The 25 Best D.C. Area Albums Of 2022: #5-#1

December 16, 2022 JUKEBOXDC Staff Editorials, Music No Comments  

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):

PREVIOUSLY: #25-#21 — #20-#16 — #15-#11 — #10-#6

#5: Shordie Shordie – More Than Music, Pt. 2 (STREAM)

Shordie Shordie’s success as a solo artist was pretty much destined after the success of “B*tchuary.” Back in July, he kept his momentum going with the sequel to the well-received >Music, complete with the level of writing that earned him his “Captain Hook” nickname in the first place. Mozzy, Offset, and Rich Homie Quan join in on the fun.

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#4: YungManny – OKANLAWON (STREAM)

YungManny has managed to go viral with damn near every song and video released, making him one of the area’s hottest artists right now. This year brought us a new album from the Maryland star titled OKANLAWON, a 17-song effort filled with the type of bangers that will guarantee a high-energy response in front of any stage in any part of the world. Chief Keef, Sheff G, Kalan.FrFr, and Simi Liadi also add to the project’s value.

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#3: Baby 9eno – Hood Legend (STREAM)

After making some serious waves as a member of Marino Infantry, this year saw Baby 9eno delivering a new quality project of his own. Filled with vivid street raps and oft-creeping-yet-hard-hitting production, Hood Legend is about as authentic as it gets when talking about top-tier DMV hip hop. For those not hip, we would personally suggest the Black Fortune-assisted “Bloody Interior,” but you honestly can’t go round with any of the project’s 14 cuts.

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#2: Joony – Pretty In Black (STREAM)

Joony

Joony is one of those artists from the area that has taken the signature formula and morphed it into a sound all his own. A perfect example of this would be his May release Pretty In Black, complete with collaborations alongside Jordan Ward, Charlie Heat, Lily Rayne, and CashMoneyAP. Just before December arrived, he blessed the masses with a deluxe version of Pretty In Black, adding on nine additional songs for fans to enjoy.

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#1: Xanman – Rap Like The Rent Due (STREAM)

Xanman has managed to find his niche on the fringes of D.C. trap, much in part thanks to an off-kilter flow and oft-humorous punchlines (even when they’re at its most violent). Rap Like The Rent Due keeps that proverbial show rolling with mostly short songs and verses that refuse to follow typical song structure. The man is literally doing what he wants, and JUKEBOXDC is a fervent supporter of going against the norm. Period.

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The 25 Best D.C. Area Albums Of 2022: #10-#6

December 15, 2022 JUKEBOXDC Staff Editorials, Music No Comments  

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):

PREVIOUSLY: #25-#21 — #20-#16 — #15-#11

#10: YounG Moose – My Life Story (STREAM)

Despite still being as young as he is, YounG Moose has been delivering authentic streets raps for several years, and it’s clear that he hasn’t lost a step. Back in February, he liberated the 16-track offering My Life Story, complete with assists from YG Teck, Roddy Rackzz, Love Nova, 6IX, and Boosie Badazz, who appears on two different songs. As far as the rest of his discography, it’s more of the same heat that his longtime fans can come to expect. It’s subsequent deluxe upgrade also adds to the final product.

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#9: Yung Kayo – DFTK (STREAM)

For those not hip, Yung Kayo has been on a career ascent since signing with Young Thug’s YSL collective. Incorporating punk elements in the same vein as Playboi Carti, Don’t Forget The Krown is a dive into care-free, rave-friendly hip hop, with additional assists from the likes of Yeat, Eartheater, and (a recently released) Gunna. The crazy thing is — this D.C. native is only 19… he’s just getting started.

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#8: Brent Faiyaz – WASTELAND (STREAM)

Make no mistake: Brent Faiyaz might as will be given the ‘King of R&B’ crown at this point. The long-awaited WASTELAND is a number two success on the Billboard 200 (thanks to an impressive 88,000 album-equivalent units, all independently sold and streamed) and is Gold-certified. Accolades aside, the album contains all of the emotions and vibes that made the Maryland native a music frontrunner; heavyweights like Drake, The Neptunes, Tyler, the Creator, and Alicia Keys can’t even overpower Brent’s unmistakable voice and subject matter.

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#7: IDK – Simple. (STREAM)

Like fellow peers Rico Nasty and GoldLink, IDK is always looking to push the boundaries of the DMV sound while continuing to rep where he’s from to the absolute fullest. A perfect example of this is Simple., a collaborative effort alongside genre-bending beatsmith KAYTRANADA. Songs like “Southeast To Paris” (and its counterpart, “Paris To Southeast”) encapsulate the P.G. star’s ability to bring high-level lyricism, dance-worthy vibes, and hometown pride to wax.

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#6: Mererackz – Slime For President (STREAM)

Mererackz is on his way to the top. Outside of one of its standouts (which features Kruddy2800, Shiesty2800, and Lul Wop), the D.C. area star handles the 13-song Slime For President by his lonesome, delivering vivid subject matter about street life and his own journey as a young artist on his way to higher levels of fame. Marlow Heights is in the building.

