The Knockturnal
  • Home
  • Entertainment
  • Music
  • Lifestyle
  • News
  • Videos
  • Covers
  • Merch
MusicThe Latest

Scoreboard: May 2018 In Review

by dreMovieMusic June 11, 2018
by dreMovieMusic June 11, 2018 0 comments
2.5K

Scoreboard’s chart winners of May 2018 include J. Cole, Post Malone, and Childish Gambino

Billboard #1s | May 2018

See all the Billboard charts at http://www.billboard.com/charts/

Billboard Hot 100

5/5, 5/12: “Nice For What” (Drake)

5/19, 5/26: “This Is America” (Childish Gambino)

Billboard 200

5/5: KOD (J. Cole)

5/12, 5/19, 5/26: Beerbongs & Bentleys (Post Malone)

Billboard Artist 100

5/5: J. Cole

5/12, 5/19: Post Malone

5/26: Pink

May 2018: The Playlist

Tidal

If one theme is emerging for music in 2018 it’s that hip-hop may be more dominant than it’s ever been. There have been five Billboard Hot 100 #1s year-to-date and all have either been by a hip-hop artist or featured one (I’m giving Beyoncé credit here for giving Ed Sheeran‘s “Perfect” a boost to #1 with an appearance on the remix). Over on the Billboard 200 nine different hip-hop albums took #1 including the only #1 albums of May: J. Cole’s KOD and Post Malone’s Beerbongs & Bentleys. Hip-hop’s dominance is putting pop music in an awkward position: major stars with recent new albums like Justin Timberlake and Pink are completely off the Hot 100, though their catalog is strong enough to keep them earning on tour. In fact, Pink spent a week at #1 on the Billboard Artist 100 in May after a tour/album bundle sale. Of course, not all pop stars are struggling – Camila Cabello and Halsey have had staying power on the charts, and Ariana Grande is back with new music. Yet pop is perhaps facing its most challenging summer based on May chart results in the U.S.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by P!NK (@pink)

Pink will start the third leg of her Beautiful Trauma world tour in Sunrise, Florida, on March 1, 2019

Childish Gambino Takes on America

Donald Glover is perhaps the most versatile entertainer in America today. When he was recently on Saturday Night Live he was both the host/actor and the musical guest under his Childish Gambino moniker. One of his new tracks was “This Is America,” a social commentary on gun violence in the U.S., which pairs a singalong R&B chorus with dark rap verses. The music video especially shows a contrast as Glover commits a mass shooting and seamlessly transitions to a verse mocking hip-hop’s obsession with “hunnid bands.” The video stirred up controversy, but also took Gambino to #1 on the Hot 100, a first for Glover. The fact that a 17-year-old murdered 10 people in a school shooting in Santa Fe, Texas, on May 18 provided a stark reminder that Glover’s song is truly of the moment – this is America indeed.

J. Cole Also Gets Political

Jermaine Cole’s record on the charts is impeccable – all five of his studio albums took #1 including his latest KOD, which stands for either Kidz on Drugs, King Overdose, or Kill Our Demons. Similar to Childish Gambino, @realcoleworld gets political with his new music. While his previous albums took on autobiographical stories of having a crooked smile and losing one’s virginity, J. Cole fumes at the government, drug dealers, and mumble rappers on KOD. With five #1 albums, J. Cole has made it, but he is ambivalent about his fame and fortune. “ATM,” one of the biggest hits off the new album, does not only refer to the cash-dispensing machine, but also stands for “addicted to money.” “Will I fall/Will I fly,” Cole asks on the chorus, acknowledging the short shelf-life for rappers, which he is trying to overcome.

While J. Cole’s personal experience is mostly in the background on KOD, one track – “Kevin’s Heart” – takes J. Cole’s support of monogamy and applies it to the recent tabloid drama of actor and comedian Kevin Hart, who inspired the song’s title and stars in the music video. In short, Kevin Hart admitted to cheating on his pregnant wife in 2017 after social media posts suggested that he was with another woman. The temptation that comes with fame is a familiar topic to J. Cole, who is married with a son, and the song recommends that men “choose wisely,” while the music video is a cathartic snapshot of the scandal’s aftermath for Kevin Hart. Good thing @kevinhart4real has friends like @realcoleworld to help repair his reputation.

