Another switch up on the usual guys. In 2017 I introduced the use of Spotify and Apple Music replacing the graveyard formally known as Soundcloud and this year I have “Another One”. I’m merging the For The Mindset playlist with #Top5Top20 which I did in the two years prior 2017(US, and UK) 2016 (UK and US). Before I get into the playlist let me give me you some background:
Why did you merge For the Mindset and #Top5Top20 playlists?
It’s simple, I thought about it and having a one-off playlist in addition to the For The Mindset one I update bi-weekly (Christmas break time now though :D) just adds to the confusion.
Ok, cool story bro but I’m new here, what’s this even about?
Throughout the year I listen to a stupid amount of music which leads to me shaping overall views of artists and projects they deliver. In some instances, I share these views with you through my reviews/ Instagram posts. At the point of these end of year posts, I challenge myself to sum up my top artists in under 100 words each and curate a playlist for you (at the bottom of the post or direct below this)
UK Music
The UK scene was dominated by the Drill and Afroswing sounds in 2018. Even with that being the case even the traditional Rap & Trap sounds also came out strong as well with the likes of Asco, Fredo, and Avelino all doing bits and bobs in their own right. Grime is gone until further notice though, with Drill for me being the genre everyone was talking about.
1. Headie One
Headie delivered very well on two projects which epitomize the melodic Intricacy of the more talented Drill artists of today. It isn’t too hard to understand why he can do a “Blessings” and then do an “Of Course” with his background going back further than Drill. Hopefully, in 2019, he can continue to focus on the hits and leave the uni opp trips alone.
2. D Block Europe
At first I really did think this D Block Europe concept was a joke, I mean, of course, I heard of Young Adz but never Dirtbike LB. Throughout the year they dropped a range of singles and then debut mixtape both comparable and superior to Drip Harder in eyes. They got the melodic trap vibe going on so should be here for a while.
3. Loski
As much as I liked Headie’s projects Call Me Loose was the Drill defining mixtape of the year. This mixtape maintained an uncompromising gritty nature but showed us the smoother commercial versatility of Loski with songs like Cool Kid and Forrest Gump (followed by Hot Steppa later). He said he’s done with Drill after Hazards 2 but what does that really mean? guess we will have to wait and see.
4. Ghetts
Taking on the strongest project in his catalog for a follow up I was cautious going into my review of Ghetto Gospel: The New Testament. The more I digested this album the more I realized it was the deepest UK album. He touches on the real issues in London right now and also those faced more specifically with ethnic minorities. Hopefully, this will be the LeapPad to give him the recognition he deserves in 2019.
5. Nathaniel Shalom
Unlike the other UK artists on the list, Nathaniel Shalom doesn’t have a 2018 mixtape or album out(yet). But what he did bring this year was a strong project from 2017 Hearing Voices Produced Substance and some conscious vibes which I could consistently feature on my playlists to give balance. I’m really looking forward to what he has coming next and like the message he pushes both through music and on social media.
US Music
The amount of music which has been released in the US (yeah yeah Canada included too) has been ridiculous and easily the most active I’ve ever witnessed. For me, this was largely kicked off by YEEZY SZN with the five 7 track albums back to back. The run from them onwards was constant almost no breaks with albums EPs dropping what felt like every single Friday. I pretty much got to the point where I was like nah I CBA to keep up with all of this you know but here we are ha…
1. Lil Wayne
After an astronomical wait, Weezy F Baby finally dropped the highly anticipated Carter 5 in September (read my review here) a project stacked with emotion and deep introspection. Aside from the deeper cuts Uproar was most definitely the “Rebirth” of Weezy. This album could never fulfill on all the hype set for it but I expect more mixtape Weezy in 2019.
2. Drake
Right let’s be honest, the BOY just doesn’t stop, this year was full from beef to tracks. The UK love was really heavy this year with a Fire in The Booth, Behind Barz, and a surprise Wireless Festival appearance. It was W’s on W’s up to the Pusha T diss which was a big L but what I’ve got to say is he came out strong either way. What he will do next? no one knows, maybe he will wake PND up.
3. Meek Mill
Meek Mill’s comeback post his most recent jail was truly inspiring. His album Championships was very late addition to the list replacing Pusha’s Daytona (which I rated highly too). There are hardly any artists of this generation who can talk to the street struggle and also flip to the glossy life like he like he does.
4. Kids See Ghosts (Kanye & Kid Cudi)
Despite all of the controversy around Kanye and his acts this year including the most recent spurt against Drake it cannot be questioned whether he delivered a masterclass on the production of several GOOD projects. The Kids See Ghosts album alongside the Daytona album were the clear leaders. I know many people refuse to endorse anything Kanye does but when him and Cudi put together was some truly moving stuff. It made me really want a Cudi album.
5. J Cole
It took me a while to actually digest the depth of J Cole’s album, but when I did was impressed (cant believe it didn’t get nominated for a Grammy). He delivered on all fronts on this album using the more modern day production at points and still provided immense density. Just in case you missed that he event went on a feature killing streak exactly the same to what Kendrick did last year.
I show up on everyone album, you know what the outcome will be
I’m batting a thousand
It’s got to the point where these rappers don’t like rapp – A lot
I think that’s enough for now! so listen in and let me know your thoughts!
Fancy becoming part of the inspirEnrich contributor family? 
head over to here: inspirenrich.com/contribute
