Best of the Month is decided by a number of different variables; voter counts from preceding posts, reader reaction ratings, gut feelings, and lots and lots of heated discussions.
Album of the Month
After more than half-a-decade and countless obstacles, it was many people’s opinions (ours included) that Lil Wayne’s long-anticipated Carter V would never see the light of day. But somehow, some way, in spite of everything we finally got to hear his fabled fifth entry in the series. The impact of it’s release was expected but there’s no way a project this long in limbo should have sounded as good as it did. Wayne sounded re-energized and hungry with some of his sharpest rhyming and most meaningful content since the highs of Tha Carter III . While this latest one isn’t near as good as those early projects, it easily washes anything he’s put out in the last 5 years and it showed that yes, Lil Wayne is still very much relevant in this day and age of rap. It was a welcome return from one of rap’s biggest icons and an almost impossible wave for any other artist to fight against.
Runner-ups
Video of the Month
While nowhere near as impactful as his “This Is America” video, “Feels Like Summer” was a nice send off to the hectic time period that was Summer ’18. Childish Gambino is easily one of the most creative acts in music and his latest, brilliantly animated feature was a nice recap of all the craziness that occurred in hip-hop over these past few months, featuring just about anyone and everyone around the culture, and providing commentary without having to say a word. Not to mention that the song itself is just an incredibly pleasant groove.
Runner-ups
Trailer of the Month
Although this month featured a number of noteworthy trailers from some real heavy-hitters, the trailer for the smaller, Gareth Evans (of The Raid fame) directed film, Apostle, was the one that really cut through the noise and left a lasting impression. Everything from the screeching, ever hastening soundtrack, to the creepy cult backdrop and religious overtones, to the early 1900s folk setting, adds to the film’s implication of impeding dread. Not to mention some absolutely jarring imagery. If Evans’ track record is anything to go by, we can expect this one to be a brutal ride and it’s trailer has us anxiously waiting for its release.
Runner-ups
