My top 25 songs of 2018… (so far)
2018 has been a year full of monumental music moments so far. Some of the industry’s biggest artists have dropped projects, so I decided to pick out some of my favorites through September.
Before I get to the list, there were a few songs that narrowly missed the cut: “Too Cocky” by YG, “Take You Down” by Illenium, “When You Die” by MGMT, “Best Life” by Hardy Caprio, Fell In Luv by Playboi Carti, Bryson Tiller.
25) Youngblood by 5 Seconds of Summer
5 Seconds of Summer went away for a few years, switched up their sound, and came back with a new and improved pop/punk style. Their 2018 album Youngblood is impressive, as is the debut single of the same name from the project. Give it a listen, it’s not your typical boy-band track.
24) So Fine by Avelino, Haile
Avelino is one of the top rappers out of the UK and he delivered yet again with his single, So Fine. His flow is so smooth throughout the track and Haile’s singing on the hook makes it one of the catchiest songs of 2018.
23) February 3rd by Jorja Smith
Jorja Smith can sure as hell sing and for me, February 3rd is the stand out track on her debut album, Lost & Found. It’s arguably the best vocal performance on the project and an incredibly introspective look at love and growth.
22) Trouble on Central by Buddy
The closest thing we’ll get to G Funk in 2018 is Buddy’s Trouble on Central. It’s one of the best rap songs of the year and has a relaxed vibe throughout the whole track.
21) Praise Da Lord/Shine by ASAP Rocky, Skepta
ASAP Rocky’s album, Testing, is bad. One of the very few positives from the album is Praise Da Lord, which may have the most annoying but catchy instrumental of the year. The unique flow of Rocky and Skepta pay homage to DMX and you can’t help but bop your head to it.
20) Boyfriend by Sahbabii, T3
If you haven’t listened to Sahbabii yet, do it. His flow is incredibly unique and his track Boyfriend one of the catchiest rap songs of 2018. Not to mention, T3’s feature is impeccable. “ I wanna eat her Garfield and rub up on her feet” is the bar of the year.
19) Sekkle Down by Burna Boy, J Hus
Burna Boy is someone I discovered in 2018 and it’s been one of my favorite music moments. Specifically, Sekkle Down is so fun and it’s impossible to not smile when it comes on. J Hus comes through with a great guest verse, which should surprise no one.
18) Headstone by Flatbush Zombies
Flatbush Zombies have been consistently amazing for years and their intelligent wordplay is on display on Headstone. Meechy Darko, Zombie Juice and Erick Arc Elliott flow effortlessly as they mix in some of hip-hop’s greatest albums and tracks into their verses. It’s FIRE.
17) Lost in Paris by Tom Misch, Goldlink
Tom Misch is disgustingly good on the guitar and delivers a really groovy beat on Lost in Paris. It’s a really well made song and Goldlink’s quick verse adds a unique touch to make it just an all around solid track and one that has great replay value.
16) SIRENS by Denzel Curry, J.I.D
The most underrated rapper in the game dropped one of the best albums of 2018 and SIRENS exemplifies what everyone has overlooked for years. Denzel Curry’s flow is so smooth and lyrically, he’s off the charts. J.I.D. more than holds his own on the track as both prove they’re two of the very best rappers around.
15) Ladders by Mac Miller
Mac Miller’s Swimming is extremely revealing and honest, making it one of the best albums of the year. Ladders is my favorite track because the instrumental is groovy and we still get to see Mac Miller show just how good he can rap, even if he is sad and reflecting on the past.
14) you should see me in a crown by Billie Eilish
Billie Eilish is only 16 and is experiencing a similar rise to Lorde’s in 2013. After a handful of popular tracks, you should see me in a crown blew up in the summer and has put her on the path to stardom. An eery, whispery voice makes her music an acquired taste, but damn it’s good.
13) Shoota by Playboi Carti, Lil Uzi Vert
There is no bad song involving Lil Uzi Vert, this is a fact. Uzi opens with a solid verse that matches the build of the beat, before we finally get to hear the incredible lyricism of Playboi Carti. I may or may not have listened to this song over 100 times since it’s release.
12) Paramedic by SOB x RBE, Kendrick Lamar
The Black Panther Album had a handful of hit songs, but the world’s introduction to SOB x RBE is one of my favorite moments of the year so far. Kendrick Lamar takes a back seat to allow the Vallejo group to show off their skills and it’s a perfect display of West Coast rap.
11) Bubblin’ by Anderson Paak
Bubblin’ was an early contender for song of the year for me and it seems to get better with every listen. Paak shows off his rapping skills, something he doesn’t do enough, and the replay value of Bubblin’ is insane.
10) 1998 Truman by BROCKHAMPTON
After the controversial departure of Ameer from BROCKHAMPTON, I had my doubts whether or not their upcoming music would have the same feel but 1998 Truman shows they haven’t skipped a beat. Joba’s opening verse is some of his best work as a lyricist.
9) One Kiss by Dua Lipa, Calvin Harris
Calvin Harris NEVER misses with his summer hits and he did it again, this time with Dua Lipa. The catchiest song of the year and a “bop” for the ages.
8) Oh Okay by Gunna, Lil Baby, Young Thug
The Miami Heat had the original “Big 3” but they don’t come close to the new Big 3: Gunna, Lil Baby and Young Thug. A legend and his two protégé’s, flawlessly bodying a track.
7) Santeria by Pusha T
There are very few producers better at flipping samples than Kanye West and he proves exactly that producing Santeria. Pusha T has his best performance in a while and 070 Shake produces a Spanish verse/interlude that is weirdly soothing. It’s pretty close to perfect.
6) Ghost Town by Kanye West, Kid Cudi, 070 Shake
Neither Kanye West nor Kid Cudi are the standout on their own track, but 070 Shake. Cudi’s drowsy singing is typical Cudi, Kanye’s lyrical performance is better than usual, but 070 Shake’s final verse is triumphant and beautiful. It’s THE moment on the Ye album.
5) STOP TRYING TO BE GOD by Travis Scott, James Blake, Kid Cudi
Any song that starts off with Kid Cudi humming is instantly a must listen, but the vocals from James Blake make this track the best on ASTROWORLD. Travis Scott’s rapping is nothing spectacular, but the production and features make this track an instant classic.
4) Potato Salad by Tyler the Creator, ASAP Rocky
Not officially released as a track, Potato Salad is only on YouTube for now but it’s filled with bars. Tyler the Creator and ASAP Rocky (or should I say WANG$AP) completely body the instrumental, which is “Knock Knock” by Monica. It’s arguably the best lyricism of the year.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=93M1QtYDtpU
3) Reborn by Kids See Ghosts
When Kanye West and Kid Cudi work together, it’s rarely going to disappoint. On Reborn, we hear a revitalized and motivated Kid Cudi, as well as some of Kanye West’s best lyrical work to date. The standout moment for myself, is hearing Kid Cudi “moving forward” finally “reborn”.
2) Sold Out Dates by Gunna, Lil Baby
When Lil Baby and Gunna get on a track together, it’s going to be a hit. Sold Out Dates shows just how great the two Atlanta rappers can be, even over a guitar-based instrumental. It’s, as the kids these days say, a banger.
1)) PROM/KING by Saba

The best song of 2018 is PROM/KING by Saba. The Chicago-born rapper has emerged from the shadows of his counterparts and dropped one of the most well-rounded albums of the year. Specifically, PROM/KING is the most emotional track on the album and touches upon Saba’s relationship with his cousin, who was murdered last year. Saba’s rapping is honest as he openly grieves and remembers his cousin.
