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The Best Rap Songs of 2022 ...(so far)

Published on: Feb 26, 2022, 11:02 AM

It'due south simply been a month but 2022 is already shaping up to be a wild twelvemonth for music. This month alone, we've received music from up-and-coming staples of rap to grizzled legends. We've taken the liberty of rounding upwardly the hottest tracks and some songs we experience deserve some love. Highlights from this month include offerings from Jack Harlow, Pusha T, Gunna and Denzel Back-scratch.

Every month, HipHopDX puts a spotlight on the tracks that stand out from the overabundance of releases throughout the year, highlighting everything from Billboard nautical chart-friendly singles to essential anthology cuts.

PUSHA T – Diet COKE

As the wait continues for Pusha T's forthcoming anthology produced past The Neptunes and Kanye Due west, fans were blessed with "Diet Coke." Kingpin rap isn't new to the G.O.O.D. Music rapper, all the same his brick-talk on "Diet Coke" sounds as energized every bit ever. Rapping over soulful product from Ye and 88-Keys, Push details the journey he underwent, from pushing weight to pushing records, and all the spoils which came with the success.

JACK HARLOW – NAIL TECH

KING VON & 21 SAVAGE – DON'T PLAY THAT

On first mind, the warm production from Kid Hazel wouldn't appear to exist suitable for the raps of Atlanta's 21 Fell and the belatedly King Von. Simply one time Von'south bouncing, stutter-step chorus rings through, all doubts dissipate. Von, who tragically passed in November 2020, was a promising rapper with an innate gift for storytelling. While his contribution to "Don't Play That" strays from his usual affinity or narratives, it'due south overnice to hear him on such a lighthearted rails.

BABY TATE – SL*T HIM OUT

2022 HipHopDX Rise Star Baby Tate knows how to go viral. Months before the release of "Sl*t Him Out," the sound was already trending heavily on TikTok. Now officially unveiled, fans are able to enjoy the full braggadocious and sensual shit-talking of ane of Atlanta'southward best. Tate nevertheless hasn't cooled from the enormous highs of her 2021, but it seems like the ascent has only simply begun.

"Johnny P's Caddy" – Benny The Butcher F. J. Cole

"Surround Sound" – JID F. Baby Tate & 21 Savage

"Walkin" – Denzel Back-scratch

Like he tends to do in Jan every year, Denzel Back-scratch has returned unexpectedly. On "Walkin," the Ballad Metropolis Star is back in total force. His signature intensity comes through and transforms the angelic sample into something menacing and enthralling. At almost 5 minutes long, the extended run time gives his lyrics some breathing room, as well equally providing space for a long, head-bumping chorus that incorporates the cynicism and braggadocio nosotros expect and beloved. And, as the drums switch around at the halfway point and the hi-hats begin to burn at double speed, Denzel speeds up to a furious, machine gun step that carries the 2nd one-half weightlessly. – Ben Brutocao

"Survivor's Guilt – Saba F. G Herbo

"Then Cool" – Big Yard.R.I.T

Big K.R.I.T is known for his intense southern drawl, as well as his unwavering assailment. While the former is nowadays on his new single "So Cool" (and as prominent every bit ever), the latter is washed away entirely, replaced by forcefully serene vibes that suspend all feelings that aren't related to spooky in a hammock on a tropical beach. In less than ii minutes, Big Yard.R.I.T does a complete 180 from his previous work, leaving the listener scratching their caput as to the direction of his adjacent anthology while relaxing and grooving to the greatest extent possible. – Ben Brutocao

"Million Dollars Worth Of Game" – 2 Chainz F. 42 Dugg

"We Prepare The Trends" – Jim Jones f. Migos

"Tabula Rasa" – Earl Sweatshirt f. Armand Hammer

Earl Sweatshirt has returned from his recluse state first with the masterful wordplay of "2010," and now with "Tabula Rasa" featuring underdog MVPs of 2021 Armand Hammer. Produced by 2021 HipHopDX Producer of the Year Alchemist, "Tabula Rasa" is an introspective journey into the minds of some of Hip Hop'due south greatest thinkers. – David Brake

