Another year, another list of the dopest albums that we’ve heard from D.C. and Baltimore area artists over the past 12 months. In 2021, we capped said list at 20 — this go ’round, we’re adding five more in an attempt to better capture the awesomeness that hit our collective ears in what feels like a return to some semblance of normalcy post-quarantine. With that said, JUKEBOX:DC is excited to provide you with 2022’s musical cream of the crop (in no particular order):
#25: YG Teck – 90 Day Run (STREAM)
After delivering the well-received Undeniable and its deluxe upgrade in 2021, YG Teck continued his momentum with last April’s 90 Day Run, a hard-hitting, soul-bearing effort with assists from the likes of YBS Skola and Roddy Rackzz. This album is the type of multilayered talent that’s solidified Baltimore as a true hotspot for hip hop, and we look forward to seeing how Teck continues his ascent moving forward.
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#24: Young Moe – Real One (STREAM)
We’ve been fortunate to witness Young Moe’s career from his inception, and it’s amazing to see the Virginian continue to deliver quality releases in the present day. On Real One, he finds a way to merge his signature formula with some of the current styles made popular by this area’s new generation of artists. Add in fellow heavyweights like Shy Glizzy, Chris Bo (!), and Fat Trel, and you have a body of work that’s sure to get bump well into the future.
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#23: Rico Nasty – Las Ruinas (STREAM)
Let’s be clear, Rico Nasty has been pushing the boundaries of DMV music and culture damn near by herself. Following her official debut LP Nightmare Vacation, the P.G. County star kept the proverbial train rolling with Las Ruinas, a project full of the avant-garde raps and genre-bending vibes that’s pushed the XXL Freshman alum to the forefront of hip hop’s current generation. Notables like Teezo Touchdown and Marshmello also contributed to Rico’s most recent effort.
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#22: A$AP Ant – Lil Black Jean Jacket 3 (STREAM)
As an already pivotal member of A$AP Mob, the past few years or so have seen A$AP Ant continuing his creative run as both a formidable solo artist and as the head honcho of the Maryland-based Marino Infantry collective, an entity known as much for its merch tours as it is for its music. As such, the Baltimore talent put his all into the third installment of his Lil Black Jean Jacket series, complete with contributions from fellow Mob members Rocky and Twelvyy. Other heavyweights like Larry June and Curren$y also helped to make this one of 2021 most solid releases.
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#21: Big Flock – 1 Lick Away (STREAM)
Since his release from prison back in 2019, Big Flock has quickly returned to form as one of the most electrifying rappers in the DMV, and 2021 might have been his most important year to date. First (for the purposes of this list) is the 15-song 1 Lick Away, which saw the Maryland emcee carrying an entire project without the need for a feature. Not done with his annual output, Flock then celebrated his birthday with a Side B upgrade of the aforementioned release. Add in November’s The Lemon Made Me Do It with WhoppV3 and you have what might be the most prolific talent from the DMV right now.
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