The album debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, selling 131,000 album-equivalent units in its first week, of which 24,000 were pure album sales. It was the group’s first album to reach number one and received positive reviews from critics.