"The Last two Minutes" – Method Human being

"Wave Gods" – Nas f. A$AP Rocky

"Plug Addicts" – RZA & Flatbush Zombies

Staten Island and Brooklyn collide for RZA and the Flatbush Zombies' latest "Plug Addicts" runway. The menacing and dark sounds of RZA, of Wu-Tang Clan and Gravediggaz fame, mesh perfectly with the gristle of the NYC rap trio, backed past a triumphant only haunting string sample. – David Brake

"Blessings" – Cousin Stizz

Massachusetts experienced a landmark yr in 2021, with acts such as BIA, Van Buren Records and Cousin Stizz taking the scene to new heights. On "Blessings," Stizz reflects on his upbringing, finding gratitude for the past experiences which crafted the human he is today. – David Brake

"Life of The Party" – Kanye West f. Andre 3000

Kanye West finally released the deluxe version of Donda on Sunday (November xiv) much to the surprise of his always-loyal fans. Although the tracklist was slightly rearranged, the updated version of the Billboard 200 chart-topping album contained the André 3000 collaboration, "Life Of The Political party," which Drake leaked in September in an endeavour to outsmart his gimmicky. The vocal features the Outkast legend opening up almost the loss of his mother, which fit the theme of Donda, the name of Kanye's late mother who died in 2008. Many are already calling it "verse of the year."

"2010" – Earl Sweatshirt

Each Earl Sweatshirt runway is a gift that keeps giving. With each mind, his music expands and contracts, sharing textures, lyrics and notes unheard on the first play. "2010," the former Odd Future rapper's most recent track, is another excellent addition to his canon, containing heady bars layered between clever references, all over a wonderfully discordant beat from Black Noi$e.

"Black Illuminati" – Freddie Gibbs f. Jadakiss

Gangsta rap is a tradition that despite rap's continued metamorphosis — volition never die. Freddie Gibbs' success is proof. Gangsta Gibbs links up with legendary LOX fellow member Jadakiss to spit some truths over a soulful beat. It's a meeting of the minds that hasn't occurred since 2012, and the reunion is long overdue.

"Never Neglect" – Morray f. Benny The Butcher

Morray has proven he can sing his heart out, but his rap skills take been severely underestimated. "Never Fail" ends all uncertainty, as he blazes through the runway possessed. His speed rapping combined with a melodic tinge pairs well with Benny The Butcher's directly forward approach. It'southward full proof that the DX Rising Star has every tool to go a superstar.

"Murder Music" – Snoop Dogg f. Benny The Butcher, Jadakiss & Busta Rhymes

"Outlawz" – Rick Ross f. 21 Brutal & Jazmine Sullivan

Rick Ross is back in his Big Dominate Pocketbook with his latest single "Outlawz" featuring Atlanta spitter 21 Savage and R&B songstress Jazmine Sullivan. Two years have passed since Ross released Port of Miami 2, and though he's appeared on several other artists' tracks such as DJ Khaled's "THIS IS MY YEAR," DJ Serpent's "Run It" and the remix to "How Many" by Guapdad 4000, "Outlawz" represents the Florida rapper's first solo track in a while, building anticipation for his upcoming album.

"Who Want Smoke (Remix)" – Nardo Wick f. 21 Brutal, Lil Durk & G Herbo

"Phenomenon Babe" – Alchemist f. MAVI

Alchemist and North Carolina rapper MAVI sound similar they were made for each other. Spitting through the swirling textures of Alchemist'due south soulful production, MAVI raps with a sense of glory and pride, his bars splintering into topics including metaphysics, the state of the nation and the success he's experienced over the past few years. Securely impassioned, "Miracle Babe" is not merely the best track fromThis Matter Of Ours 2, it'due south one of MAVI'due south best offerings of the yr.

