For anyone that knows me personally, they’d know that I’m not the biggest Hip-Hop music enthusiast out there. Probably because growing up, it was all my relatives would ever play on their devices.

Whenever the house was found in a musical uproar, you can bet the deed to your saloon that it was either hell-raising Hip-Hop or howling Gospel. (The latter occurring mostly on early school mornings. And I still curse my aunt’s radio to this day.)

Despite not being the biggest Hip-Hop fan, I found myself warming up to the genre significantly in 2018. I’ve come across so many artists whose music I probably would’ve just scoffed at in the past.

In fact, my ears have become infatuated with several of the genre’s tracks this year. Many which are likely to be considered mediocre or annoying in the public eye.

However, they’ve managed to win me over with their imperfections and “peculiar” charm.  So today, we’ll be counting down 5 Hip-Hop tracks from 2018 that I should probably hate, but don’t. (Think of them as my guilty pleasures.)

#5. Lil’ Mama – Shoe Game

Now, I know what a lot of you are probably thinking…. “Lil Mama still makes music?” or better yet, “Huh?!?”

To be honest, the first time I heard this song I accidentally had my autoplay activated on YouTube. Nevertheless, I was immediately captured by the song’s classic production. Sassy horns smeared themselves onto my eardrums.

Continuous background shouts, and a driving simplistic rhythm instantly struck me with a burst of nostalgia. I was reminded of the 2000’s era, when Lil’ Mama first arrived to the mainstream party.

(Ha, it was a time when lip gloss was poppin’ and boys were watchin’.) And I guess my reason for really liking the track was its refreshing avoidance of what’s trendy in 2018. A bunch of emo-trap and mumble rap, tuh.

However, upon initial listen one would make the very astute observation that the hook on this song is EXTREMELY REPETITIVE. Which undeniably makes it sound like a signature Lil’ Mama track, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing.

All in all, she still has her flow and can deliver the goods – no matter how catchily annoying those goods may be.

#4. Migos – Walk It Talk It ft. Drake

Ah The Migos. The auto-tune arsenals, the ad-lib avengers, the legends of looped lyricism, the…, you get my point.

Nobody does repetition and formulaic production quite like the Migos. However, they know how to own it and it sells very well. Hence, this song appearing on my list.

And I think we can all admit that we’re not going into a Migos track looking for artistic depth or to be intellectually stimulated. We simply listen to turn up. DUH!

Fortunately, Walk It Talk It like many tracks from 2018’s “Culture II”, allows you and your friends to do just that. Whether you’re mouthing along to the occasional “woo” or hating yourself for enjoying the group’s inclination to repeat the last word in almost every line.

Example: “Big talks of the town, big boy gang moves (gang moves)” or “That’s my bro, he know the lingo (lingo).” Talk about predictable (predictable).

However, despite its absence of surprise the track still renders several enjoyable elements. Quavo doing what he does best (the chorus), Drake and Offset sandwiched in the middle.

And finally, the mitochondria of the Migos Cell, Takeoff closing things off. Truly, with a luring trap production and a perfunctory flow, the Migos has successfully dished out another banger.

#3. Cardi B – Be Careful 

Twas the earlier part of 2018 following the general public’s proper familiarization with “Bartier Cardi” , much after the mega-monster success of 2017’s “Bodak Yellow” .

This, the 3rd single from Cardi’s debut album “Invasion of Privacy” dropped, a non-featured track involving…..SINGING?!?

Now, it’s no secret that a lot of rappers don’t double as skilled vocalists – and that’s fine. Cardi not being an exception to this industry truth, delivers vocals in a semi-digestive manner.

Luckily the playful, intermittent synths and distorted background noise actually complemented her slowed, steady flow (although off-beat in some portions). Additionally, they add a simplistic and toned-down aesthetic to the song. Which is very refreshing, given her banger-packed discography. 

Admittingly, I was very iffy about this song – it was a grower. What I think eventually won me over was its ubiquity, it’s sincerity, and its attempt to convey sincere, relatable emotions.

“You even got me trippin’, you got me lookin’ in the mirror different/
Thinkin’ I’m flawed because you inconsistent” are words any one who has ever experienced trust-issues and doubt in a relationship can identify with.

It’s really the attempt at depth that grabs me. And of course there’s the chorus that reminds us all to never underestimate the fragility of one’s tolerance. Careful now!

#2. Kanye West & Lil’ Pump – I Love It ft. Adele Givens

There’s so much to love and hate about this song. But I consciously decided to focus my energy on the former. In a phrase, I’d have to say “I Love It”.

Kanye once again showcases his artistic prowess in one of the most lyrically numbing songs of 2018. Adele’s brow-raising commentary at the start of the track unknowingly heightens your curiosity.

As you now begin to act on that initial “Huh?”, you’re introduced to a building bass that carries you seamlessly through Lil’ Pump’s contributions to the track.

Soon enough, you’re bobbing along to the beat and mouthing the words of the contradicting chorus. But what puts this song over-the-top for me is Kanye.

His interlude was simply hilarious and priceless. “When the first time they ask you if you want sparklin’ or still?/ Why you tryna act like you was drinkin’ sparklin’ water ‘fore you came out here?”

It’s another moment on the track that calls for incredulity. (And I’ve low-key committed his entire verse to memory; it’s my favorite part.)

Albeit crass in its delivery, the song actually analyses underlying themes of body and sex positivity. Never in a million years would I imagine myself receiving so much pleasure from a Kanye West and Lil’ Pump collaboration.

The end must be near.

**Honorable Mentions**

  • YG – Bing Bank ft. 2 Chainz, Big Sean, & Nicki Minaj

  • Nicki Minaj – Barbie Tingz

  • DJ Khaled – No Brainer ft. Justin Beiber, Quavo, & Chance The Rapper

  • Iggy Azalea – Kream ft Tyga

  • Tyga – Dip ft. Nicki Minaj

#1. 6ix9ine – FEFE ft. Murda Beatz & Nicki Minaj

Personally, I’m not a fan of Tekashi 6ix9ine in any way. His babbling, screamo-drenched raps are not my cup of tea; it’s horrendous if I’m to be honest. And this is all coming from a place of musical preference.

My opinions have nothing to do with his character. I really couldn’t care less. I was never the kind of person to mix politics with music. For I’m perfectly capable of taking the art and the artist on as two completely, separate entities.

Now, back to FEFE. From the inception I’m pulled in by the song’s boastful mannerisms. It’s production looms over you almost subliminally, amping you up for a good time.

It’s like all the hood emerges from your inner-ratchet upon hearing “Murda on the beat so it’s not nice!” (AYYYYYEEEE!!!!)

Likewise, the song’s flow is consistent throughout the track and adds to its charisma. Besides the trappy, cosmic production and linear flow, there’s Nicki Minaj – who is the best part of the song.

Her lyrics are clever and sharp “AC just stopped workin’
So they hit me, told me bring my wrist back.” Truly the cocky culture the song emits played effortlessly to her strengths.

All in all, it’s a hit! And one of my favorite Hip-Hop tracks of 2018, despite the heaping flesh of skittles and tattoos attached to it.

Did you agree with today’s list? What are some songs you probably should hate from 2018? Let me know in the comment section below.

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