October's Been A Good Month For Music, Here's What You Missed

October's been good.

1. "Slow Down" and "Checklist" by Normani (with Calvin Harris)

RCA

Dropped: October 22

Fire level: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 /5

Overview: Calvin Harris reached out to Normani for the collaboration. The duo produced two songs together that resemble a sound similar to Harris's Funk Wav Bounces Vol. 1 album. "Slow Down" is slow jam that builds up to a poppy upbeat rhythm, featuring lyrics of pleading with a lover to reciprocate feelings. "Checklist" has a clubby reggae tropical sound that makes you want to whine.

2. Quavo Huncho by Quavo

Quality Control

Dropped: October 12

Fire level: 🔥🔥🔥 /5

Overview: Is this album a hint that Quavo is going solo? While we don't think it is, it definitely proves he has what it takes to single-handedly deliver fire tracks. With features from Cardi B, Lil Baby, Drake, Travis Scott, and even Madonna (yes, Madonna), Quavo Huncho hosts some great takeaway songs while few others might be left in 2018.

3. "Till You Sink" by MOSSS

Jordan Marks, ANDRE BATO, LLC

Dropped: October 26

Fire level: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 /5

Overview: Mosss' sophomore release, without giving too much away, the song talks about reflecting on a situation that could have been handled differently. The tune is very dreamy and soft, making it a perfect bop for fall/winter.

4. Lost by Brent Faiyaz

Lost Kids / Human Re Sources

Dropped: October 19

Fire level: 🔥🔥🔥🔥 /5

Overview: The six-track EP dives deep into trust issues, self-reliance, and adjusting to fame. One song explores what it's like to be a Black man in America and the negative effects society forces on them while another song talks about the lack of privacy people have in 2018 with social media and screenshotting. The entire EP is very modern and relevant to today.

5. Suncity EP by Khalid

RCA Records

Dropped: October 19

Fire level: 🔥🔥🔥 /5

Overview: The seven-track album wraps up in about 20 minutes and really brings light to Khalid's strong vocals. Suncity (a nickname for El Paso, Texas) features Latin-pop sounds and let's fan get a better grasp of Khalid's hometown and childhood.

6. Pieces of a Man by Mick Jenkins

Cinematic Music Group

Dropped: October 26

Fire level: 🔥🔥🔥🔥 /5

Overview: Mick's sophomore LP features amazing artists like Ghostface Killah, Julian Bell, Mikahl Anthony, Ben Hixon, Corinne Bailey Rae, and BadBadNotGood. The cover art speaks for itself — this album goes deep into reflection upon oneself.

7. DIME TRAP by T.I.

Grand Hustle/Epic Records

Dropped: October 5

Fire level: 🔥🔥🔥 /5

Overview: This album pays homage to the creation of trap music and the hustle that comes with it. With features from Young Thug, Teyana Taylor, Yo Gotti, and other memorable hip-hop artists, Tip lays out a story of hip-hop moguldom and a victorious hustle.

8. Forever Neverland by MØ

Chess Club/RCA Victor

Dropped: October 17

Fire level: 🔥🔥🔥 /5

Overview: Every song on this album is produced to stick in your head. The album is upbeat, funky, and features some Indie sounds – making it perfect for a dance party or prepping for the club. MØ, on the cusp of 30, focuses her entire album on staying young forever/never growing old, and while the tunes are catchy, it isn't too different from her freshman album.

9. Drip Harder by Lil Baby and Gunna

Quality Control Music/Young Stoner Life Records, a 300 Entertainment Label/Motown Records/Capitol Records

Dropped: October 5

Fire level: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 /5

Overview: Lil Baby and Gunna come together as the rap duo that we did not deserve but are extremely thankful for. This album is full off tracks that have already made prevalence in the club scene and popular rap playlists (including Spotify's Rap Caviar). Throughout the album, both rappers compete by flexing their belongings and connections. The Atlanta twang is high, resulting in similar voices and one even comparable to Young Thug. We have a feeling these tracks will be around for a while.

10. "1999" by Charli XCX

Asylum‎, ‎Atlantic UK

Dropped: October 5

Fire level: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 /5

Overview: This bop hones in on all the nostalgia of growing up in '90s with references to Britney Spears' "...Baby One More Time" and the popular Nickelodeon TV show All That. Be ready to take a drip down memory lane with this catchy chorus.

11. "Money" by Cardi B

Atlantic Records, Quality Control Music

Dropped: October 25

Fire level: 🔥🔥🔥🔥 /5

Overview: This song has already made its way into the club scene with it's catchy pounding beat and anthem-like lyrics for anyone that values a good check. Cardi lets her fans know that she doesn't love anything more in this world than her money, except for her daughter, of course.

12. "I'm Still Here" by Sia

RCA Records

Dropped: October 12

Fire level: 🔥🔥🔥 /5

Overview: In this triumphic anthem, Sia gives us an inspiring story about persevering beyond all the negativity the past holds. "I'm fighting for me, though

I'm lighting the long way home." This song is perfect for anyone looking to start over and leave the past behind.

13. Ella Mai by Ella Mai

Interscope Records

Dropped: October

Fire level: 🔥🔥🔥🔥 /5

Overview: Since "Booed Up", fans have awaited this album and Ella did not disappoint. This is an album about all aspects of relationships — the good, the ugly, the ups and downs, and the lust, giving her fans some very relatable and emotion-filled content.

14. And MihTy by Ty Dolla Sign and Jeremih

Def Jam Recordings./ Atlantic Recording Corporation

Dropped: October 26

Fire level: 🔥🔥🔥 /5

Overview: Ty Dolla Sign and Jeremih come together as the R&B duo Mighty in this highly anticipated 11-track album. Featuring French Montana, Wiz Khalifa, and Chris Brown, the album dives into love, sex, relationships, and casual encounters. The album gives off strong *add to sex playlist* vibes and might put you in your relationship feels, so be prepared.