The Best Rock and Hip Hop Music of 2018

A look at the best music of 2018. This year was full of great music from a variety of genres. From rap to rock, there was something for everyone.

Best Rock Albums of 2018

From the return of Kendrick Lamar to the long-awaited debut album from BROCKHAMPTON, 2018 was full of amazing music. In the hip hop world, there were plenty of great albums released this year. In the rock world, there were also a lot of excellent albums that came out. Here are the best of the best.

Arctic Monkeys- Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino

Arctic Monkeys’ sixth album is their most ambitious and accomplished to date. The Sheffield band have always been restless experimenters, but on Tranquility Base they sound completely sure of themselves as they delve into a daring new musical direction.

Filled with spacey synths, wonky piano lines and Alex Turner’s unmistakable croon, the album is a stunning step forward for the band – and one of the best rock albums of the year.

The Black Keys- “Let’s Rock”

The Black Keys are back with their ninth studio album, “Let’s Rock”, and it is a return to form for the duo. This album is a throwback to their early days, when they were a blues rock band. They have reverted back to their raw sound, and it is all the better for it. The songs are shorter and more to the point, with no filler. Highlights include “Eagle Birds”, “Go”, and “Lo/Hi”.

Death Cab for Cutie- Thank You for Today

Death Cab for Cutie’s ninth studio album, Thank You for Today, is a fairly typical Death Cab for Cutie album. It’s got the band’s signature sound – Ben Gibbard’s distinct voice, tear-jerking lyrics, and catchy melodies – but at the same time, it feels fresh and new. The production is top-notch, and the lyrics are as introspective and thought-provoking as ever. If you’re a fan of Death Cab for Cutie, or if you’re just looking for some good indie rock music, then this album is definitely worth checkin out.

Best Hip Hop Albums of 2018

If you’re looking for the best hip hop albums of 2018, you’ve come to the right place. This list includes the top 10 hip hop albums of 2018, as well as the best rap and hip hop songs of 2018. From Cardi B to J. Cole, there’s something for everyone on this list.

Cardi B- Invasion of Privacy

On “I Do,” Cardi B cements her place atop the rap game, unapologetically rapping about her come-up and how she’s determined to provide for her daughter. It’s a touching moment on an album full of them, and a prime example of what has made Cardi such a magnetic figure in hip hop over the past year. There’s a vulnerability and openness to her rhymes that often gets overlooked in the conversation about her artistry, but it’s precisely those qualities that make Invasion of Privacy so special.

Drake- Scorpion

Drake- Scorpion
If you’re looking for an album that will make you dance, look no further than Drake’s “Scorpion.” The Canadian rapper’s fifth studio album features a plethora of bangers, including the hits “God’s Plan” and “In My Feelings.” With production from longtime collaborators Noah “40” Shebib and Boi-1da, as well as trap up-and-comers Cardo and Murda Beatz, “Scorpion” is a must-listen for any fan of hip hop.

J. Cole- KOD

Released on April 20, 2018, Cole’s fifth studio album KOD features 12 tracks with a 36-minute runtime. It is one of the most personal albums Cole has released to date and is full of introspective lyrics about his struggles with addiction, depression, and fame. The album artwork features three children in different positions representing the three stages of addiction: “crowd” for those who are still in the party phase of their addiction, “illusion” for those who are in denial about their addiction, and “deception” for those who have hit rock bottom. Musically, KOD is a departure from Cole’s previous albums as it features a more experimental and atmospheric sound. The album was met with positive reviews from critics and debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart.