The 25 best hip-hop albums of 2022

Throughout the history of music, there have been times when an artist and producer work together and end up creating some of their best work. That sentiment can be said about Nas, who’s been continuously working with Hit-Boy since his 2020 album King’s Disease. Well, the two are back with King’s Disease III, and Hit-Boy continues to push Nas to another level with each new offering. 

Hit-Boy’s production gives a sense of nostalgia, using old-school samples with a modern twist that allows Nas to elevate his storytelling prowess. Whether he’s celebrating his career longevity on “30,” paying homage to his life growing up in New York on “Get Light,” or reminiscing on when he first heard his favorite artists on “First Time,” it’s evident how comfortable Nas is in his career and still has more to say. Nas has been in the music industry for nearly three decades, and his recent work with Hit-Boy proves he’s still one of the best MCs in the game.  

Freddie Gibbs takes a different approach on his latest album, $oul $old $eparately. He worked solely with Madlib on his album Bandana and collaborated with Alchemist on Alfredo. While these two are present on his latest album, Gibbs enlists other producers, including Kaytranada, Boi-1da, Anderson .Paak, James Blake, and J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League. The album’s lead track “Couldn’t Be Done” lends vocals from Kelly Price as Gibbs raps about people who didn’t always believe in him. He floats effortlessly across a Bone Thugs-N-Harmony sample on “Pain & Strife” and has smooth usage of DeBarge's "All This Love" on the fan-favorite track "Too Much." It’s a concept album about Gibbs gambling with life, rising to fame, and paying his dues, but he's not selling his soul in the process.

It’s been four years since Saba released his critically acclaimed album, Care For Me. While that album highlighted dealing with grief, his latest album Few Good Things finds the Chicago native examining his life and handling the highs and lows around him. This time around, Saba experiments with different types of production, which wasn’t heavily heard on his previous projects. He teams up with Krayzie Bone on the soulful yet mellow “Come My Way,” which tells the story of daydreaming of better days — a track that easily feels like it could’ve been on Saba’s debut album Bucket List Project. 

Whether he’s hoping for a brighter tomorrow on the Mereba-assisted track “a Simpler Time,” recognizing his failures on “If I Had A Dollar,” or fulfilling his dreams on “Make Believe,” Saba not only raps about his life, but he’s a master at making his tunes a soothing, relatable experience. 

Megan Thee Stallion, a.k.a. everyone’s favorite Hot Girl, returned with her sophomore album, Traumazine. This time, she brought a few new rap girls along with her, including Latto and Rico Nasty. Megan is all about keeping it real, which is evident on the album opener “NDA,” before she calls out the haters on “Ungrateful” and channels her inner Lil' Kim on "Plan B." 

One of her most personal tracks is “Anxiety,” in which she reflects on being okay with having bad days and wishing she could speak with her loved ones who are no longer here. She then goes into “Flip Flop,” highlighting how trusting she was of people who weren’t her friends. Megan has no problem dissing others while showcasing her vulnerable side. Across the album, Megan is honest, confident, boastful, witty, and charismatic, proving that she’s a student of some of hip-hop’s greats.

Kendrick Lamar keeps a pretty low-key profile. The only time he ever posts on social media is to promote new music or a tour. After a five-year hiatus since his critically acclaimed album DAMN, Lamar returned with his fifth album, Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers. One thing that is always certain about Lamar’s discography, each album sounds different from the last, so fans usually don’t know what sound Lamar is going for until it’s released. 

On the album, it's clear that Lamar has taken time to reflect on his life, relationships, and trauma. Whether he raps about the relationship with his dad on "Father Time," desires to prove people wrong on "Count Me Out," or highlights his trust issues and insecurities on "Die Hard," Lamar uses the music as an introspection of who he is, his beliefs, and faults. 

Long Beach native Vince Staples is well aware that his hometown is a huge part of who he is as a person and an artist. On his fifth album RAMONA PARK BROKE MY HEART, Staples reflects on how a person’s hometown definitely molds them, but every city has its issues, causing him to have a love-hate relationship with it. 

On the album opener “THE BEACH,” Staples brings the signature West Coast sound as he sets the scene of his city and ends the track with a string of shocking gunshots. Whether he’s using a double entendre about a relationship with a gun on “WHEN SPARKS FLY,” having money on his mind in “PAPERCUTS,” to people in his hometown treating him differently on “LEMONADE,” Staples takes listeners on a journey about a city that raised him, flaws and all. 

Bay Area native Rexx Life Raj has often incorporated recordings of his parents into his music, such as his 2017 single “2Free” or 2019’s “Flowers.” So his latest album The Blue Hour comes with shock and sadness for fans because it highlights his grief and healing process after losing his parents within months of each other in 2021. 

