It's only been a month but 2022 is already shaping upwardly to be a wild year for music. This month alone, we've received music from upwards-and-coming staples of rap to grizzled legends. We've taken the liberty of rounding up the hottest tracks and some songs we feel deserve some dearest. Highlights from this month include offerings from Jack Harlow, Pusha T, Gunna and Denzel Curry.

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

PUSHA T – Nutrition COKE

Every bit the expect continues for Pusha T'due south forthcoming anthology produced by The Neptunes and Kanye West, fans were blessed with "Nutrition Coke." Kingpin rap isn't new to the M.O.O.D. Music rapper, yet his brick-talk on "Nutrition Coke" sounds every bit energized as e'er. Rapping over soulful product from Ye and 88-Keys, Push button details the journey he underwent, from pushing weight to pushing records, and all the spoils which came with the success.

JACK HARLOW – NAIL TECH

Male monarch VON & 21 SAVAGE – DON'T PLAY THAT

On first listen, the warm production from Kid Hazel wouldn't appear to exist suitable for the raps of Atlanta's 21 Roughshod and the tardily King Von. But once Von's bouncing, stutter-step chorus rings through, all doubts dissipate. Von, who tragically passed in November 2020, was a promising rapper with an innate souvenir for storytelling. While his contribution to "Don't Play That" strays from his usual affinity or narratives, it'southward dainty to hear him on such a lighthearted track.

Baby TATE – SL*T HIM OUT

2022 HipHopDX Ascent Star Baby Tate knows how to become viral. Months earlier the release of "Sl*t Him Out," the sound was already trending heavily on TikTok. At present officially unveiled, fans are able to enjoy the full braggadocious and sensual shit-talking of 1 of Atlanta's all-time. Tate still hasn't cooled from the enormous highs of her 2021, but information technology seems like the ascension has only only begun.

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

"Surround Audio" – JID F. Baby Tate & 21 Cruel

"Walkin" – Denzel Back-scratch

Similar he tends to do in Jan every year, Denzel Curry has returned unexpectedly. On "Walkin," the Carol City Star is dorsum in full force. His signature intensity comes through and transforms the celestial sample into something menacing and enthralling. At almost five minutes long, the extended run time gives his lyrics some animate room, as well as providing space for a long, head-bumping chorus that incorporates the cynicism and braggadocio we look and beloved. And, as the drums switch around at the halfway betoken and the hi-hats begin to fire at double speed, Denzel speeds upwardly to a furious, machine gun pace that carries the second half weightlessly. – Ben Brutocao

"Survivor's Guilt – Saba F. G Herbo

"So Cool" – Big K.R.I.T

Big Grand.R.I.T is known for his intense southern drawl, besides every bit his unwavering aggression. While the onetime is nowadays on his new unmarried "And then Cool" (and every bit prominent as 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 2 minutes, Big K.R.I.T does a consummate 180 from his previous piece of work, leaving the listener scratching their head as to the direction of his side by side anthology while relaxing and grooving to the greatest extent possible. – Ben Brutocao

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

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

"Tabula Rasa" – Earl Sweatshirt f. Armand Hammer

Earl Sweatshirt has returned from his recluse state get-go 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 Twelvemonth Alchemist, "Tabula Rasa" is an introspective journey into the minds of some of Hip Hop's greatest thinkers. – David Brake

"The Concluding 2 Minutes" – Method Human

"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" track. 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 by a triumphant but haunting string sample. – David Brake

"Blessings" – Cousin Stizz

Massachusetts experienced a landmark year 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 being he is today. – David Brake

  • The Best Hip Hop Albums of 2021 …(so far)
  • The Best R&B Songs of 2021 …(so far)
  • The Best R&B Albums of 2021 …(and then far)
  • The Best Rap Songs of 2021 …(so far) .
  • The Best Rap Albums of 2021 …(and then far) .
  • The All-time 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's notation: Songs from this listing were released between Dec ii, 2020 – December 31, 2021.

OTHER FAVORITE RAP SONGS FROM FROM APRIL 2021

  • "Ameliorate You" – Evidence
  • "Plastic" – Lil Yachty f. Icewear Vezzo  & Rio Da Yung OG
  • "RAPSTAR" – Polo G

OTHER FAVORITE RAP SONGS FROM FROM MAY 2021

  • "Straightenin" – Migos
  • "Gilded Rolex" – Bobby Sessions f. Freddie Gibbs & Benny The Butcher
  • "Groceries" – Pi'erre Bourne

OTHER FAVORITE RAP SONGS FROM FROM JUNE 2021

  • "Police Of Averages" – Vince Staples
  • "Young Thug" – Bbyafricka
  • "Dummy" – TyFontaine

OTHER FAVORITE RAP SONGS FROM FROM JULY 2021

  • "edamame" – bbno$ f. Rich Brian
  • "Steve Jobs: SLR 3 ½" – Lupe Fiasco
  • "Rock N Roll" – Ken Car$on

OTHER FAVORITE RAP SONGS FROM FROM AUGUST 2021

  • "Walk The Beat" – Tierra Whack
  • "In My Blood" – Mo3 f. Morray
  • "Matt Hardy 999" – Trippie Redd f. Juice WRLD

OTHER FAVORITE RAP SONGS FROM FROM SEPTEMBER 2021

  • "Rocc Climbing" – Remble f. Lil Yachty
  • "Bread Caput" – SahBabii

OTHER FAVORITE RAP SONGS FROM FROM OCTOBER 2021

  • "Silly Rabbit" – TisaKorean
  • "SANTANNY" – BKtherula

OTHER FAVORITE RAP SONGS FROM FROM NOVEMBER 2021

  • "Channel five" – Key Glock
  • "Risk SUM" – Tony Shhnow & 10kDunkin