We are roughly half way in to 2018, meaning it time to highlight the best of the year thus far. While we are waiting for the anticipated summer releases, like Drake’s Scorpion, the first half of 2018 has already brought great music. Check out the list of the best songs and albums below.

SiR-November

Probably the most underrated artist on TDE, SiR’s November shows the essential characteristics of a promising artist: a cohesive album that takes you on a journey and relatable lyrics that don’t sound generic.

Black Panther The Album

The best movie soundtrack I’ve heard in quite some time, this album, executive produced by Kendrick, fits the movie perfectly. From a song told from the perspective of the villain (“King’s Dead”) to the collab that we never knew we needed (Khalid and Swae Lee) this album is as memorable as the movie.

Drake-“God’s’ Plan”

Right now everyone is focused on Drake and Push-T’s beef, but lets not forgot Drake biggest accomplishment this year. “God’s Plan” was number one for 11 weeks on the Billboard 100. It’s a motivational song on top of a trap beat, with a memorable video of Drake giving the whole video budget away to the people of Miami.

Swae Lee ft Slim Jxmii and Rae Sremmurd-“Guatemala-From Swaecation“

Even though this is from Swae Lee’s solo endeavor, Swaecation, Slim Jxmmi is featured on this song. His rap verse is the perfect compliment to Swae Lee’s frothy lyrics on this island infused jam.

Childish Gambino-“This Is America”

“This Is America” replaced “God’s Plan” as the number one song after premiering its vivid video. There is something beautiful about the number one song is America featuring the line “black man, get your money” in the chorus.

What’s your favorite music of 2018 thus far?