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The 25 Best D.C. Area Albums Of 2022: #15-#11

December 14, 2022 JUKEBOXDC Staff Editorials, Music 1 Comment  

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):

PREVIOUSLY: #25-#21 — #20-#16

#15: MoneyMarr – VIRGOAT (STREAM)

There isn’t a terrible amount to say about VIRGOAT except for the fact that it’s a perfect example of where D.C. area hip hop has evolved. It’s a perfect blend of hard-hitting rhymes with a versatile selection of beats, proving that the DMV’s signature flow can find a comfortable home on anyone’s production style. YBS Skola, PGF Nuk, and Quin NFN help to make this a standout for the year — not only in regards to D.C., but also rap in general.

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#14: Fat Yee – Home of the Bullets (STREAM)

Make no mistake: Fat Yee has long mastered the art of hard-hitting raps and vivid street tales. Home of the Bullets is merely an example of just how far the SE D.C. talent has come, complete with an incredible use of nostalgic samples and a couple of assists from fellow lower ward captain Paco Panama. This one is going to continue to get plenty of play from us in the years to come.

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#13: Deetranada – NADAWORLD (STREAM)

This girl is hard, period. On NADAWORLD, the Baltimore emcee delivers rhymes harder than some of her most notable peers, including contributing artists OTR Chaz, Yung Mal, and MPA Headshakur. She also decided to honor DMX on the project’s outro, adding additional points to the overall body of work. She is way too slept on, but — given the release of this very offering’s sequel — critics or those not in the know will start to wake up in 2023.

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#12: Cordae – From A Bird’s Eye View (STREAM)

While it may not have been as impactful as his official debut, Cordae’s From A Bird’s Eye View should still be considered a proper masterpiece. From the Maryland star’s lyrical ability to the depth of the album’s subject matter, the sophomore LP has more than enough for any true hip hop fan. Having heavyweights like Gunna, Lil Wayne, Freddie Gibbs, and H.E.R. doesn’t hurt the final product, either.

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#11: Paco Panama – 1008 Grams (STREAM)

The biggest draw for Paco Panama’s 1008 Grams is that it oozes of nostalgia. From the clever use of samples to its No Limit Golden Era-style references (think Beats By The Pound-backed classics), this album shows that the SE emcee is more focused on leaning into timeless Southern hip hop vibes than breaking any particular mold. But like the old adage says, if it ain’t broke…

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The 25 Best D.C. Area Albums Of 2022: #20-#16

December 13, 2022 JUKEBOXDC Staff Editorials, Music 3 Comments  

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):

PREVIOUSLY: #25-#21

#20: Ari Lennox – age/sex/location (STREAM)

Given that it’s been three years since the critically acclaimed Shea Butter Baby, Ari Lennox’s new album was more than needed for music fans and (specifically) R&B lovers alike. On age/sex/location, the D.C. native bears a level of honesty that puts her in front of many of her peers. Add in her unique vocal range and profile (along with assists from Lucky Daye, Summer Walker, and Chlöe, and you have a body of work that can’t be imitated by anyone.

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#19: redveil – learn 2 swim (STREAM)

While comparisons can be misinterpreted, we feel as thought it would be agreed that redveil conjures up memories of other young artists that have made their names by rapping far beyond their years (ex. Nas, Joey BADA$$, Earl Sweatshirt). With that said, the P.G. County talent has a style and flow all his own, which can absolutely be heard in 4K-level clarity on learn 2 swim. Every song bears lyrics that require several listens to full decipher, making such a project all that more rewarding every time you press play.

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#18: Roddy Rackzz – Presi Flow (STREAM)

One of Baltimore’s current frontrunners, Roddy Rackzz made a serious statement with Presi Flow, a project that perfectly mixes infectious, radio and dance floor-friendly harmonies with real life, street-oriented subject matter. Fellow hometown heroes OTR Chaz and YG Teck contribute to make the the Def Jam-backed offering a solid final product.

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#17: Black Fortune – 444 (STREAM)

444 was easily the perfect soundtrack for an exciting and chaotic summer in the D.C. area. The project was full of bass-heavy beats topped by no-frills, street-oriented (and sometimes melodic) raps, all of which helps to bring Black Fortune’s rockstar lifestyle to wax in vivid fashion.

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#16: JG Riff – Get Rich or Try Dying (STREAM)

JG Riff might be one of the most prolific emcee out of the D.C. area this year. While project like Rifferent, Underrated, and Salt On My Name absolutely deserve mention, it’s the April Fools drop Get Rich or Try Dying that truly made the biggest impact (for us) in 2022. The project consisted of 14 dope cuts and additional features from Knuklehead, CartiEarss, and Miss Kaniyah.

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The 25 Best D.C. Area Albums Of 2022: #25-#21

December 12, 2022 JUKEBOXDC Staff Editorials, Music 4 Comments  

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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