If you’re a music lover, 2018 had a lot of fantastic work to offer. I was impressed this year by a lot of artists and I personally feel that it was one to remember. So, here’s my version of Spotify’s 2018 Wrapped, but better.
1. Mac Miller – Swimming
“Never met a mother****** iller, Mr. Miller.”
We miss you Mac.
Favorite Tracks
- “Ladders”
- “Conversation Pt. 1”
- “Small Worlds”
2. Saba –Care For Me
Saba’s progression has been absolutely insane. I’ve grown up with his music, and can vividly remember bumping ComfortZone on the walk to my middle school bus stop. Saba’s delivery and production have gotten exponentially better with each project he’s released. With moments of stunning storytelling and addictive hi-hat-like flow, Saba’s Care For Me has easily captured a spot in my top 10 for this year. DaeDae and Daoud both snapped off on production, and Saba completed the puzzle by swimming on top of the smooth production throughout the duration of the album.
Favorite Tracks
- “Busy/Sirens”
- “Fighter”
- “Calligraphy”
- “Smile”
3. Travis Scott – Astroworld
Phew. August 3rd went crazy. Although I eventually came to the decision that Mac clearly had the better release that day, it was the Friday of Lollapalooza weekend, and Travis Scott was in town to headline. I remember being at Bud Light stage waiting for him, and seeing that Astrothunder was one of the song names on the leaked tracklist. I told my friend, “That’s the one.” I was right. Thundercat did his thing on that track. Travis and all of the producers who worked on this project completed an unbelievably cohesive album that plays through smoothly and effortlessly. Travis takes us on a tour of his mind’s amusement park and we are here for everything he has to offer.
Favorite Tracks:
- “ASTROTHUNDER”
- “CAN’T SAY”
- “STOP TRYING TO BE GOD”
4. Vince Staples – FM!
Wow. After the somewhat underwhelming release of his last studio album Big Fish, Vince came back with a 11 track project that almost seems like more of a mixtape than an album. I was skeptical about what Vince would came back with but it exceeded all expectations I had. Vince paired highly addictive production with a strong Cali flow and turned around a star-studded project with features such as Earl Sweatshirt, Jay Rock, and his late father, renowned South-African poet Keorapetse Kgositsile. This project excites me to see what’s to come from Vince Staples.
Favorite Tracks
- “Don’t Get Chipped”
- “Fun”
- “Feels Like Summer”
5. Mick Jenkins – Pieces of a Man
The lyrical genius from the Windy City came out swinging in 2018 and POD loved every second of it. Interesting rhetoric and head-bop-inducing production made for a solid album front to back for Mick. The album’s title is quite appropriate, due to the project’s inside look at Mick’s intellectual standpoint. Be sure to pop out to Mick’s concert on February 2nd at Thalia Hall in Pilsen.
Favorite Tracks
- “Gwendolynn’s Apprehension”
- “U Turn”
- “Ghost”
- “Pull Up”
6. Earl Sweatshirt – Some Rap Songs
This was my most anticipated album this year and I was happy with the material Earl ended up releasing. Although you always seem to end up worrying about Thebe’s mental health after listening to some of his music, he showcases his ability to tell dark stories while making quite gorgeous music. Although it takes a few listens to understand and appreciate how he conveys his stories, it’s a great addition to a young legend’s discography.
Favorite Tracks
- “Ontheway!”
- “Riot!”
- “The Mint”
- “Red Water”
7. Lupe Fiasco – Drogas Wave
Seasoned veteran Lupe Fiasco dropped his highly-anticipated project Drogas Wave a few months back and its beauty was quite overlooked. Although the length was quite intimidating, it didn’t take long for Lupe to get comfortable by turning the tempo up on the third track, Manilla. His pristine methods behind storytelling can entice anyone who takes a second to really listen about what Lupe’s spitting about. This album should show everyone that the Chicago legend has quite a few more tricks up his sleeve.
Favorite Tracks
- “WAV Files”
- “Stack That Cheese”
- “Cripple”
- “King Nas”
8. Denzel Curry – Ta1300
Denzel Curry, one of the most energetic and interesting rappers out there right now dropped Ta1300 this year and it cemented Denzel’s spot in the current elite. This project shows that Denzel won’t conform to anyone else in the game, and that he’ll continue to create the music he thinks is dope. With songs ranging from punk-rock to trappy rap, the album has a lot to offer to any listener.
Favorite Tracks
- “13LACK 13ALLOONZ”
- “SUM0”
- “Z1RENZ”
- “MAD 1 GOT 1T”
9. Lil Wayne – Tha Carter V
Rap’s most anticipated release this year was a home run. Lil Wayne was able to create an album that would appeal and connect to so many different people. Whether he was chopping up a Sampha sample or getting some help from names such as Kendrick Lamar or Snoop Dogg, he was sure to create a cohesive album with a vintage-Weezy feel to it.
Favorite Tracks
- “Took His Time”
- “Open Letter”
- “Demon”
- “Let It All Work Out”
10. Maxo Kream – Punken
MAXO! MAXO! Houston-native Maxo Kream started the year off with a fantastic overlooked album that slapped from start to finish. Maxo showcased hard-hitting beats and smooth flows to turn up for 14 tracks straight. Maxo’s got a great track record and he’s continued that with Punken. Look out for him in 2019.
Favorite Tracks
- “5200”
- “Capeesh”
- “Atw”
Honorable Mentions
Noir – Smino
Supreme Blientele – Westside Gunn
Oxnard – Anderson .Paak
Sincerely, Toyko – MadeinTYO
Fetti – Curren$y and Freddie Gibbs
Quarterthing – Joey Purp
Just Cosmo EP – Cosmo Pyke
DAYS B4 II – Lucki
Little Dark Age – MGMT
