Written by Zaaim Hariz
Credits and compliments are due, for 2018 has been such an uplifting year for Malaysian music scene. We’re fortunate to have grown as fans along with the artists as they climbed their way to the top of the charts and people’s trending pages with their memorable songs. This year was even more groundbreaking as there are countless amount of platforms for artists to showcase their amazing rhythm and blues – most notably 16 Baris for the masses of Hip-Hop/R&B and this year’s Good Vibes Festival with their impressive local line-ups. There are still three months to go for what it seems to be the best year for our music scene but we decided to round up the best of the bests as of now. From the likes of the legendary Aman Ra to R&B songstress LUNADIRA, here is our seven pick for the best singles of 2018 that you don’t wanna miss out..
Yung Raja – Mustafa
All eyes are on Yung Raja because he has definitely took the scene by surprise. Born and raised in Singapore, the new Kartel Records signee shows that he’s not messing about with his massive hit “Mustafa”. You’re Looking at a star, the single tells us on how his rap game will always be for the people and not just himself.
Airliftz – Call Me When It’s Over (feat. I-SKY)
Airliftz is here to stay with his single “Call Me When it’s Over”. Fresh off from the success of his debut EP titled Bagel, the talented rapper/producer decided to take a different approach with a love letter and set it into a beautiful upbeat of a love song. With the assist from I – SKY, this track is a certified bop.
Luna.dira – Stuck With You
2018 is definitely a year to remember for LUNADIRA. With the breakthrough of her single “Stuck With You”, the songstress has definitely made a track that will stick with you and your playlist for as long as it wants to. This track perfectly captured a love story that fills with never-ending intimation and heartbreaks, focused on the ambiguity of feelings post-breakup. We’ve all been there. Time to remind ourselves again of the pain and heartache. If you want more of her, check out her Borak Borak Sessions with us!
Aman Ra – Bangun
Hustle Demi Hasil. This is what Aman Ra is all about. With his notable status in the Malaysian hip-hop scene, his single “BANGUN” brings us back to his roots, with the rapper issuing a call to action to seize the day, and do whatever it takes to be whatever it takes, including himself. Great song to start the day to!
Kyoto Protocol – Delta Wing
One of Malaysia’s best indie rock bands has yet again rocked the scene with a new bop, “Delta Wing”. Debuting the song at last year’s Urbanscapes, Delta Wing entails us a story of love akin to flying in a fighter jet, with Fuad detailing his experience with the feeling. We were approaching speeds of “Mach 2, Sonic boom, Slicing the sky” foreshadows the rush of emotions during the relationship, which then tapers down to “If you asked me forever, well we gave it a try
But we’re on our way down.” All good things come to an end, which definitely hooks you on as you conjure up your own iteration by stitching memories from a past using the melody that Fuad and Co have produced.
Zamaera – Still Callin
We still couldn’t get off with the buzz of her new song “Z vs. Z” but her first single of the year “Still Callin” has us remembering that things are just getting started for Zamaera. Keeping it true to what hip-hop is about while being aggressive yet rhythmic, the so-called ‘Nicki Minaj’ of Malaysia calls out every of her fake friends, announcing that she’s hungry for more success and won’t back down.
Dangerdisko – Free
We have seen a surge of producers and DJs that came into play to showcase their amazing talent and for Dangerdisko, the track “Free” has definitely caught us moving at the dance floor. With the perfect addition of Q Sound’s R&B vocals, “Free” brings a simplicity to dance music that has long past us in the realm of electronic dance music that’s refreshing to hear, and easy to get down to. A must add to anyone’s playlist.
