After releasing 3 albums in 18 months and achieving viral status from the Boiler Room in London, Fred Again has helped pioneer the house/hip-hop wave that permeates the mainstream today. His unique style of sampling voice notes from other records to create his own sonic landscape is a sight to behold.
If You're New to this Artist:
Listen to his Boiler Room set
Listen: Fred Again..
Selling more than 1 million copies of your album in 2022 is insane. Taylor Swift steamrolls first week sales for any other artist without sacrificing her craft, releasing an album that encapsulates multiple themes from previous works that showcase why she is arguably the biggest artist of this generation.
If You're New to this Artist:
Listen to “Midnights”
Listen: Taylor Swift
Fousheé has come a long way since creating sample loops for artists like Sleepy Hallow to pick up and run with. Coming into her own as an artist, Fousheé was the sole feature on Steve Lacy’s “Sunshine” and also dropped a multi-genre fused project of her own in the final quarter of the year. Keep Fousheé on your radar in the coming years.
If You're New to this Artist:
Listen to “double standard”
Listen: Fousheé
Nearly 4 years since his last full length project, JID ensured the wait was worth it. In addition to dropping a cinematic masterpiece, JID contributed multiple verses to others’ albums as well as the Dreamville D-Day mixtape. JID proved he is the most valuable asset to Dreamville.
If You're New to this Artist:
Listen to “The Forever Story”
Listen: JID
After 2021 fans were at a crossroads of where Drake would go next. While divisive to many, “Honestly, Nevermind” enforced Drake’s willingness to step out of his comfort zone. To top it all off he also dropped “Her Loss” with 21 Savage, muting the critics who said he still didn’t have the fire.
If You're New to this Artist:
Listen to “Sticky”
Listen: Drake
The Queen returns. Since her last solo album in 2016, Beyoncé remained relatively quiet, crafting what would eventually become the house-inspired Renaissance. A perfect post-Covid release, Beyoncé’s release was a formal announcement to the world that we are indeed back outside.
If You're New to this Artist:
Listen to “Renaissance”
Listen: Beyoncé
As if from dropping “Aethiopes” wasn’t enough, Billy Woods “Church,” an additional LP that reinforces his unparalleled lyrical density. There is not an emcee out who can compete with the poetic nature of Woods.
If You're New to this Artist:
Listen to “Aethiopes”
Listen: Billy Woods
Every verse that 21 Savage dropped this year was both notable and quotable. In addition to releasing a collaboration album with Drake, 21 provided heat all year with guest verses for JID, Metro Boomin, Nas, and more.
If You're New to this Artist:
Listen to “Walk Em Down”
Listen: 21 Savage
Dominating every chart on the globe this year, Bad Bunny permeated the airwaves with infectious melodies and massive crossover appeal. “Un Verano Sin Ti” will undoubtedly continue to chart in 2023, catapulting Bad Bunny further into stardom.
If You're New to this Artist:
Listen to “Un Verano Sin Ti”
Listen: Bad Bunny
Despite captivating a cringe TikTok audience that might dissuade the average listener from wanting to listen to Steve Lacy in the first place, do not let his fandom discourage you. “Gemini Rights” is a breath of fresh air from front to back, further cementing his legacy as a solo artist apart from his contributions to The Internet.
If You're New to this Artist:
Listen to “Gemini Rights”
Listen: Steve Lacy
