A number of our favorite artists released projects this year that we’ve kept on rotation since their arrival.
This year, we’ve seen Cardi B’s rise in hip-hop with the release of her debut album, Invasion of Privacy. And her hard work paid off as she earned multiple Grammy nominations earlier this month.
And, we’ve seen new artists like Tierra Whack, deliver breakout projects.
But with all the new music released this year, there are a few singles that may have slipped through the cracks. Who can blame you if you haven’t had time to check out everything, there’s something new every day.
So instead of delivering a list of the best albums of the year list, we’ve got a quick list of underrated singles you may have missed in 2018.
1. Stromae – Défiler
Returning after five years, Belgian singer-songwriter and composer Stromae delivered a nearly nine-minute single, “Défiler,” earlier this year. The single was later accompanied by a video, which featured looks from Mosaert’s capsule collection, the unisex fashion line from the singer and his wife Coralie Barbier.
2. Cardi B – “I Do”
Cardi’s debut album received tons of buzz and praise when it was released back in April. Songs like “I Like It” and “Be Careful” quickly climbed the charts. The album also included features from YG, Kehlani, Chance the Rapper, and more. One of our favorite singles on the album never got a video, but with “I Do” we were treated to the perfect combo of SZA and Cardi.
3. Lizzo – “Fitness”
Lizzo announced the arrival of “Fitness” back in March, calling it her “Declaration of Independence from the bullsh-t!” The body-positive banger is an anthem for women working out for themselves and not the pleasure of others.
4. Tierra Whack – “F-ck Off”
Breakout artist Tierra Whack pushed the boundaries of what can be done in a minute with “Whack World,” her 15-track debut album. A track you must listen to on the project is “F-ck Off,” a playful middle finger to haters.
5. Black Panther: The Album – “Opps”
Fans may have noticed “Opps” in the trailer for Marvel’s hit film Black Panther, but once the soundtrack arrived we never got a video even as singles like “King’s Dead” and “All the Stars” skyrocketed up the charts! Still, South African rapper Yugen Blakrok held her own alongside the album’s executive producer Kendrick Lamar and Vince Staples, and we have a feeling that a video featuring the three would have been fun.
6. Black Panther: The Album – “Paramedic”
Yes, we’re including another Black Panther soundtrack song—the album has hits! Produced by Sounwave, CuBeatz, and DJ Dahi, the song features up-and-coming hip-hop collective SOB x RBE.
7. Aminé – “Ratchet Saturn Girl”
You’ve likely heard “Reel It In,” the highly infectious hit from rapper Aminé’s second studio album, OnePointFive, but “Ratchet Saturn Girl” is another song on the album that should be on our radar.
8. A$AP Rocky ft. Frank Ocean – “Purity”
With Testing, A$AP Rocky delivered another solid album that included features from the likes of FKA Twigs, Skepta, and Kid Cudi. The album also includes “Purity,” a collaboration between Rocky and Frank Ocean that will make you feel all the feelings.
9. VanJess – “The One”
Nigerian-American sister duo VanJess dropped their genre-blending debut album, Silk Canvas, back in July. The album saw the sisters teaming up with artists like GoldLink, Masego, Berhana, and Leikeli47. While you should definitely check out every single on the album, we suggest you start with “The One.”
10. CupcakKe – “Prenup”
CupcakKe’s Eden deserves all the love. The Chicago rapper delivers on every track, but it’s “Prenup” that will truly make you lose your mind.
11. Chloe x Halle – Cool People
Chloe x Halle have had an incredible year. Grown-ish, which the two star in alongside Yara Shahidi, made its debut in January. Their song “Warrior” was featured on the soundtrack for Ava DuVernay’s A Wrinkle in Time, and, they received multiple Grammy nominations earlier this month. Their album, The Kids Are Alright, was a perfect debut and “Cool People” is a perfect reflection of their talent.