"Faces" – Young Thug

"Silly Achilles" – TisaKorean

mr.siLLyfLow, the most recent album from Houston MC TisaKorean is ripe with the absurd raps which first brought him attention in 2019 with "Dip (#thewoah)," but "Featherbrained Achilles" stands apart from the pack. Taking influence from the sounds of Crunk, Bounce and Plugg music, Tisa's music has the benchmarks of Texas rap, but it'southward tweaked with his unflinching sense of humour and captivating, exuberant vox.

"Long Dark In Knightsbridge" – Headie Ane

"Barcade" – Atmosphere f. MF DOOM & Aesop Rock

"Barcade" is the cloak-and-dagger rap hallmark of October. Combining the forces of Atmosphere, Aesop Rock and the late MF DOOM, "Barcade" provides a cornball feel without sounding stale. As a thick current of air blows through Pismire's production, Aesop Rock, MF Doom and Slug drop esoteric bars tackling the realities of living in a dystopian world.

Aye – Mac Miller

"Light Years" – Wale f. Rick Ross

Wale'due south ability to stay relevant for over a decade is a rare talent in Hip Hop. While many rappers have burned hot and quick, Wale'southward never taken his foot off the gas. FromFolarin Two, Wale's virtually contempo LP, "Calorie-free Years," feels like a throwback to the era of Blog Rap with Wale reminding the listener that he's been that guy for years, anyone who doesn't see that fact must have been comatose.

"Range Brothers" – Baby Keem & Kendrick Lamar

The declared familial bonds betwixt Babe Keem and Kendrick Lamar produced the almost electrifying five minutes in Rap this year. Capitalizing off the momentum from their pb single "family ties," the duo ratchet up the energy and the applesauce with every give-and-take on "range brothers." In that location's a jarring switch from elite rapping backed past cinematic overtures to the unhinged last infinitesimal of the track. The finale'southward captivating dorsum and forth is blimp with quotables and advertizing-libs that rattle in your head for weeks, leaving you muttering "rollie gang" like a madman.

"Intro (Hate On Me)" – Meek Manufacturing plant

"Wyd" – Tony Seltzer f. Mavi

Brooklyn producer Tony Seltzer acts more than like a luxury tailor than producer, precisely molding the production of his tracks to match the tone and energy of his collaborators. "Wyd" features a high-pitched droning that provides a perfect foil to MAVI'southward laid-dorsum, low-octave commitment. His rambles conversely feel measured and controlled, with every one of his melancholic words coming through clear as day.

"Off The Grid" – Kanye West f. Playboi Carti & Fivio Strange

Kanye West'sDONDAwas met with mixed reception, but none can deny the intoxicating energy of "Off The Grid." Including vintageYeezus-esque production and some of Ye's best confined of the anthology, "Off The Grid" also features arguably the greatest verse in Fivio Strange's career and punchy bars from Playboi Carti. Kanye, who likewise executive produced Carti'sWHOLE LOTTA RED, conspicuously holds a lot of respect for the Atlanta rapper, equally "Off The Grid" sounds similar Yeezy's have on Carti's corybantic post-SoundCloud sonics.

"family unit ties" – Babe Keem f. Kendrick Lamar

Baby Keem has had one helluva calendar month. He claimed the best poesy on Kanye Westward'due south long-awaitedDondaalbum and has a hit with cousin Kendrick Lamar on "family unit ties." The song was released after Kendrick announced his forthcoming album will be his last with Top Dawg Entertainment. It's too soon to say what the hereafter has in store for the iconic Compton rapper, just if Kendrick's new anthology sounds anything like the turbulent hellfire of his verse on "family unit ties," fans should exist excited.

Keem, besides, is due for a new album. Given that he'due south released a slew of singles (including the Travis Scott-assisted "durag activities") already in 2021, hopes are high the album is on its way.

