Here is our selection dedicated to Rap albums for this year 2022: SABA, Metro Boomin, Joey Bada$$, Cordae, Roc Marciano & The Alchemist, Armani Caesar, Loyle Carner, Nas, Apollo Brown & Philmore Greene et Smino.
SABA – Few Good Things
Third album and still no bad taste for the Chicago rapper Saba who signs with Few Good Things a concentrate of intelligent rap, neat and above all very pleasant to the ear! His cool and relaxed rap had enchanted us on CARE FOR ME his 2018 album full of sounds played in the company of jazz musicians. In the same spirit, the little guy from Chicago signs there pieces bursting with good vibrations, radiant sounds with a flow always as pleasant. (Pivot Gang LLC) – listen
Metro Boomin – Heroes & Villains
Very prominent producer in the world of Trap Music, Metro Boomin just struck a big blow again with Heroes & Villains.l signs an imposing production carried by a promotional film with Hollywood accents. On this 15-track album, he strings together devastating singles in the company of Future, Young Thug, Travis Scott, Don Toliver et 21 Savage, The Weeknd, Mario Winans and even Morgan Freeman. An essential record for this end of the year and even for the whole of 2022. (Republic Records / UMG) – listen
Joey Bad$$ – 2000
After 5 years of waiting, the gifted kid from Brooklyn, Joey Bad$$, returns with a new album and instantly reclaims the coveted East Coast Rap crown. A little gem of this New Old School Rap of which he is the best representative, a journey in the grayness of New York between spleen, Jazzy curls and nostalgic ego trip. (Columbia / Sony) – listen
Hearts — From A Bird’s Eye View
Released at the very beginning of 2022, this album will nevertheless be among the most stimulating and challenging rap records of 2022. The young rapper from Maryland signs a beautiful sequel to Lost Boy released three years ago with 12 titles where we find, excuse me, Eminem Freddie Gibbs, Stevie Wonder or Lil Wayne. (Atlantic) – listen
Roc Marciano & The Alchemist – The Elephant Man’s Bones
First collaboration between Roc Marciano et The Alchemist, who together sign a solid boom-bap album. The meeting between New York and California leads to a record that denotes enough in current production, with a dark and underground sound like we don’t do too much anymore, but how good is it!. (ALC Records) – listen
Armani Caesar – The Liz 2
First there is the cover, unmissable with this Liz Taylor with three eyes. With her flow which is not there to deliver sweets, quite the contrary, the lady gives a worthy follow-up to Liz released in 2020. Filled with samples of formidable efficiency, the tracks follow one another without downtime with very dark passages, reminiscent of certain underground hip-hop productions from the 90s. A must for 2022. (Griselda Records) – listen
Loyle Carner – Hugo
Big sensation of the year 2017 with his album Yesterday’s gone, Loyle Carner come back later no Waving, but drowning (2019) with an album in which he once again mixes jazz and hip-hop. Ten titles in the form of introspection and questioning, undoubtedly darker and less mainstream than the two previous ones, but in which the flow and the music prove to be more effective than ever. (Virgin / EMI) – listen
Nas – King’s Disease III
Despite the passing years and a musical career as imposing as it is abundant, Nasthe author of the mythical Illmatic, continues to nurture a discography that inspires respect. The Brooklyn producer signs the third part of his trilogy King’s Diseasewith 17 generally very good titles, some of which are among the best titles of the year. (Mass Appeal) – listen
Apollo Brown & Philmore Greene – Cost of Living
The boom-bap is doing well in 2022, evidenced by this impeccable album from the duo Apollo Brown & Philmore Greene. The two veterans offer a conscious rap carried by the political texts of Philmore Greene and the flawless curls of a Apollo Brown more than ever master of his art. Classic and efficient. (Mello Music Group) – listen
Smino – Luv 4 Rent
He’s the outsider of this 2022 selection! Smino mixes trap, r’n’b and modern soul with a very melodious flow, a good dose of experimentation and fun that make his tracks adorable from the first listen. Luv 4 Rent the coolest album of the year? And why not.