2022 Recap: An Unexpected Year

Music quality comes in waves. One year could be one of the greatest in a musical genre. Then the next could be subpar. Some can start on the biggest of highs and then plummet by the time October comes around. 2022 was not one of those years. From the start of the year, one could see the potential this year could bring. So here we are at that time of year; where fans and media outlets post their Spotify / Apple yearly recaps and lay out their “Top 10 songs to get battered to” lists. People comb over songs and albums so they can post them online and be berated with comments about how incredibly wrong they are about how good or bad said year really is. Now, typing this out in December, I can confidently say this is one of the best years Hip-Hop has seen in the last few years, and could easily be one of the greatest of this decade.

“Where do I start though?” This is the first question one faces when it’s time to start this discussion. “Do I talk first about the best albums?” “Do I lay everything out like a Buzzfeed article of the 10 best ways to make avocado toast while listening to TikTok audios, plus I’m high?” Maybe I could make the article post, but instead of a real post, it’s a kaleidoscope you can only buy at Radio Shacks. That’s when I realized, it doesn’t even matter and the sky's the limit. The full layout came to me in a dream and now after compiling all the meticulous painstaking data, all the painstaking hours of ignoring my family’s calls for help because I can’t hear them through hearing “Munch” through my noise canceling headphones over and over; I’ve finally confidently finished my yearly recap and now you can scroll to see how mad you can get because my opinion wasn’t yours. But just know, at the end of the day, I also have the same opinion you do even if it doesn’t show it. My favorite song of the year is also your favorite song of the year.

Albums

There was no shortage of albums this year. It seemed like every few weeks there was another announcement of a long-awaited album drop from some of the best this decade has to offer. But not all of them had that real “staying power.” Sure the album was good, but did it really connect? Did I even want to listen to it after a few weeks or a month? This year was the epitome of that.

However, there were a few that were able to give me exactly what I was looking for this year. Not every album has to be some lyrical miracle with off-kilter flows. Nor does it have to be the most depressing and super self-reflective album that I can’t play on speakers when I’m around anybody else. This list has a mix of different aspects this great genre of music has to offer. Now deciding between doing a basic top 5 or top 10 list weighed heavy on my conscience. So instead I decided on a placeholder of 20 and just see below where I go from there. Does the order in which they’re presented have any meaning? None whatsoever. Unless it does to you in which case, it has small the meaning you want to apply.

Kendrick Lamar - Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers:

The return of King Kendrick was not one of disappointment. The god emcee delivered another album of introspection, fears, pride, self-reflection and brutal honesty. The double album catches us up on where Kendrick has been emotionally and mentally since the last time he dropped, 5 years ago. With features ranging everywhere from Kodak Black to Summer Walker and the legendary Ghostface Killah, no Kendric album is like the previous. It is one I have gone to countless times since its releases. The layers of this album, like almost all of his works, is something that still can leave you finding more with every listen.

2. Pusha T - It’s Almost Dry:

When you hit play on a Pusha T album you know, on some level, what to expect. High-quality bars that make you wish you were what the show Narcos was about. Push has never been one to give minimal effort to any of his projects. With “It’s Almost Dry,” the legendary Virginia rapper linked up for production from only Ye and Pharrell and did so masterfully. Ultimately leading it to be one of the most enjoyable listens of any album to come out not only this year, but the last couple as well. It delivers everything you want and reaches the standard bar that Pusha T has set in his career thus far.

3. Roc Marciano & The Alchemist - The Elephant Man’s Bones

Whenever I hear that Alchemist is producing an entire album for someone, my Will Smith ears perk up. It could be a random person on the street, to unreleased Michael Jackson songs and I will listen the second it drops. The coming together with Roc Marciano was very long overdue. And to me, the wait was more than worth it. Even if you haven't been a big fan of the veteran emcee (this includes myself) you can see just why he’s been around as long as he has. Alchemist finds the exact right beats to fit with whoever he’s working. Adapting to their style like a producer chameleon, but also not being afraid to push them out of their comfort zone. Some of the best beats of this year can be found being used to its fullest potential thanks to Marciano's smooth delivery. This album really turned me into a fan.

4. Drake & 21 Savage - Her Loss

If any list you read in the coming days doesn’t have this album in their list, throw out the whole site. In what has to be the biggest surprise of the year, the 6ix God and 21 Savage linked up to give us some of the best performances not only in their discography, but also in the year. The chemistry from songs like Sneaking and Mr.Right Now is in full force and honestly works even better than I could have imagined. Tracks like Privileged Rappers, Major Distribution and Hours in Silence are some of the best of the year. The chemistry is really untouchable on some of these songs. The two artists really brought out the best in each other and you can tell it wasn’t just a collab that they sent songs to one another. Some of the funniest bars of the year as well are in this tape, with minimal features throughout, they hit the mark perfectly. Also shoutout to that Teana Trump line. Gold.

