HipHop 24×7 picks the top 10 albums of 2022 feat Kendrick Lamar, Lil Baby, Nas & others.
The year 2022 has been a strong one for the hip-hop music industry, with several notable events and achievements. The Superbowl halftime show featured a historic performance by top hip-hop artists, and Eminem was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, representing the significance and enduring influence of hip-hop music.
2022 is the year for hip hop, with some of the biggest names in the genre making their comeback after a hiatus, and new artists emerging onto the scene and making a huge impact. Kendrick Lamar made his much-anticipated return to the music scene after a five-year absence, and his album & was met with critical acclaim and became one of the year’s best-selling releases. Drake also made waves in 2022 with the release of not one, but two albums – one of which was a surprise release that caught everyone off guard. And it was a big year for Lil Baby, who continued his reign on the charts with the release of his highly-successful album “It’s Only Me,” building on the success of his 2020 release “My Turn.”
But it wasn’t just the men who made an impact in 2022 – women in hip hop also made their mark, with Nicki Minaj ruling the charts with her “Bussin,” Megan Thee Stallion dropping her sophomore album “Traumazine,” and Coi Leray making waves with her release “Trendsetter.” Doja Cat won a Grammy for Kiss Me More.
Overall, 2022 was a fantastic year for hip hop, with a diverse range of talented artists releasing some truly amazing albums that will go down in history as some of the best in the genre.
In this article, we will be covering the top 10 hip-hop albums of 2022. These albums represent the best and most innovative in the genre and showcase the talent and creativity of the artists who created them. From lyrical prowess to beats and production, these albums are sure to be some of the most talked-about and memorable releases of the year. So, without further ado, let’s dive into the top 10 hip-hop albums of 2022.
For your reference there is no particular order in which I’m putting them so here we go:
10) Denzel Curry, ‘Melt My Eyez See Your Future’
Denzel Curry’s “Melt My Eyez See Your Future” was released in March 2022 and quickly became a fan favorite with its innovative blend of trap and experimental hip hop. The album featured production from some of the biggest names in the industry and showcased Curry’s unique flow and lyrical prowess.
Upon its release, “Melt My Eyez See Your Future” debuted at number 2 on the Billboard 200 chart, making it Denzel Curry’s highest-charting album to date. The album also received critical acclaim, with many praising its original sound and Curry’s ability to push the boundaries of traditional hip-hop.
“Melt My Eyez See Your Future” was a standout release in 2022 and solidified Denzel Curry’s place as one of the most exciting and innovative artists in the hip-hop genre.
9) Freddie Gibbs, ‘$oul $old $eparately’
In 2022, Freddie Gibbs released his highly-anticipated album “Soul Sold Separately,” which quickly gained a devoted following with its smooth production and powerful lyrics. The album featured contributions from top industry producers Madlib and Hit-Boy, and highlighted Gibbs’ signature flow and raw lyricism.
The track’s production is smooth and soulful, with a catchy hook that stays stuck in your head long after the song ends.
Upon its release, “Soul Sold Separately” reached the number 4 spot on the Billboard 200 chart, making it Gibbs’ most successful album to date. The album received widespread critical acclaim, with many praising its cohesive sound and Gibbs’ ability to craft complex and introspective lyrics.
8) Metro Boomin, ‘Heroes & Villains’
Metro Boomin has built a reputation as a go-to producer for Atlanta-based artists like Future, 21 Savage, and Migos, known for his use of glossy synths and intricate percussion. His production style stands out in the contemporary rap scene due to his use of distinctive “crazy” drums. He has a knack for getting strong vocal performances from artists like Travis Scott, Drake, and Post Malone. “Heroes & Villains,” his collaborative album with Southside, demonstrates his ambition with the inclusion of a short film that resembles Matt Reeves’ “The Batman.” The film features Lakeith Stanfield as a villainous character driving a flame-spewing fire truck, and Morgan Freeman as a philosophical advisor to the hero, Young Metro. The album solidifies Metro Boomin’s position as one of the leading rap producers of the past decade.
“Heroes & Villains” was a commercial success, debuting at number 1 on the US Billboard 200 chart and solidifying Metro Boomin’s status as one of the leading rap producers of the past decade.
7) J.I.D, ‘The Forever Story’
JID’s latest album, The Forever Story, showcases the rapper’s autobiographical storytelling skills as he delves into the experiences that shaped him into the artist he is today. The album features appearances from fellow Dreamville artists Ari Lennox and Earthgang, as well as other notable hip-hop artists such as Lil Durk and 21 Savage. Throughout the project, JID touches on themes of love, loss, family, and standing up for what he believes in, including a story about getting into a fight at age 17 in New Orleans to defend his sister. The Forever Story offers a nuanced look at the life of one of today’s most talented lyricists.
6) Drake and 21 Savage, ‘Her Loss’
Drake and 21 Savage have a history of successful collaborations, and their latest album, Her Loss, takes that chemistry to a new level. The album is the final installment of a trilogy that began with Certified Lover Boy and continued with Honestly, Nevermind. Taken together, the titles form the phrase “I’m a certified lover boy honestly, nevermind her loss,” giving insight into Drake’s conceptual approach to the trilogy. On Her Loss, the artists showcase their skills as they trade bars and melodies over top-notch instrumentals. The album is already making waves and is likely to continue to be a source of inspiration for Instagram captions in the coming year.