It’s evident on the first track, “Reappear,” in which Raj details the different phases of grief, between sadness, disappointment, depression, and hopefulness. Raj feels the spirit of his parents on “New Normal,” prays for peace and clarity on “Hands And Knees,” and realizes his handling of life’s obstacles on “Balance." Throughout the album, Raj’s mother is heard saying prayers and talking about her health journey, and perhaps the recordings give Raj a little bit of comfort. Everyone knows that tomorrow isn’t promised, and people grieve differently when suffering from a loss. Perhaps The Blue Hour brings Raj a slice of peace and solace as he moves forward. 

After a three-year hiatus, Compton native Westside Boogie released his sophomore album MORE BLACK SUPERHEROES. Boogie expands on his vulnerability, honesty, strengths, and weaknesses a bit more than the album’s predecessor. He enlists a superb list of collaborators, including Snoop Dogg, Soulja Boy, Kalan Fr.Fr., Rapsody, Alex Isley, and more. The Spanish guitar is a heavenly element on “Nonchalant,” a track that finds Boogie giving someone he loves the same “don’t care” treatment he’s received. Whether he’s rapping about the issues in his relationship on “Prideful II,” thinking about a past love on “Can’t Get Over You,” or hoping his problems go away on “Float,” Boogie is bringing more fans into his mindset. Perhaps MORE BLACK SUPERHEROES is how one is constantly working on bettering themselves every day and becoming the hero one once needed. 

Fivio Foreign’s debut album B.I.B.L.E. showcases that the drill rapper is ready to showcase his rising stardom to the world. He brings a number of featured guests along for the ride, including Quavo, A$AP Rocky, Alicia Keys, Kanye West, and more. In reference to the album title (Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth), he blends gospel choirs with his Brooklyn drill sound on openers like “On God” and “Through the Fire.” While the number of features may seem like a bit of an overload for a debut, Fivio still holds his own alongside some of the biggest names in music. 

Drill music is shaping the hip-hop sound in New York, and it’s evident across Fivio’s songs like “Confident” and “Changed On Me.” While New York drill music was already gaining momentum, thanks to the late Pop Smoke, Fivio wants people to remember Smoke’s contribution while he desires to elevate the genre even more. 

After a three-year hiatus since his previous album Zuu, Denzel Curry returned with his latest Melt My Eyez See Your Future. Curry takes listeners on a self-reflective journey by using sounds inspired by jazz, neo-soul, and traditional hip-hop. He teams up with jazz pianist Robert Glasper on the opening track “Melt Session #1,” in which he comes to terms with his imperfections and wrongdoings but still pushes forward. From grappling with the institutions in America on “Worst Comes To Worst,” to reflecting on racism and police brutality on “The Last" and rapping about his success on "X-Wing," Curry showcases his honesty and vulnerability — factors that are appreciated by fans.

Leikeli47 is the type of MC who raps and sings, and even after just one listen, it’s evident that Missy Elliott is an inspiration. She’s also a very private person, an MC who wears face coverings and allows the music to speak for itself. Her latest album Shape Up is the final installment of her album trilogy, alongside Wash & Set and Acrylic. She shows off her fashionista side on tracks like “LL Cool J” and her sensual side on “Done Right.” 

She also has songs perfect for the club, like “Chitty Bang” and the house-inspired track “BITM.” Even with all the different sounds on Shape Up, Leikeli47 knows that a sonically cohesive album is a cheat code. The only feature on the album is Miss J Alexander, runway coach extraordinaire, on the properly titled “Jay Walk" — a track that should be used at every New York Fashion Week. Leikeli47 is confident, sassy, and self-assured, doing everything her way. 

It’s been five years since Joey Bada$$ released his previous album ALL-AMERICAN BADA$$, and since then, he's focused primarily on his acting career. Well, with assistance from producers like Statik Selektah, Mike Will Made-It, and Cardiak, Joey has returned with his long-awaited album 2000. Even on the first track “The Baddest,” it sounds like a reintroduction of some sort as Diddy presents him as one of the baddest people from New York. 

Joey reiterates that he can take five years off because his music is timeless as he reflects on his career. He bridges the worlds of jazz and hip-hop on tracks like “Brand New 911,” reflects on his success on “Cruise Control,” and flexes on his haters on the Larry June-assisted track “One of Us.” With lush production, superb sequencing, and Joey’s immaculate flow, 2000 proves that rappers shine when quality means more than quantity. 

