With highly anticipated albums from Chance The Rapper, Rihanna, and Kanye West rumored for release and albums from Justin Timberlake, Rae Sremmurd and The 1975 confirmed on the way, 2018 is already lined up to be an exciting year for music.

January alone has playlists stacked with new hits. A new song from Bruno Mars featuring Cardi B, the “Finesse Remix”, debuted at No. 35 on the Hot 100’s chart. The unexpected collaboration gives an In Living Color inspired music video with a 90’s vibe and flow that makes you want to dance.

Camilla Cabello, former member of Fifth Harmony released her eponymous debut album on January 12th. Her single "Havana" featuring Young Thug, released in 2017, topped charts and even made former president Barack Obama’s list of his favorite songs of 2017. The album was Cabello’s chance to prove her independence from the group and her ability to stand on her own. The album charted at No. 1 on the Billboard hot 100 yet does little to stand out from other pop artists.

Two new singles have been released off of the Black Panther Soundtrack which is being co-produced by Kendrick Lamar. Kendrick’s “All of the Stars” featuring SZA gives the audience what they can expect from these two TDE artists. Kendrick has that recognizable, unmatched flow and SZA provides the vocals no one else can. “King's Dead” with Jay Rock, Kendrick Lamar, Future, and James Blake (who also has an album coming this year) gives us an extraordinary mash-up, leaving fans excited for the movie and the rest of the soundtrack.

BØRNS gives us the single “God Save Our Young Blood” which was inspired by Lana Del Rey who they then added to the track. The blend of their voices gives a euphoric feeling which leaves you craving for more. This was a dream-pop single off of the sophomore album "Blue Madonna" which released January 12th.

DJ Carnage has released the first single “Learn How Watch” off his upcoming album. The track features Mac Miller and MadeinTYO. The EDM-Rap collaboration left fans wanting more when it ended only two minutes later. The production however bangs like a full length song, MadeinTYO on the hook keeps you singing along and Mac’s verse is just what we have been waiting for.

Kali Uchis has released her single titled “After The Storm” featuring newly Grammy nominated Tyler the Creator & Bootsy Collins. Produced by BABADNOTGOOD, Collins intros the track with a classic R/B vibe. Kali’s smooth sultry voice with Tyler’s flow and Flower Boy references is another classic collaboration between the two. The single comes from her album Fools Paradise which is due this spring.

Drake surprised fans with two new singles late night January 19th. "God's Plan" and "Diplomatic Immunity" are listed online as a project titled Scary Hours. "God's Plan" broke two records, one on Spotify for having 4.3 million plays and another on Apple Music for having 14 million plays. Along with breaking record, the singles come jam packed with new Instagram captions your bound to see.

Migos' Culture II was released the night of the 25th with a surprising 24 tracks. The album includes 21 Savage, Drake, Gucci Mane, Travis Scott, Post Malone and others. The producing credits include Quavo himself, Mike Dean, Dj Durell, and much more. The album has a newer side of Migos we aren't used to seeing, as they say "this real rap, no mumble" on the track "Narcos" they are right. We can hear each rapper more clearly and the bars are much more present. Culture II was highly anticipated and they have presented fans with just what they waited for.

January also brought singles from Jorja Smith, The Chainsmokers, cupcakKe, Troye Sivan, Tinashe, Jack White and more. February is set to bring albums form Justin Timberlake, The Wombats, Vance Joy, Rich Chigga, and Rae Sremmurd.

Soundwaves