As the year comes to its closing, an aspect that really elevated 2022 was music. One thing people love to do when this time comes is finalize their albums of the year. Within 2022, so many great and future classic albums had been released but these 5 albums are ones that should be highlighted as the best to come out this8 year. 

After a 4 year hiatus, Atlanta rapper JID released, “The Forever Story”, a follow up of his 2017 album, “The Never Story.” The Forever Story shows a wide range of versatility from his ability to sing to his many different tones and flows, and his ability of wordplay and lyricism. JID throughout The Forever Story, is a telling of JID’s place in the world of hip-hop along with his upbringing. One song on The Forever Story that’s a great representation of said telling is “Crack Sandwich”, which is storytelling through the perspective of JID in events and ways of his upbringing.

With the uprising in Griselda, a group and label founded by Westside Gunn, many new faces came to light, in particular Rome Streetz. Rome Streetz released his debut Griselda album, “Kiss The Ring.” Kiss The Ring is an unhinged, grimy, underground sounding album, with lots of production from rising producer Conductor Williams. Kiss The Ring is full of grimy songs that will leave your face with a smug stern look. Rome Streetz really outdid many people’s expectations, which caused it to land amongst these other top 5 albums. 

Again Metro Boomin sneaking his way into albums of the year. Metro released, “HEROES & VILLAINS”, which is a swift ride through a superhero and villain storyline. Metro Boomin, who is one of the modern day greats when it comes to producing, released one of the best trap albums we’ve had in some time. The direction, the producing, samples, one could go on and on about this album, which is why it finds its way onto this top 5.

It had been 3 years since we’ve received a solo Denzel Curry album, and with the wide variety Denzel can and has taken his music, fans had no idea where Denzel was taking his newest album, “Melt My Eyez See Your Future.” Denzel took this album in a much different approach compared to his past albums, this album wasn’t full of hard knocking 808’s and loud drums and grueling vocals, though it was more mellow and melodic. With a softer and more direct tone of voice from Denzel. This album seemed to have more of a straight forward direction than his past albums. With outstanding work from many of the features layered throughout the album, and a surprising but very wanted direction from Denzel, it’s no wonder why it lands in the top 5 albums of 2022.

With a surprising return to the hip hop world, after a 5 year hiatus, Kendrick Lamar returned to bless fans with, “Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers.” Kendrick’s approach on this album is great as well, touching upon many current issues within our society, along with stories of Kendrick’s past. This album is a double sided album as Mr. Morale is side 1 and The Big Steppers being side 2 of the album, both sides touch on different things and take different approaches not only through Kendrick’s lyrics but as well through his tones, flows, sounds. It’s no wonder as to why Kendrick finds himself planted amongst these other artists in this top 5 albums of 2022.

There are so many more great albums that have been released throughout the year, and to exit 2022 with as much great music we received, it only sets up high expectations for 2023.