Upon its release, Her Loss debuted at the top of the US Billboard 200 chart, with 404,000 album-equivalent units sold in its first week. This included 12,000 pure album sales and a total of 513.56 million on-demand streams. The album marks Drake’s twelfth number-one album in the US and 21 Savage’s third.
5) Quavo & Takeoff, ‘Only Built For Infinity Links’
While 2022 hit us back with the tragic news of Takeoff being shot, this was the album just before to tragic accident.
Infinity Links, the latest release from Migos, is a standout project that combines dynamic production, catchy hooks, and personal yet agile rapping. The album showcases the best of what Migos has to offer while trimming away the excess that weighed down Culture II and Culture III. Like their previous successful projects, Infinity Links feels like a thrilling ride, with a diverse range of trap-inspired beats courtesy of producers like Buddah Bless, Murda Beatz, Mustard, and DJ Durel. Across 18 tracks, the trio effortlessly switches between flows and structures to keep the sound fresh and engaging, covering a range of subgenres including dazed trap on “Hotel Lobby” and ratchet music on “See Bout It.”
4) Nas & Hit-Boy, ‘King’s Disease 3’
In November of 2020, the conversation surrounding Nas’s thirteenth studio album “King’s Disease” shifted from the quality of the music to the rapper’s relevance in the industry. Some critics saw this as a chance to question Nas’s place in the rap world, despite the fact that he is one of only a few of his peers who are still producing compelling music after three decades in the industry. The album, which was produced by Hit-Boy, received positive reviews and was a commercial success, reaching the top of the US Billboard 200 chart. The “King’s Disease” series, which features a mix of hard-hitting tracks and introspective lyrics, has been well-received and is seen as a return to form for Nas. Hit-Boy’s production on the album, which includes breakbeats and loops, has been praised for its unique sound and potential for mass appeal.
On “King’s Disease 3,” Nas and Hit-Boy continue to showcase their dynamic collaboration. “Thun” is a standout track, with Nas delivering powerful lyrics over a Mafioso-inspired beat. “Once a Man, Twice a Child” is a poignant reflection on facing mortality, while “Michael and Quincy” features Nas’s signature rapid-fire storytelling style. Hit-Boy’s sample choices on the album are particularly evocative, and Nas’s rapping is sharp and fast, making this album a standout in his discography. While it may not generate the same level of social media buzz as some other artists, the lasting impact of “King’s Disease 3” is undeniable.
3) Lil Baby, ‘It’s Only Me’
Lil Baby’s rapid rise to fame has been a captivating story, and his music reflects the speed at which he has achieved success. The album It’s Only Me is intended as a follow-up to the platinum-selling My Turn, which was the most streamed album of 2020 and solidified Lil Baby’s status as a star. However, the album feels more like a mandatory release than a refined or thoughtfully crafted project. The artwork, which depicts Lil Baby as the only person on a rap Mount Rushmore, captures the mundane and uninspired nature of the music. Despite this, It’s Only Me made a strong debut at the top of the US Billboard 200 chart, selling 216,000 album-equivalent units (including 6,500 pure album sales) in its first week of release. The album also earned a total of 288.97 million streams for its tracks, making it the third highest-streamed album of the week in 2022. It’s Only Me is Lil Baby’s third number-one album in the US.
2) Kendrick Lamar, ‘Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers’
Kendrick Lamar’s Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers has sparked intense debates and controversy since its release. Despite the criticism surrounding his lyrics, the inclusion of Kodak Black, and concerns about sales, the album has been widely praised for its dynamic and thought-provoking nature. On the album, Lamar addresses the personal struggles he faced during his time away from the spotlight, using a range of musical styles including funk, jazz, and soul to support his introspective and vulnerable lyrics. The result is a powerful and emotionally charged double-sided album that showcases some of the greatest moments in Lamar’s career.
Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers made a splash upon its release, breaking records with over 60 million streams on Apple Music in its first day. The album also soared to the top of the Billboard 200 chart in the United States, with 295,000 album-equivalent units sold in its opening week. This included 35,000 album sales and a staggering 258,000 streaming units, as calculated from the 343.02 million on-demand streams of the album’s tracks. Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers marked Kendrick Lamar’s fourth number-one album in the US and had the highest sales of any album in the country in the week of its release. To top it off, the album became the first hip-hop album of 2022 to reach a milestone of one billion streams on Spotify.
1) Pusha T, ‘It’s Almost Dry’
It’s Almost Dry is a highly anticipated album from two of the greatest producers of all time, who challenge Pusha T to step outside of his comfort zone and adapt his flows. Throughout his post-Clipse releases, Pusha T has established himself as a formidable force in street rap with his confident and fierce delivery. On It’s Almost Dry, he continues to showcase his impressive lyrical precision, but also adds a new level of wisdom to his rhymes, exploring the consequences of drug dealing and delving into a strained relationship with his former manager. The track “Neck and Wrist,” featuring Jay-Z and Pharrell Williams, showcases Pusha T’s introspective side as he reflects on the trappings of wealth and the meaning of good taste. Overall, It’s Almost Dry sets Pusha T apart from the rest of the rap scene with its nuanced and thought-provoking lyrics.
Upon its release, It’s Almost Dry reached the top spot on the US Billboard 200 chart, with a total of 55,000 album-equivalent units sold in its first week. This marked Pusha T’s first number-one album and included 9,000 copies in pure album sales. In addition, the album received a total of 59.11 million streams of its songs on demand.
