2018 YEAR IN REVIEW | 18 for 2018 in music

By Sierra Porter

Waves of sonically pleasing singles blasted throughout 2018. While many artists rose to the occasion only a few made to stay at the top; ushering in new sounds made up the soundtrack of the year.

1.“God’s Plan”- Drake

Drake dropped his hit single “God’s Plan” on Jan. 19, 2018. The rapper’s single is also featured on his latest album “Scorpion.” The track was produced by Cardo, Yung Exclusive, and Boi-1da.

2. “I Like It”- Cardi B feat. Bad Bunny, J Balvin

With Cardi B’s unstoppable wave in hip-hop, the Bronx native dropped her single “I Like It” feat. Bad Bunny & J Balvin that had everyone going crazy. Adding her Latin/Spanish flair with hip-hop, it’s no surprise that “I Like It” was a hit. Released on her debut album, “Invasion of Privacy,” the song received an MTV Video Music Award for the “Best Song of the Summer.

3. “Look Alive”- BlocBoy JB & Drake

BlocBoy JB is sure moving up in the ranks; making a name for himself in the rap game. After gaining significant notoriety with his dance and hit single “Shoot,” BlocBoy JB gave hip-hop fans another one with “Look Alive;” joining forces with one of the hottest rappers out right now, Drake. The song produced by Tay Keith is on BlocBoy JB’s new project, SIMI. As you know with Drake on the track, the song became a certified hit playing continuously on the radio.

4. “Boo’d Up”- Ella Mai

Songstress Ella Mai swoon listeners with her single “Boo’d Up.” A successful hit, the single played after every other song on the radio with everyone and their mother doing remixes. With over 300,000,000 million views on YouTube, “Boo’d Up” is featured on the singer’s self-titled debut album. “Boo’d Up” received the Soul Train Music Award for “Best Song of the Year” and the Soul Train Music Awards’ “The Ashford & Simpson Songwriter’s Award.”

5. “Nice For What”-Drake

Another single from Drake’s “Scorpion” album, “Nice For What” has over 2 million views on YouTube. With a New Orleans bounce, “Nice For What” was produced by BlaqNmilD & Murda Beatz and featured New Orleans artist Big Freedia. The single is currently Grammy-nominated for “Best Rap Performance.”

6. “Trip”- Ella Mai

Following up with her hit single “Boo’d Up,” Ella Mai released her second single “Trip”; produced by Quintin Gulledge & DJ Mustard. Also featured on her self-titled debut album, “Trip” also received over 50 million views YouTube.

7. “Smile”- Lil Duval

Comedian Lil Duval made everyone smile with his hit single “Smile.” Produced by Mr. Hanky, the song featured Snoop Dogg, and Ball Greezy; pushing “Smile” onto the Billboard “Hot 100” charts. The song also sparked a viral challenge that attracted big names like Kevin Hart and Future. Teaching people to live their best life, Lil Duval performed at this year’s ONE Musicfest and the BET Hip Hop Awards.

8. “Thank U, Next”- Ariana Grande

With the recent passing of her ex-boyfriend, rapper Mac Miller, and breaking up with comedian Pete Davidson, songstress Ariana was able to get a win in 2018 in the form of her single “Thank U, Next.” It managed to top the Billboard “Hot 100” charts (Dec.15) and according to Nielsen Music, has accumulated over 90 million U.S. streams.

9. “What’s Free”- Meek Mill feat. Jay-Z and Rick Ross

After his stint with the law, Meek Mill returned to hip-hop game with latest project “Championships.” Deciding to speak on police reform, he crafted “What’s Free,” with Jay-Z and Rick Ross, as a way to help spread his message. Produced by Tarik Azzouz & StreetRunner, the single samples the late Notorious B.I.G.’s “What’s Beef.”

10. “Ape Sh*t”- The Carters

This year Beyoncé & Jay-Z proved to be an unstoppable duo as The Carters; with their single “Ape Sh*T” and album “Everything is Love.” The single was chosen by Complex and Billboard as one of the best songs of 2018, with over 143 million views on YouTube.

11. “This Is America”- Childish Gambino

Childish Gambino, also known as Donald Glover, released one of the most impactful records of 2018 highlighting the injustices in America. While everyone spends hours on their phones and enjoying the latest dance craze, shootings and police brutality continue to thrive in the so-called land of the free. The actor, singer, producer, director, and everything else under the sun even referenced the Charleston shootings in the video, which has close to 500,000,000 million views on YouTube. “This Is America” has received an MTV Video Music Award for Best Video with a Message, MTV Video Music Award for Best Choreography, is Grammy nominated for Best Music Video, Song of the Year, plus more.

12. “Walk It Talk It”- The Migos feat. Drake

Pulling in over 21 million U.S. streams and landing at the top of Billboard’s “Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs” charts, Migos’ “Walk It Talk It” made a big splash in 2018. Produced by Deko and OG Parker, the song was featured on their “Culture II.”

13. “Stir Fry”- Migos

Keeping their momentum going, Migos also released “Stir Fry,” which was also featured on their collaborative project, “Culture II.” Produced by Pharrell Williams, “Stir Fry” was performed on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” and was the official NBA All-Star weekend song in 2018. Additionally, it secured the #1 spot on Billboard 200 chart.

14. “Sicko Mode”- Travis Scott feat. Drake, Swae Lee, & Big Hawk

Featured on Travis Scott’s MC’s project “Astroworld,” “Sicko Mode” made it on the Billboard “Hot 100” charts. Produced by Rogét Chahayed, Hit-Boy, OZ, Tay Keith & CuBeatz, it received over 100 million views on YouTube.

15. “Wake Up In The Sky”- Gucci Mane, Bruno Mars, & Kodak Black

Produced by Tarentino, DY Krazy, TrePounds & Bruno Mars, Gucci Mane’s “Wake Up In The Sky” is a featured single on his project “Evil Genius.” The song received approximately 90, million views on YouTube and made it onto Billboard’s “R&B/Hip-Hop” chart.

16. “Call Out My Name”- The Weeknd

“Call Out My Name” brings the rhythm and blues that we all love. Produced by Frank Dukes, the song received over 400 million views on YouTube. On the Billboard charts, the record debuted at #4 on the “Hot 100” chart.

17. “Money”- Cardi B

Continuously releasing hit after hit, Cardi B dropped her new hit single “Money” produced by J. White Did It. While the song doesn’t have a video just yet, the rapper has been getting crazy radio play with the record.

18. “Finesse”- Bruno Mars feat. Cardi B

According to Billboard, “Finesse” was the first song to debut at #1 on their “Streaming Songs” chart this year. The duo performed the record live at the 60th Annual Grammy Awards and received over 500 million views on YouTube for the music video.

This article originally appeared in the Atlanta Voice.