Post Malone Avoids Politics, but Not Beerbongs

Post Malone has become a dominant rapper over the last two years without delving into politics. He took #1 on the Hot 100 last year by celebrating the life of a “Rockstar” ft. 21 Savage. The song’s sequel – “Psycho” ft. Ty Dolla $ign – took #2 on the Hot 100 while sticking to the drowsy, laid-back hip-hop groove that made @postmalone a star. Beerbongs & Bentleys, Malone’s highly anticipated second album includes both hits. In May, it easily took #1 on the Billboard 200, also giving @postmalone his first #1 placement on the Billboard Artist 100. Thankfully, the album demonstrates that Post Malone can succeed outside of drowsy hip-hop. For example @postmalone does more singing than rapping on the smooth “Paranoid,” which wrestles with the stress that fame brought him. The new album also gets Malone reminiscing about past flames, with “Better Now” picking up the heartbroken romantic theme where “I Fall Apart” left off. In totality, Beerbongs & Bentleys provides both singalong anthems and introspective ballads, ensuring that Post Malone will be unavoidable in the summer of ’18.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by @postmalone

Post Malone living the rockstar life

In Other News: A New Single from Ariana Grande and More

Ariana Grande was already one of the biggest pop stars in the world when a suicide bomber killed 23 people outside of her concert in Manchester, England, last year. Two weeks later Grande organized the One Love Manchester concert for bombing victims and the experience has affected her work on forthcoming album Sweetener. The album’s first single “No Tears Left To Cry” is a resilience anthem that recalls Kim Wilde‘s very eighties cover of the Supremes‘ “You Keep Me Hangin’ On.” It started at #3 on the Hot 100 and is bound to be one of the summer’s biggest pop songs.

As pop music either cedes the charts or takes in elements of hip-hop in 2018, country music continues its shift pop sounds following a path blazed by the likes of Florida Georgia Line and Sam Hunt. Kane Brown, a mixed-race singer from Tennessee, took #1 last year on the country charts with “What Ifs” ft. Lauren Alaina and this month his love ballad “Heaven” reached #15 on the Hot 100. In May Keith Urban released his 10th album Graffiti U, which started at #2 on the Billboard 200 (behind Post Malone) and included collaborations with Julia Michaels and Ed Sheeran.

The widening strength of hip-hop has also opened fissures for new artists to emerge. The same tide that puts a new collaboration between Travis Scott, Lil Uzi Vert, and Kanye West into the top 20 of the Hot 100 also makes room for an artist like Ella Mai, a British soul singer whose “Boo’d Up” recalls the golden days of nineties R&B and Bruno Mars‘s 24K Magic hit machine. Mai’s breakout single has already made the top 10 of the Hot 100 and may be the romantic hit of the summer. Check it out below and check in with Scoreboard @theknockturnal all summer long to see what songs are blazing up the charts.

Ariana GrandeChildish GambinoDrakeElla Maij coleKane Brownkeith urbanKevin HartPinkPost Malone
0 comments 0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
dreMovieMusic

previous post
The Empire Project Show the Addiction of Heartbreak in New Video, “I Tell Myself”
next post
New Mexico’s Vez is a Problem in New Video, “Drama”

Related Posts

2025 Teen Vogue Summit Recap: Full of Fun,...

September 30, 2025

San Sebastián Film Festival: A Review

September 29, 2025

Brother Magazine’s Style Kings NYFW Party: Celebrating Black...

September 28, 2025

Daniel Day-Lewis Talks Pushing Aside His Pride to...

September 27, 2025

P1Harmony Breaks Down ‘EX,’ Spanish Version, Dream Night...

September 27, 2025

Hot Ones Celebrates Ten Years of Star Studded...

September 26, 2025

4th Annual 1 World Festival Brings Community Together...

September 26, 2025

KATSEYE x Jollibee: A Tasty Limited Collaboration

September 25, 2025

Marking Time: CEO Jess Chow Talks About VIEREN’s...

September 25, 2025

Movie Review: Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle

September 25, 2025

Digital Cover No. 19

The Knockturnal Merch

Follow Us On The Gram

theknockturnal

Lifestyle. Music. Entertainment.
Info@theknockturnal.com
New Cover Out Now ⬇️

Visit the @Complex x @Aepsa_official Pop-Up for ‘Rich Man’ in LA with The Knockturnal! ✨

From exclusive merch and photo cards to signatures and more — ~ 100% worth the visit 

⏰ Sept 16–17 | 11 AM – 7 PM PT
📍 433 N Fairfax Ave, Los Angeles

#Aespa #Complex #RichMan #KPopMerch #AespaInLA #KPopFans #Kpop #Karina #Giselle #Winter #NingNing
NYFW magic ✨ @aliceandolivia by Stacey Bendet tr NYFW magic ✨ @aliceandolivia by Stacey Bendet transformed the runway into a dazzling celebration of bold prints, playful silhouettes, and timeless style. From Surrogate’s Court to the city streets, the collection truly captured the spirit of the modern woman. 💄