After a four-year hiatus, JID returned with his third album The Forever Story, a sequel to his 2017 debut album The Never Story. The 16-track album features a stellar lineup of collaborators, including Yasiin Bey, Lil Wayne, Johnta Austin, Lil Durk, 21 Savage, and more. Throughout the album, JID reflects on his family life, upbringing, and dealing with his success. JID shines on tracks like “Kody Blu 31,” helmed by a cinematic violin section as he raps about pushing through life no matter the trials. He continues using an orchestral production on the Lil Durk-assisted track “Bruddanem,” in which they detail their support and loyalty with their brothers. 

In typical JID fashion, the rapper is a master at beat switches to match his impeccable flow, but he also shines on the more mellow tracks like “Can’t Make U Change” and “Better Days.” The album’s final track “2007” sums up his college life to getting signed to Dreamville. It’s a perfect closer to let people know how he wants to be recognized forever. 

It seems like since DJ Drama got his first Grammy Award this year, music fans are witnessing a new chapter in his Gangsta Grillz series. Drama and Jeezy have been in the game for quite some time — the DJ hosted the rapper’s first mixtape, Trap or Die, back in 2005. Jeezy probably doesn’t release music as much as he once did, but his latest mixtape, SNOFALL, proves that he’s still one of the pioneers to trap music. 

The hip-hop scene looks and sounds totally different now than it did during their first mixtape, but that’s what makes SNOFALL so nostalgic for Jeezy and Drama fans. Jeezy is well aware of how much of a voice he is for the streets, and it’s evident in songs like “Bruh” and “Street Cred.” The two compare their working relationship and previous mixtapes to the likes of Michael Jackson and Quincy Jones in the properly titled “MJ Jeezy.” With production from J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League, Cool & Dre, and Don Cannon, Jeezy and Drama get back to the essence that fans have enjoyed since the hip-hop blog era. 

Listening to a Larry June song can easily make anyone feel like they're riding in a cutlass convertible on a sunny day. On his latest album, Spaceships on the Blade, June teams up with producers like Jack One, Cardo, Sango, The Alchemist, and more to bring his laidback presence across lush sounds to the masses. Whether he's showing off his new whip on the DUCKWRTH-assisted track "Brand New Machinery," putting people on game on "Private Valet," or chronicling an average day in his city on "Another Day, Pt. 2," June knows how to make anthems on leveling up and gaining success sound lavish. With soul and funk elements mixed in with June's signature hip-hop sound, Spaceships on the Blade makes for a smooth listening session. 

Gunna’s latest album DRIP SEASON 4EVER (most commonly known as DS4EVER) is the final installment of his Drip Season series. The 20-track album presents production from Wheezy, Metro Boomin, and Mike Will Made-It. Gunna also enlists a star-studded cast of collaborators, including Young Thug, Future, Lil Baby, Chlöe, Drake, and more. Gunna took social media and the Billboard charts by storm when he released “pushin' P.” He shows off his drip flex on songs like “a lotta cake” and “private island" while also reflecting on the love that he wants on “you & me.” His sound and lyrical content are pretty consistent with his previous works, and there's nothing wrong with keeping with a formula that's been working. However, some fans would appreciate hearing Gunna push the envelope on his sound a little more in the future. 

On Pusha T’s latest album, It’s Almost Dry, the rapper teams up with frequent collaborators Pharrell Williams and Kanye West on production, which, at times, has fans choosing their preferred producer as to who brings out the best in the MC. 

In typical Pusha fashion, the self-proclaimed “cocaine’s Dr. Seuss” continues his supremacy of coke rap, which is evident on tracks like “Just So You Remember” and “Diet Coke.” Other standout tracks include “Let the Smokers Shine the Coupes" and the Jay-Z-assisted song “Neck & Wrist.” Since Pusha started his career as one-half of Clipse alongside his brother Malice, it’s always nice when they decide to collaborate as they did on the album’s final track, “I Pray For You.” Of course, that always sparks talks about if the world will be blessed with another Clipse album; only time will tell. 

Since Latto rebranded her name, her career has been on a roll. She won Best New Artist at the BET Awards and her hit single “Big Energy” won Song of the Year at the BET Hip Hop Awards. Not to mention, she also snagged a couple of nominations at the 2023 Grammy Awards. Her latest album 777 plays into the part of her rebrand since her name correlates with the lottery. 

Her confidence and energy shine through on tracks like “Big Energy,” “Real One,” and “It’s Givin,” the type of songs that makes her fan base feel like winners. She proves that she can stand her own in a male-dominant genre, and it’s evident when all the features on her album are men (21 Savage, Lil Wayne, Lil Durk). Latto is doing things her way, carving a lane for herself in hip-hop, and her star continues to rise. 

