NOTE: This is an opinion article about what albums, artists, producers, and records I thought were the best in 2018, and does not have to do with the musical charts.

2018 was an amazing year for music and many musicians had breakout years and amazing and even surprise albums. But, unfortunately we lost many beloved musicians that brought amazing music, hope and happiness to many peoples lives.  I will be ranking my favorite albums, artists, producers, and records of this year, and why I enjoyed them.

Top 5 Producers:

5. Murda Beatz- Murda had another great year working with artists such as: Nikki Minaj, Drake, 6ix9ine, 2 Chainz, Gucci Mane and more. Some notable records with his tag include: “Nice For What”-Drake, “Bigger Than You”-2 Chainz, “FEFE”-6ix9ine, “WORKIN ME”-Quavo, and “Gang Gang”-Migos.

4. Tay Keith- Another producer with a noteworthy tag makes my list. Tay had a huge year and worked with notable artists such as: Drake, Travis Scott, Lil Wayne, Wiz Khalifa, Quavo, Lil Yachty, and more. He has credits producing or co producing hits like: “Look Alive”-BlocBoy JB, “Sicko Mode”-Travis Scott, “SHINE”-Quavo, and many more hits.

3. Kanye West- The legend, and yes he is a producer to all those who thought he was just a pioneer in the rap game. Yeezy had a loaded year, with helping artists like: Pusha T, Kid Cudi, Nas, and Migos. He has credits on full albums Daytona-Pusha T, KIDS SEE GHOSTS-Kanye West and Kid Cudi, ye-Kanye West, and worked on records “BBO”-Migos, and “I Love It”- with Lil Pump.

2. Wheezy-This down south inspired producer with a very noticeable style had a very impressive resume this year. He worked with the likes of Drake, Lil Baby, Meek Mill, Young Thug, Gunna, Migos, Trippie Redd and many more stars. He had his hand in songs like, “Yes Indeed”, “Fine China”, “Space Cadet”, the album WRLD ON DRUGS, and more.

1. Metro Boomin- What is really impressive about Boomin is his release of his full length album that he executively produced that was released in November titled: NOT ALL HEROES WEAR CAPES. The album was littered with chart topping hits “Space Cadet”, “Dreamcatcher”, and “Overdue”. He worked with big names such as Gucci Mane, Travis Scott, 21 Savage, Gunna, Offset, Kodak Black, and more.

Top 5 Albums:

5. Ballads 1- Joji: Joji broke out in the hip-hop and R&B scene this year when he started releasing various singles throughout the year then finally dropped a full album in October. Some of my favorite songs include SLOW DANCING IN THE DARK, TEST DRIVE, and YEAH RIGHT.

4. Beerbongs and Bentleys- Post Malone: Post had another great year, with breaking spotify’s one day streaming record when he released this album in April. His album included huge hits like Rockstar, Psycho, and Better now.

3. KOD- J. Cole: Cole released this album in April which stands for Kids on Drugs, in which he takes a stab at the younger generation of rap and speaks of the criticism he has for that culture. J. Cole is one of the best lyricists and has one of the best flows in my opinion. This album includes the songs ATM, Motiv8, and KOD.

2. NOT ALL HEROES WEAR CAPES- Metro Boomin: Metro dropped this album in November in conjunction with 21 Savage and Travis Scott. Boomin had been working with huge artists all year and then decides to drop an album featuring many of the biggest rapper in the game, that’s impressive. This album includes Dreamcatcher (feat. Swae Lee & Travis Scott), Space Cadet (feat. Gunna) and Don’t Come Out The House (with 21 Savage).

1. LoVE me NOw- Torey Lanez: this October released project has a number of top 100 hits and is one of his first albums in a while. It has great features from superstars such as, Chris Brown, 2 Chainz, Nav, Trippie Redd, Meek Mill, Gunna, and many more. Lanez is expected to drop another project in 2019 and many have high hopes after this one.

Top 5 Records:

5. Rich and Blind- Juice WRLD: Juice WRLD’s hard hitting melodic song is inspired by him feeling lost, in the middle of all the death of the hip-hop community.

4. Potato Salad- Tyler, The Creator (feat. A$AP Rocky): What makes this songs one of my favorites is the chill but hard hitting beat, and the flow the two have together is amazing. I’m very thankful these two were brought together for a song this year.

3. Rich and Sad- Post Malone: Post’s sing-song style of rap easily makes this one of my favorite songs along with its relaxing beat.

2. Work Out- Chance the Rapper: Chance is back in 2018 and came out with multiple singles but this one has be my favorite, Chance’s soothing voice and flow makes it a great song.

1. Tribe- Bas & J. Cole: Two of the best lyricists and best flows in one song? Yes please. Cole and Bas use their similar flows and styles over a perfect beat to create a masterpiece.