Baller Alert’s Year in Review: The Most Unforgettable Hip-Hop Moments Of 2018

2018 was full of great triumphs and significant losses in hip-hop and entertainment, but these are some of the most unforgettable moments of the year…as we reminisce.

Drake and Meek Mill Squash Beef – Meek Mill and Drake settled their 3-year long “beef” behind the scenes and reconnected for the world to see onstage during the Boston #AubreyAndTheThreeMigos show following Meek’s release from prison in April. The two MCs gave everyone going through it with a friend hope that they too can squash the beef and coexist.

Pusha T Revealing Drake’s Son In “Story Of Adidon” – Pusha T also had a beef with Drake this year but he took it a step further and told the whole world about the Canadian rapper’s secret son Adonis on his diss record “The Story Of Adidon.” However, the plot to make Drake look like a deadbeat father and to tarnish his career was a failed attempt. And despite being big news for the year, it didn’t have a lasting effect on fans who ultimately go over the news and are STILL waiting to see little Adonis. Wishful thinking…

Kanye’s ‘Slavery Was A Choice’ Comment – Kanye West’s 2018 has truly been a hot mess, full of controversy and confusion. Perhaps the most shocking of all, was his TMZ interview in which he insinuated slavery was a choice. His comments caused an uproar amongst fans, celebrities, politicians, people of color everywhere and to this day, many people still consider the Chicago-bred artist canceled. 

Beychella – Beyonce headlined #Coachella this year, and it might be the best concert this year, period! It was a spectacle for the ages, including surprise appearances from #JayZ, her sister #Solange and a Destiny’s Child reunion that brought the world to their knees. And the whole two-day set was live streamed, so those who couldn’t attend were able to enjoy the show from wherever they were. The whole situation was litty and talked about for weeks afterward.

Marvel’s Black Panther – Black kids (and adults) went all out in support of our first mainstream “superhero” Black Panther and dubbed #WakandaForever as a permanent sentiment to black unity. The movie has accumulated many accolades and broken many records to include being the 40th highest grossing movie of all time in North America, the 12th highest grossing movie of all time anywhere, the second fastest grossing movie of all time, the highest grossing movie from a black director and the biggest solo superhero movie ever. Black Panther made $1.3 Billion…enough said.

Mac Miller and XXXTentacion Deaths – Hip Hop is still recovering from the deaths of both #MacMiller and #XXXTentacion who were both unexpectedly taken away this year. Both artists’ music and influences are still prevalent after their death via friends and fans who continue to share their projects and release posthumous music and videos to continue their legacy. #RIP

Kendrick Lamar Wins Pulitzer – Kendrick Lamar not only became the first rapper to win the Pulitzer Prize since the organization expanded to music in 1943, but he also became the first winner who is not a classical or jazz musician. Talk about a major win for hip hop music! His fourth album “DAMN!” was among last year’s most streamed albums and had many chart topping singles. His winning of the Pulitzer was unanimous and goes to show that the masses are rocking with rap artists now more than ever before.

Cardi B vs. Nicki Minaj – In a twist of events we’ve never quite seen before with women in hip-hop, the two leading ladies of rap, #CardiB and #NickiMinaj were head to head, and toe to toe on numerous occasions this year. What began as a social media battle between the fans, took a turn for the worst when Cardi alleged ran up on Nicki at a NY Fashion Week Party. Then Nicki took to her #QueenRadio to spill all of the tea afterward. Talk about the drama of the year!

Tekashi 69 – The music industry and the internet were introduced to #Tekashi69 last year, but despite his current legal troubles, the world will never forget about the rainbow-haired kid with the face tats who proclaims himself the “King of New York.” From trolling the internet with #DJAkademiks and #50Cent to making hits with #FettyWap, #ABoogie, and #NickiMinaj, 6ix9ine has been living his best life this year. Hopefully, 2019 will bring more positive vibes and outcomes for the #Tr3yway artist.