"Down South" – Wale f. Maxo Kream & Yella Beezy

Though the shell, which sounds like a chopped and screwed violin concerto, could back up a gild banger, Wale and visitor opt into a meaty, fourth dimension-traveling philosophical roundtable on "Down South." Wale stands rightly as the grizzled lead human, asking tough questions virtually the perilous intersectionality betwixt stardom and drug dealing. Wale is grizzled after of a life spent navigating troubled waters, only Yella Beezy sounds much less scarred every bit he delivers a bullheaded verse that drips with a Southern drawl and vivid blowing.

Maxo Kream brings the rail full circumvolve with a verse that shows both glee and inescapable trauma. He totes guns and threatens the masses but also candidly recalls the death of his brother. In those terminal moments, Wale's pessimism is validated with the line, "Can't fifty-fifty trust my Crips because a Crip killed Nipsey Hussle." A Southern rapper'south dilemma in three disparate time frames, "Downward Due south" has multi-generational effect. The track illustrates the meatgrinder of the Southern rap scene and the toll it takes on those unfortunately embroiled.

"Nobody" – Nas f. Lauryn Colina

Social media entered a frenzy when people noticed Lauryn Hill was featured on the tracklist to Nas' Rex's Disease 2. Ms. Hill's return to rhyming was met with excitement and a healthy dose of uncertainty as nearly 25 years take passed since the two bards of Hip Hop commencement joined forces on It Was Written's atomic number 82 single "If I Ruled The Globe." Luckily, both legendary MCs have enough of fuel left in the tank. Nas' head-nodding period on "Nobody" exhibits the same dexterous flow he forged in his youth, but it's Ms. Colina's explosive poetry that truly steals the prove.

"Back To Life" – Zion I f. Deuce Eclipse

Bay Area Hip Hop duo Zion I — comprised of MC Baba Zumbi and producer Amp Live — transcended modern day rap. With their ethos firmly in line with the culture's roots, Zumbi and Amp pumped out historic underground classics such as "Silly Puddy" with The Grouch and "Antenna." Sadly, Zumbi'due south life came to a sudden and tragic end on August xiii when he passed away under suspicious circumstances at Alta Bates Hospital in Berkeley, California. Right before he made his transition, he and frequent collaborator Deuce Eclipse released a video for "Back To Life," a bass-heavy banger sun-kissed by Zumbi's rhyming prowess and unbridled positivity. With lines such as, "We are lights upon a journeying, and so don't e'er think you're lost/Learning is the primal, noesis of self is the boss," Zumbi inherently knew this wasn't the end. While he may not exist hither in physical class, his spirit lives on in his music and those who loved him. RIP Baba Zumbi.

"Corvette Corvette" – RX Papi

Rx Papi isn't afraid to speak his mind. On "Corvette, Corvette," Pap hurls streams of threats similar gusts of air current. Each punchline hits difficult, and Dog the Bounty Hunter, DJ Akademiks and Lil Uzi Vert are all in Pap's line of fire. "Corvette, Corvette," like most Rx Papi songs, is filled with a sinister energy that fills his lyrics. In 1 instance, he'south robbing ii people on his kickoff twenty-four hour period out of jail, then he states with a draconian deadpan delivery that he treats every solar day every bit his first mean solar day. Rx Papi's nihilism fuels the runway's chaos but at the same time, he couldn't care less.

The Best Hip Hop Albums of 2021 …(and then far)
The Best R&B Songs of 2021 …(so far)
The Best R&B Albums of 2021 …(so far)
The Best Rap Songs of 2021 …(so far) .
The All-time Rap Albums of 2021 …(so far) .
The Best Mixtapes & EPs of 2021 …(so far) .

Contributing writers: David Brake, Trent Clark, Kyle Eustice, Jeremy Hecht, Devon Jefferson, Dana Scott, Ben Brutocao, Anthony Malone, Kia Turner, Matthew Ritchie & Josh Svetz.

Editor'south note: Songs from this list were released between December 2, 2020 – Dec 31, 2021.