2018 has been a huge year for hip-hop and many new and veteran artists have released projects.

Here are my top five albums of 2018.

#5 Beerbongs and Bentley’s:

Post Malone has been near the top of the charts since he released Stoney in 2017. Now Post has delivered another smash album in Beerbongs and Bentleys.

With features from Swae Lee, 21 Savage, Ty Dolla $ign, Nicki Minaj, G-Eazy and YG, the album provides songs for any mood.

The album has bangers like “Rockstar” and “Spoil My Night” and also provides a chill vibe with songs like “Rich & Sad,” “Psycho” and “Better Now”.

Post’s album has been on the charts for 17 weeks and peaked at the No. 1 spot.

“The album has all types of genres. It’s not just hip-hop but also R&B and some pop,” senior Ben Patterson said. “Each song is like a story and they all have good themes.”

#4 ?:

There’s nothing better than listening to XXXTentacion while relaxing around a fire or in bed on a Sunday night, and ? is no exception.

The album is fantastic from top to bottom. X experiments with different vocals giving each song its own feel, which is perfect for listening all the way through.

The album has been on the charts for 23 weeks and sat at the top spot after the passing of X on June 18.

Songs like “the remedy for a broken heart,” “changes” and “before I close my eyes” are a perfect listen before bed. And tracks like “Numb,” “SAD!,” “Moonlight” and “$$$” are all certified burners.

“The album plays off its title. The question mark is representing that you shouldn’t know what to expect when listening to it,” senior and long-time X fan Jonathon Yancik said. “I think that’s the beauty in it.”

#3 Life’s a Trip:

Trippie Redd has been an up and coming artist in 2018 and with his album Life’s a Trip he is now moving toward one of the bigger names in rap today.

The album has been on the charts for two weeks and debuted at the No. 4 spot. In week two it now sits at No.12. Trippie’s high and low vocals are some of the best in the game, which makes this album so appealing.

The album features songs for any mood. “Bang,” “Gore,” “Missing My Idols” and “Dark Knight Dummo” are all bangers and can really lift your mood. On the contrary, songs like “How you Feel” provide an alternative and chill feel along with songs like “Taking a Walk” and “UKA UKA.”

Overall the album is solid from top to bottom and may be the best Trippie Redd release yet, and senior Dawson Taylor concurs.

“I think he’s improved his music especially his flow,” he said. “I think it’s good music to get hyped for.”

#2 Scorpion:

Drake is familiar with top producing albums, and Scorpion was much of the same. Drizzy’s album has been on the charts for eight weeks and peaked at No. 1.

Scorpion set first day streaming records on Spotify and Apple Music and the album also produced seven songs in the Billboard top 10.

The album comes in two parts: the first part which is more upbeat and has more of his heater songs, and the second half which is more of R&B style.

Songs like “In My Feelings” and “Nonstop” have been at the top of the song charts since Scorpion released. Other songs like “Elevate,” “Emotionless,” “Can’t Take a Joke” and “Blue Tint” are great songs for any mood.

“I think it’s such a great album because it’s different than other rappers who only release trap music,” senior Ellie Elson said. “His music brings to light feelings and thoughts people can relate to.”

#1 Die Lit:

Playboi Carti wasn’t necessarily regarded as a top rapper. Then Die Lit came out.

Carti’s project has been on the charts for 15 weeks and peaked at No. 3. Carti’s mixed flows and vocals make this my personal favorite album.

From top to bottom there is not a bad song on Die Lit. Tracks like “Shoota” and “Love Hurts” are top hits. Then you have songs like “Mileage,” “Right Now” and “No Time” that are perfect for driving around town on a chill Saturday night.

Overall, this album provides everything a listener would desire and Carti has now risen to the top because of it.

“It’s catchy and the beats rock,” senior Michael Lane said. “Carti has the best beats out of anyone. He just makes good music to listen to.”

Honorable Mentions: K.O.D (J. Cole), The World is Yours (Rich the Kid) and Astroworld (Travis Scott)