If I had to explain this year in three words it would be music, music, and even more music. I know that's technically one word but this year was undeniably the best year for innovative, progressive, and influential music of the late 2000s. Across the internet and social media, people are constantly debating on which albums where the best and who were the artists of the year as if they are qualified musical geniuses. So to set myself apart from the rest: I'm going to do exactly the same thing.
8. Cardi B
Top Song: "I Do" (featuring SZA)
Now I know that on a lot of other people's list Cardi B might have been #1 and she would totally deserve it. However, personally, I can only listen to so much trap music. But when I DO listen to trap music, it's a 95% chance that it's Cardi B. Her album Invasion of Privacy was the only thing that I listened to in April. She made me feel like the most unbothered and baddest girl in school as if I was covered in Gucci and Prada when I was really dressed head to toe in sweats when I walked down the halls. She is unapologetic, confident, and knows how to do a proper hip-hop collaboration (sorry Nicki).
7. Hayley Kiyoko
GiphyTop Song: "Feelings"
This album was honestly the best debut album of a new female artist that I've ever heard. Her sound is multidimensional and can make you want to dance, cry, and even make you have feelings about situations that you've never even been in. Hayley Kiyoko represents so much through her music's message whether it be about the being a liberated and unapologetic individual of the LGBTQIA+ community, or owning yourself for who you are and not letting anyone stop you from doing so. This is definitely one of those albums to blast in your room and embarrassingly dance to.
6. Kali Uchis
GiphyTop Song: "Tyrant"
If you're looking for a sultry and confident alternative music artist the Kali Uchis is the first person that you should listen to. Her album "Isolation" is a collection of art in my opinion. The best way to explain how it makes me feel is the word: expensive. Kali Uchis brings such a new sound to the industry and sets herself apart from all of the other female alternative singers like Billie Eilish or Lana Del Rey.
5. J Cole
GiphyTop Song: "ATM"
J Cole took the spotlight in 2018 with his surprise album "KOD". When Cole's music dropped it felt like a quarter of the world had stopped. His music is a perfect example of how to spread a message without making audiences feel as though they are being preached to. There are so many layers to his making it incredibly interesting to discover something new as you listen to each song over and over and over again. Don't even get me started on his verses on other artists songs. He's been featured on songs from Miguel, Bas, 6LACK, Jay Rock, and so much more. He is truly unbelievable, Can you tell that I love J Cole?
4. Tyler the Creator
GiphyTop Song "I Ain't Got TIme"
Tyler creator has reigned in the position of my favorite alternative rap artist for more than 4 years. His methods of implementing unique harmonies, choruses, and subject matter into his work have opened a new acception of a different style of hip-hop for all rap listeners. He exudes a sense of musical genius in not only the meaning of his lyrics but the way in which he constructs them like no other artist that I've heard before.
3. The 1975
GiphyTop Song: "Love It If We Made It"
Many of you may know The 1975 from their lyrics being posted in cringe aesthetic tumbler teen posts or songs like "Girls" or "Love Me" from your rebellious middle school days. But don't let this connotation discourage you from listening to their new album "A Brief Inquiry Into Online Relationships". This year the group has come back stronger than ever. Over their small hiatus, they have developed a more matured sound that still hints back to the debut album. Not to sound like a pretentious teen, but the amount of meaning and emotion crafted within each lyric is outstanding. That alone earns them a spot at #3,
2. Brockhampton
GiphyTop Song: "Wildfire"
2018 was an extremely eventful year for the art collective Brockhampton. They released their fourth album "Iridescence" and have been touring nonstop for the entire year. Representing a truly diverse group of people with extraordinary talents, Brockhampton gives many teens across the world the motivation to become self-made artists with your best friends. Their sound is almost like nothing that I have never heard before with hints of hip-hop, techno, trap, and sounds that I don't even know how to describe. This group continues to progress with every song that they put out and I can't wait for their next project.
1. BTS
GiphyTop Song: "IDOL"
I honestly don't believe that this decision needs justifying, but I'll do it anyway. Aside from my love of this group and the culture of Korean pop music, BTS is one of the true definitions of what artists to aspire to be. In 2018 they singlehandedly redefined the lengths to which a K-Pop artist can go by gaining recognition across the world. They have spoken at the United Nations, raised their country income more than major automobile and phone manufacturers, and have set an example of what it truly means to be unproblematic for ALL artists. Not to mention that their music is not only extremely well produced, but speaks against issues within the Korean government, K-Pop, and promotes feminism.