5. JID - The Forever Story

In the very anticipated follow-up from the release of DiCapro 2, JID has elevated as he has from every release. This was one of my most anticipated projects of the year and he did not disappoint. Hard-hitting songs still make my face scrunch when I hear Raydar and Dance Now. Whereas Burddanem and Kody Blu 31 showcase the storytelling and ability of one of the best Dreamville has to offer. Also, the man got features from Lil Wayne who absolutely kills the track, to Yasiin Bey on Stars. What else as a hip-hop fan could you possibly want? The fact it wasn’t nominated for a Grammy is a musical travesty.

6. Ab-Soul - Herbert

Now I know what some people may be thinking. “How could this be on the list it came out in December there’s no way it's one of the best of the year yet you can’t tell from this short time.” Well sorry, I don’t need 5 months to know great quality music when I hear it. The long-awaited return of Ab-Soul (Don’t forget the dash) was even more incredible then I could have hoped for. In terms of skill and ability, Soul is in the top 5 right now and has been for quite some time. We just haven’t had the music in the last 4 years to be proven right. Songs like Moonshooter, Gang’Nem and Do Better, make me want to improve my life and do so without being preachy or corny. Fomf has become a constant song in rotation as well as one of my favorite tracks of the year, as well as the album version of Hollandaise. In all honesty, I’m happy for Soul. The album is riddled with thoughts of depression and self-reflection from where the TDE rapper has been and it is great to see him flourishing with this incredible release.

7. Nas & Hit-Boy - KD3

You had to know this was going to be on here. In the sendoff of one of the greatest musical trilogies, Kings Disease 3 went past all the expectations. Hit-Boy is one of top 5 producers in the game right now, and Nas… he’s still Nas. All puns intended, the two made Magic yet again. From Nas using Eminem’s renegade flow on Ghetto Reporter I knew this was about to be something else. Nas’s ability was never in question. People always questioned his beats. But when Hi-Boy is in the mix, that is never a worry. “Thun” is one of the dopest tracks of the year, I still get hype when it comes on. Also, the song Beef, almost a spiritual successor to I Gave You Power, taking on the point of view of the idea of Beef is elite storytelling that very few, if any, have ever gotten to Nas’ ability. I’m glad it's here but I’m sad the trilogy has finally concluded. Maybe they’ll pull a George Lucas and surprise us with 3 more. One can hope.

8. Kenny Beats - Louie

A surprise to anyone who didn’t have the chance to press play on this incredible piece of work. Move past all the “woah Kenny” memes and you see that Kenny Beats is one of the best and consistent producers in music period. Some of the beats on this are just beautiful, there’s no other intricate way to put it. Inspired and dedicated to his father, the 17 track instrumental album encapsulates feelings of hope, appreciation, and optimism, even in the darkest of sounding tracks. The sounds this man curated are so impressive. The minimal use of features including: slowthai, JPEGMAFIA, Pink Siifu & Remi Wolf; do exactly what they’re supposed to do. They don’t overstay their welcome and complement the beats as if Kenny made the verses himself, in tandem with making the beats.

9. Smino - Luv 4 Rent

In what may be the most addicting album of this year, Smino was in his damn bag on this one. Some of the most spacey and ethereal beats I’ve ever heard. If there’s one thing this man knows, it’s Melodies and hows to manipulate them to do exactly what he wants. Smino proves with this one that by the 3rd album, you can find an artist being their most comfortable while also pushing their sound. Never one to shy away from being truly themselves, no matter how different, smino impressed me with this one and some of these songs have etched out their own corner in my brain.

10. Westside Gunn - HWHX

It’s the ultimate conclusion to the Buffalo legend’s “Hitler” tapes. No one curates a project like this man. Just as he might say in a series of tweets; who else has Run The Jewels, A$AP Rocky and Black Star all on one album? Just because he has the features doesn’t mean it just makes it good, but this album is, plain and simple.Westsides’s album are almost like curated art exhibits. There’s a certain sound and aesthetic he’s going for and pulls together different artists and producers to make the vision come to light. The man doesn’t disappoint when it’s comes to his fans.