It’s been four years since producer Metro Boomin released Not All Heroes Wear Capes. He’s back with that album’s sequel, HEROES & VILLAINS. Fans are well aware that Metro can make a smash hit for other artists, but there are times when he recruits artists to round out his own album. The marketing for this album was spot on, as Metro portrayed his collaborators as heroes and villains on comic book and movie poster replicas. 

Throughout the album, legendary actor Morgan Freeman is heard narrating a couple of songs. On the album’s opening track “On Time,” Metro blends a bit of classical and gospel alongside John Legend — letting fans know that the wait is over for new music. He keeps his features of big names throughout the album, including Future, Travis Scott, 21 Savage, The Weeknd, Don Toliver, and more. Metro is a well-known hitmaker for other artists, and this album showcases the artistry of his vision.  

Dreamville duo EarthGang returned with their sophomore album, GHETTO GODS. One thing that always stands out about every artist on J. Cole’s Dreamville imprint is their unique style. Atlanta is another mecca of music that has changed and heightened hip-hop since the ‘90s. GHETTO GODS is an homage to the duo’s hometown while also making its mark in the hip-hop world. 

The title track is filled with cinematic sounds as the duo highlights their upbringing in the Dirty South. EarthGang is well aware that their fans love a Dreamville collaboration, so J. Cole and JID joined them on the braggadocios track “WATERBOYZ." Throughout the album, EarthGang uses different production styles while keeping their Atlanta roots to the core, and they continue to prove why they're one of the most interesting hip-hop acts to watch. 

The first collaborative album Cheat Codes from producer and musician Danger Mouse and rapper Black Thought is finally here. The album has been decades in the making since their respective careers took off, but fans can finally rejoice. Danger Mouse & Black Thought don’t do it alone, as they bring along an elite class of collaborators, including Raekwon, Joey Bada$$, Run The Jewels, Conway the Machine, MF DOOM, and more. 

Some of the album standouts include “Sometimes,” “The Darkest Part,” and “Because.” Danger Mouse showcases that he can use classic samples and put a modern twist to them, while Black Thought’s enticing flow proves why he’s your favorite rapper’s favorite rapper. For fans who enjoy soul and blues mixed with hip-hop, then Cheat Codes deserves to be in daily rotation. 

In 2020, Flo Milli released her critically acclaimed mixtape Ho, Why Is You Here? and earned several claims as an artist on the rise. Flo Milli continues to ride that wave with her debut album, You Still Here, Ho? For new listeners to her discography, Flo's style shines with confidence, bravado, and self-awareness meant to empower anyone. From highlighting her vanity on the hit single "Conceited" to knowing that no one can compare to her on "Do It Better" and showing off her riches on "F.N.G.M.," Flo Milli knows how to make an infectious and unapologetic anthem. The influence of artists like Missy Elliott, Lil' Kim, and Trina beam emphatically through Flo's style. It's the type of music that makes people want to have fun while simultaneously feeling themselves.  

Lil Durk gives listeners a glimpse into the ups and downs in his life on his seventh album, 7220. The album title is named after his grandmother’s address, by whom he was raised. He sets the tone on the opener, “Started From,” in which Durk reflects on his upbringing and relationships with his family. Whether he’s rapping about people pulling a finesse on “Barbarian,” reflecting on loved ones who passed away on “What Happened to Virgil,” or dealing with the possibility of being on trial with a potential prison term on “Federal Nightmares,” Durk makes sure to share his life experiences that plenty of listeners can easily relate to. 

It’s been four years since Smino released his last album, NOIR, and since then, he’s been lending verses to other artists. He returned this year with his latest album, Luv 4 Rent, which features collaborations alongside J. Cole, Doechii, Lucky Daye, Lil Uzi Vert, and more. For people who have never heard a Smino song, it's pretty much guaranteed that the unique texture of his voice can draw you in. With production from Childish Major, Kal Banx, Groove, and Monte Booker, the lush instrumentation is an immaculate pairing alongside Smino's voice as he raps about different kinds of love. Some of the standout tracks include "No L's," "Pro Freak," and "Blu Billy." From the abundant production to the smooth vocal harmonies, Luv 4 Rent showcases that Smino is one of the more distinctive voices in today's hip-hop. 

It's been two years since Future released his last solo album, High Off Life, so his fan base known as the Future Hive was more than ready when the rapper announced his latest album, I NEVER LIKED YOU. Since Future has long been known as rap's toxic king, the title of this album plays into his moniker perfectly. 

The 22-track album features collaborations alongside Lil Durk, 42 Dugg, Kanye West, Drake, and more. For fans who love the energetic flex side of Future, tracks like "I'M DAT N—" and "Gold Stacks" deserve some attention. However, he also shines on tracks with more mellow productions like "Wait For U" and "Love You Better." The toxicity is definitely laced across the album, something that the Future Hive is sure to praise.