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/stars-stripes-and-alice-olivia-by-stacey-bendet/

✍️: ElizaBeth Taylor

-
#NYFW #AliceAndOlivia #StaceyBendet #RunwayStyle #FashionWeek
Some things are just a perfect match—milk & cook Some things are just a perfect match—milk & cookies, Oreos & a cold glass of milk… and @nickbarrotta on the red carpet celebrating 30 years of the iconic milk mustache. 🥛🍪

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/got-milk-celebrates-30-years-with-stars-and-everyday-californians/

✍️&🎤: Ashley Lopez

-
#GotMilk30 #GotMilk #NickBarrotta #TylerPerrysTheOval #MilkMustache
On the red carpet, Stranger Things star @priahferg On the red carpet, Stranger Things star @priahferguson spoke with us at the @gotmilk 30th Anniversary Milk Mustache Celebration, where the campaign unveiled its bold new focus on everyday Californians as the real icons. 🥛✨

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/got-milk-celebrates-30-years-with-stars-and-everyday-californians/

✍️&🎤: Ashley Lopez

-
#GotMilk30 #PriahFerguson #StrangerThings #MilkMustache #RedCarpet #GotMilk
First-time nominees dominated the 77th Emmys, turn First-time nominees dominated the 77th Emmys, turning the spotlight on breakout stars and fresh wins. 🎬🥇✨

Read about the rising talent redefining televisions biggest night.

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/emmy-awards/

✍️: Danielle Biondi

-
#Emmys #Emmy #EmmyAwards #Emmys2025 #EmmyWinner #Film #AwardWinning #AwardSeason
We had the honor of celebrating VMAs weekend with We had the honor of celebrating VMAs weekend with @bacardi and @mtv! 💫
History met history last night 🗽🎬✨ The Ha History met history last night 🗽🎬✨

The Hamilton movie premiere transformed the Delacorte Theater into a stage of its own, as the original cast and creative team reunited to celebrate a story that changed Broadway forever. From the first note to the final bow, the revolution continues. 🎭📜

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/under-the-stars-at-the-delacorte-theater-hamilton-premiere-original-cast-in-attendance/

✍️: Lauren Wire

-
#Hamilton #Broadway #HamiltonMovie #DelacorteTheater #LinManuelMiranda #BroadwayLegends #StageToScreen #MusicalTheater
✨ Disney magic meets coffee culture ☕🐭 @dis ✨ Disney magic meets coffee culture ☕🐭 @disneyfamily x @lalalandkindcafe are serving up the sweetest collab of the season — from Mickey drink sleeves to Munchlings surprises 🎁 Don’t miss it before it’s gone Sept. 16!

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/mickey-friends-bring-whimsy-to-la-la-land-kind-cafe/

✍️: Ashley Lopez 

-
#Disney #LaLaLandKindCafe #DisneyCollab #DisneyMagic #CoffeeLovers #MickeyAndFriends #DisneyFoodies
From @iamcardib undeniable reign to @wutangclan ev From @iamcardib undeniable reign to @wutangclan everlasting impact, the 2025 Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop Power Players Awards celebrated the artists and executives shaping the culture today. 🎤🎸💥

With honorees like @leonthomas and @gelo alongside hip-hop’s legends, the night was a reminder that the genre’s future is just as powerful as its past. 🤩

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/cardi-b-leon-thomas-gelo-wu-tang-clan-more-honored-at-2025-billboard-rb-hip-hop-power-players-awards/

✍️: Nishat Baig

-
#Billboard #RnB #HipHop #PowerPlayers #CardiB #WuTangClan #LeonThomas #Gelo #RnBMusic #HipHopCulture #MusicAwards
PSA!!! We have another #knockgiveaway and this tim PSA!!! We have another #knockgiveaway and this time it’s for tickets to see LU KALA 💥

We’re giving away a pair of tickets to see her at Mercury Lounge in New York City on September 10th! Join us as we dance the night away to some of her top hits like Pretty Girl Era and Hotter Now 🎶

To enter hit the link 🔗 in our bio and fill out the form. Winners will be contacted through email! 

📍MUST BE IN NEW YORK CITY
🎶 From EXO standout to solo powerhouse, @zkdlin 🎶 From EXO standout to solo powerhouse, @zkdlin brought charisma, control, and creativity to every second of his Shrine set.