Verses

Hip-Hop has always been, at its core, a competition about who the better emcee is. Every year we’re given new sets of verses. Artists flexing their skills from flows to multiple entendres. But only a few shine over the others. Verses that when they finish you sit and question not just what you heard, but sometimes your entire life. That's the criteria I used for my favorite verses of the year. Those that really stood head and shoulders over the rest. This year has no lack of options to fit this criteria. This list has it all from incredible metaphors and similes to great verses of introspection and braggadociousness.

J. Cole on “Johnny P’s Caddy”
Since its release in January, Cole set the bar at the highest it could be. Even from before the Off-Season era, you can tell Cole has been on a lyrical mission to separate himself from the competition.
21 Savage on “Major Distribution”
This song was easily one of the best examples of when 21 is on, he is almost untouchable. You can feel how comfortable he is once you hear his verse start. The delivery to the Steve Francis bar; Savage really got Drake on this track.
Ab-Soul Verse 3 on “Hollandaise”
When you hear this beat switch and hear this man start the third verse you can hear he has something to prove. This has to be one of the best flows Ab has ever spit. The way he paints small pictures of his past, coupled with his slick bars is peak Ab-Soul.
Boldy James Verse 1 on “Designer Drugs”
“Scared to dwell on my past I got Alzheimers, totin’ my .30, me and girly pullin’ all-nighters,” gets me every single time. Many days this year I’ve started this song and by the end of the verse I’m starting it back from the beginning.
Kendrick Lamar Verse 1 on “Count Me Out”
This track finds Kendrick in one of his most vulnerable/introspective moments. If there's one thing K.Dot is gonna do, is lay it all out on the table. This song is a sleeper on this incredible album, with his continuous delivery and rawness, this verse hits all the marks for me when it comes to a Kendrick Verse.
Kendrick Lamar Verse 2 on “Father Time”
No, you're not having a stroke, that is Kendrick’s name yet again. It wouldn’t be right for me to leave off what may be the best song on Mr.Morale & The Big Steppers. This is a song many people, not just sons, could relate to. Points of pride and how the effects parents have on us in the most susceptible and impressionable time of our lives. There is at least one line on this song that someone can relate to, but the second verse really separates itself from the song and stands out leagues above the rest of the verses on the album.
JAY-Z Verse on “Neck and Wrist”
It’s JAY-Z man. There is a reason he’s on the Mount Rushmore and top 5’s of numerous fans across the planet and generations. Like a fine wine, he only gets better with time. In the spiritual sequel to the first collaboration with Pusha T on “Drug Dealers Anonymous,” (One of my top 5 Jay verses of all time) he yet again does what he has done his entire career, kill the track. There is just something about this flow, and the mentioning of The Commission reminds me every time how much we would have gotten from Hov and Biggie if not for Big’s untimely death.

Best Songs

Now when it comes to the best songs, it doesn’t just mean best flows and verses and beats. It’s everything. It doesn’t have to be the most impressive lyrical miracle. Just all-around great music that separates itself from the competition and will constantly be in rotation, with high potential for years to come. Whether it be instrumental songs, or just a three-minute, one-verse song, this is my list for some of the songs I listened to almost every single day and were at the top of my most played songs of this year.

