5.  Black Panther: The Album

Let’s start with an album soundtrack dedicated to one of the best movies of 2018.  The album was curated by Kendrick Lamar and the choice to do that could not have been more ideal as it was praised by many as a milestone for film soundtracks due to its message and lyrics. The score was praised as unique among Marvel Cinematic Universe scores due to its authentic African elements and thematic material. Filled with a talented variety of collaborators such as SZA and The Weekend, Black Panther The Album is finely-tuned, aware of its direction of its audience, and objectives.

4. Post Traumatic by Mike Shinoda

Making his solo debut, surviving member/co-founder of Linkin Park Mike Shinoda shares his grief following the death of lead singer/founder of Linkin Park Chester Bennington. It’s an important, thoughtful album that will serve to bring together the grief-stricken with a newfound sense of purpose to in order to find some form of healing. It was praised by Neil Z. Yeung of AllMusic, saying “While Post Traumatic takes an emotional toll, it ultimately instills feelings of hope and the idea that things can get better. For Shinoda, Linkin Park, and their devoted followers, it’s an effective group therapy session.”

3.  ATTENTION ATTENTION by Shinedown

Taking a break from the rap genre and move into the rock scene. The sixth studio album from alternative rock band Shinedown is their most raw and personal to date. Hitting Number Five on the Billboard 200 and topping the Alternative, Top Hard Rock and Rock Albums charts. many critics and fans praised it as an “easier step from the band’s previous projects”

2. Astroworld by Travis Scott

Going back to the rap genre is Travis Scott’s highly praised third studio album.  The album has many features including Frank Ocean, Drake, The Weekend, etc.  Astroworld received widespread acclaim from critics and performed well commercially, debuting atop the US Billboard 200 with 537,000 album-equivalent units. A month after its release the album became certified platinum. This album is full of irresistible flows and atmospheric beats. A definite career definer for Travis Scott.

Honorable mentions include

•  Kids See Ghosts by Kid Cudi and Kanye West
• Daytona by Pusha T
• Tranquility Base Hotel and Casino by the Arctic Monkeys
• Black Labyrinth by Jonathan Davis
• Iridescence by Brockhampton

1. Kamikaze by Eminem

The album nobody expected.  Eminem dropped this surprise tenth studio album at midnight which became an overnight success.  The album is filled with many collaborations from rapper Joyner Lucas and musician Bon Iver. The album also contains many catchy beats and flows as Em takes on critics and the new generation of Hip-Hop.  Though met with controversy, the album topped charts in the U.S.A, the United Kingdom, Australia, Austria, Canada, Etc, and became the best selling album of 2018 so far.