Kai On Tour gave fans in LA a front-row seat to his evolution as an artist, and it was nothing short of iconic. 👏

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/kai-on/

✍️: Emma Salehi

-

#KaiOnTour #KAI #KAIatTheShrine #KpopInLA #EXO #KpopSoloist #KpopConcert #KAI2025 #ShrineLA
🗞️ Extra, extra! Go inside the newsroom with 🗞️ Extra, extra! Go inside the newsroom with “The Paper” — the sharp new workplace comedy making headlines. 🖋️ We sat down with the cast + creators in an exclusive video interview to talk inspiration, improv, and bringing chaos to the copy desk. 🎬✨

📺 Watch the full interview now 

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/the-paper-puts-a-newsroom-spin-on-classic-workplace-comedy/

✍️: Alyssa Threadgill

-

#ThePaper #VideoInterview #WorkplaceComedy #BehindTheScenes #IndieTV #ComedySeries #CastInterview #OnSet #TVTalk #MakingTheShow #WritersRoom #BTS #NewSeries
🎥✨ Austin Butler and the cast of Caught Steal 🎥✨ Austin Butler and the cast of Caught Stealing open up about stepping into this gritty new story, the challenges on set, and why this film is unlike anything they’ve done before.

Catch our exclusive video interview now!

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/austin-butler-cast-talk-new-movie-caught-stealing-video/

✍️: OJ Williams

-
#AustinButler #CaughtStealing #MovieInterview #ExclusiveInterview #FilmFeature #BehindTheScenes #Hollywood #OnSet #NewMovies #EditorialContent #CastInterview
Vegas was just crowned the No. 1 nightlife spot in Vegas was just crowned the No. 1 nightlife spot in the world. We put our detective skills to work at @resortsworldlv to see if it lives up to the hype 🎰 🪩🥂💃🕺

Read the full review on our website ✍️ 

#lasvegas #resortsworld #hilton #sliving #zoox #zouk #stubbornseed #alle #nightlife #vegas #elderbrook
When French comfort food, @marthastewart48 hospita When French comfort food, @marthastewart48 hospitality, and @parisvegas combine you get @thebedfordbymarthastewart 🇫🇷🤤 Our recent trip to the legendary homemaker’s restaurant in Las Vegas had us positively stuffed.

Read the full review on our website ✍️ 

#lasvegas #marthastewart #thebedfordbymarthastewart #parislasvegas #frenchfood
@zkdlin performs ‘Mhmm’ at his solo tour #KaiO @zkdlin performs ‘Mhmm’ at his solo tour #KaiOn in Los Angeles ✨

Full Concert Review Coming Soon… ✍️

#Kai #Kpop #KpopConcert #Exo
@zkdlin performs ‘Rover’ 🚗⚠️ at #KaiOn @zkdlin performs ‘Rover’ 🚗⚠️ at #KaiOn in Los Angeles ✨ 

Full Concert Review Coming Soon… ✍️

#Kai #Kpop #KpopConcert #Exo
A @weareone.exo throwback from @zkdlin at his firs A @weareone.exo throwback from @zkdlin at his first ever solo tour, #KaiOn 🐺✨ This is ‘Growl’ 

Full Concert Review Coming Soon… ✍️

#Kai #Kpop #KpopConcert #Exo
🎶 Meet @hitgs_offcl — the K-Pop girl group ma 🎶 Meet @hitgs_offcl — the K-Pop girl group making waves at KCON 2025. In our exclusive, they open up about growth, music, and their U.S. debut story.

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/hitgs/

✍️: Emma Salehi

-
#HITGS #KCON2025 #KPopGroup #RisingStars #KPopOnStage #KPopInTheUS #GlobalStage #KPopExclusive #MusicAndCulture #NextGenKPop
📍 Culture has a new home. Complex x ESPN’s fl 📍 Culture has a new home. Complex x ESPN’s flagship opening blended sport, sound, and style into an experience that set the tone for what comes next.

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/complex-x-espn-flagship-grand-opening-a-night-of-style-sports-and-sounds/

✍️: Winnie Ren

-
#ComplexxESPN #FlagshipOpening #Complex #ESPN
Follow on Instagram

About The Site

We are a collective of creative tastemakers made up of fashion, music and entertainment industry insiders. It’s all about access. You want it. We have it.

Terms Of Use

Privacy Policy

Meet The Team

CONTACT US

For general inquiries and more info on The Knockturnal, please contact our staff at:
info@theknockturnal.com
fashion@theknockturnal.com
advertising@theknockturnal.com
editorial@theknockturnal.com
beauty@theknockturnal.com

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Linkedin
  • Youtube

© Copyright - The Knockturnal | Developed by CI Design + Media

The Knockturnal
  • Home
  • Entertainment
  • Music
  • Lifestyle
  • News
  • Videos
  • Covers
  • Merch