“Brand New 911” by Joey Bada$$ ft. Westside Gunn
Joey’s return after his long hiatus was some of the best work of his career. The coming together of 2 of the best emcees to come out of New York in the past 10 years could not have gone better. This beat alone from the first note is impeccable. It's almost infectious and fits both artists like a match made in heaven. Joey’s deliver matches the vibe perfectly, alongside Gunn’s addicting “BOOM BOOM BOOM” adlibs elevates this song to a level that couldn’t be touched if anyone else tried to get on this instrumental.
“Blackest in the Room” by Freddie Gibbs
Big Rabbit returned this year with an album that features some of the best producers the game has to offer. But this Alchemist beat shows exactly why many of their fans want them to collab again and give us the sequel to Alfredo. The beat switch on this song is insane. The first half is a smooth beat which Freddie matches expertly. Once that beat changes with this more eerie and heavy beat, it makes the track more than what you would think during the first minute and a half. Alchemist once again shows why he is one of the greatest producers to ever touch a beat machine or find a sample. Don’t be surprised if you see yet another Alchemist beat in this article.
“Privileged Rappers” by Drake & 21 Savage
When Her Loss dropped this was that first song I ran back probably 4 times once released to the public. Both of them are comfortable and almost effortlessly make this track their own and like many others may agree, is my favorite song on the album. It’s so good that even the Animal Crossing remix hits. Even with Drake’s zestiness in the music video it is perfect. To me it's the epitome of what Her Loss is. Those 21 ad-libs are also unmatched.
“Defibrillator” by Smino
The St. Louis rapper is carving out his own lane in the industry and has done so with great-quality music. This song is the perfect late-night and calm song to come out this year. Smino has a voice that makes you want to smoke to match the feeling it gives you on this smooth track.
“Worldwide Steppers” by Kendrick Lamar
In what may be a shocker to some people this is in my top 3 favorite songs on the album. Kendrick is one who always pushes the envelope for the type of beats and songs he can craft. This one is no exemption. In what sounds like a song that shouldn’t be released until 10 years from now when hip-hop is trying whatever it can to do something that hasn’t been done. It's a pivotal part of the album and sets the stage for the songs, imagery and messages that follow throughout the album. The best way I could describe it is peak Apocalypse sounding music.
“2007” by JID
A track that was added after the album's release met by many fans begging for the release is one of the best songs the Atlanta native has ever blessed us with. That beat is infectious and imagery of JID as a young kid coming up in parallel with releases dates of J.Cole projects is perfect, and as someone who was in that same realm during the releases just hits even harder. It's one of the few 6 minute plus track songs of the year I can’t find myself being able to skip due to its length (pause).
“The Elephant Man’s Bones” by Roc Mariano & The Alchemist
This sample is absolutely incredible. From the first time I heard it, I knew Alchemist was about to hit us with one of his beat pieces of work he’s done in recent years, and I was proven right. With the great Roc Marciano’s veteran ability it was everything a hip-hop fan could ask for. I tried finding this sample for hours after hearing this track.
“Eternal” by Kenny Beats
One of my biggest surprises of this year was the accompanying album, but this is one of the most beautiful tracks of this year. It was one of those right places at the right time releases, and has stuck with me ever since. Kenny Beats was in his damn bag on this one.
“Survivors Guilt” by Joey Bada$$
As a longtime Pro Era fan, Joey is someone that has had me as a fan since 1999. So much though he’s changed since they first tape in 2012. This song is a bit of a recap but it is not one of bragging. Talking about the feelings of losing both his cousin and his good friend Capital STEEZ, and as the title states, the survivors guilt of living past these people that mean so much to him and the journey he’s been on. Don’t be surprised if this one makes you shed a tear.
“Real Six” by Yeat
This year the average fan was introduced to Yeat and first with the first listen to this track will show you why this man had grown adults showing up to the Minions movie in suits getting kicked out. The delivery and energy of Yeat is unmatched by very small amounts of artists in this day and age. It is one of my most played songs of this year for a reason. If you haven't listened to Yeat, this song will show you what the hype is about.
“Thun” by Nas & Hit-Boy
The return of Nas and Hit-Boy for the conclusion of the trilogy did exactly what I wanted. But this track is incredible. It's the perfect gritty new New York sound that Hit-Boy has been able to match with Nas perfectly on all these albums. There's a reason he's top 5 all time. The reinvention of Nas on tracks like this is one to behold.
“5.0 Chronicles” by Larry June
One of the most underrated but consistent rappers of his generation, Larry June knows how to give you exactly what you press play on his music for. One of those expertly crafted beats and I have yet to hear Larry sound out of place or uncomfortable on a beat he chooses to step on. This will make you want to get in your car at night and drive with no destination.

2022 Season Awards

As a basketball fan (shocker) I often find myself thinking of who will win what award by the end of the season. Who is the most valuable player of the league? Who is the best coach and which defense I’ve played is dominate above the rest. So for this part of the article I wanted to give out a few “awards” for this summary of 2022.

Rapper of the Year: 21 Savage - From the Her Loss album with Drake, to the feature with Nas on “One Mic One Gun” you will be hard-pressed to find someone who had as good and consistent of a year as 21. He is someone who every year seems to get better. He’s come a long way from “Bank Account.” He was also part of one of the biggest songs of the year, “ Jimmy Cooks” and every track I’ve heard him on has left me surprised.

Six Man of the Year: Boldly James - Arguably the most underrated artist in the game, Boldy James provides both quality and quantity and is one of the most consistent artists you can find. There’s a reason he said JAY-Z only listens to him. The life of the Detroit rappers bleeds through the mic with both pain and success. Over the years he’s become one of my all-time favorites and was overlooked this year even with the great music he’s gifted fans.

Producer of the Year: Alchemist - I was hard-pressed to narrow down just who the best producer was. But the collaborative album with Roc Marciano, coupled with beats on albums from Freddie Gibbs, Kendrick Lamar & Westside Gunn, Alchemist time and time again proves why he is one of the greatest producers of all time. The man did the beat for one of the most intense songs of the year “We Cry Together.” It felt blasphemous to not give this man his props for the year.