TEAM PICKS THEIR FAVORITE RELEASES OF 2022
Our list continues as our team each pick their favorite 5 releases of the year!
Xanders Top 5
Luv 4 Rent - Smino
Smino once again delivers not only a unique project, but another amazing entry into his discography. This whole project is a breath of fresh air with so many contagious tracks and overall great vibes throughout. Ive came back to this project each day since it was released and could not imagine getting tired of it.
Quit Playin - Jireh
This 5 song EP from Jireh is amazing and just delivers the perfect amount of music within. With a soulful sound and smooth vocals, this project is very hypnotic and very relaxing. Jireh really proved his talents on this and has slowly become one of my favorite up and coming artists.
Inside Out - Kwajo & SH1NOB1
Now this single is definelty a song of the year. With not only great verses from both Kwajo and SH1NOB1 but also the super bouncy and addictive production, Inside Out has been my favorite single of the entire year. The best thing about this song is how easy it is to listen to and how catchy it is.
better luck next time. - Midwxst
This project has definitely been my favorite of the year. Midwest is able to deliver such a fun and energetic project with tracks like “riddle” and “okay”, the hyperpop aspects are perfectly balanced so that anybody is able to jump and listen. Edgar made my favorite artist of 2022 list and there is no surprise that this project is on this list.
No Recognition - Aaron May
Aaron may has been on my radar for a few years now and this year was no different. His “No Recognition” album was a great showcase of who Aaron May is and what he is capable of. His smooth style and catchy verses really helped solidify this project as a favorite.
IJR’s Top 5
Ihateholywood - Bayymack
I covered this project a few months back, but the sentiment that still rings true is that this project sounds like a payoff for what Bayymack has spent the past year building. We’ve seen Bayymack take on a few sounds in his career, but the sound that the project’s singles and songs delivered feel like the perfect mix of hip hop, electronic, and hyperpop. I wouldn’t say it’s a perfect album, but it easily became a favorite of mine because of the growth that was clearly achieved to deliver it.
Trial & error (Koi project) - Trail and error saw koi keeping the same attitude, while taking on new beat selections. This project fostered a range of producers that ultimately brought Koi in a new direction, and while he still uses the same demeanor, his no two songs on this project sound the same.
Jamie - Montell Fish
This is an album you listen to when you want a good cry. I fell in love with this album in the most unintentional way possible, finding its songs at random times, not even knowing that they were on the same project, and by the time I knew it, I had made memories with each one naturally.
Shell - Kenny Mason
This is a single that really surprised me. Kenny Mason was an artist I was aware of, but wasn’t actively a fan of. I had no idea Kenny mason was this lyrical, I mean i love the screaming delivery, but on Shell it sounds like Kenny is really giving his truth to the world in the most lyrical way possible. I found myself coming back to this specific song super often, and it would probably make my lists of top 5 singles.
zaeydOmar - ZaeydOmar
quite possibly the most underground pick on my list, producer ZaeydOmar’s self titled album was released in the second half of the year via soundcloud. The project contains a total of seven tracks featuring various guest artists, all produced by ZaeydOmar himself. Now I include this album, not because it was the best of the year, but because it easily became a personal favorite thanks to its clear showcase of underground talent (something that I value immensely). Watching ZaeydOmar come to his own over the past year has been exciting, and this project felt like the ultimate status update for those keeping a close eye on the producer.