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 20 Best D.C. Area Albums Of 2021: #20-#16

December 28, 2021 JUKEBOXDC Staff Editorials, Music 3 Comments  

For those of us who have existed within the D.C. Metropolitan area (not just D.C., but I’m not using that dumb ass term here), we have been able to witness what could be considered a second renaissance in hip hop — artists like Rico Nasty, IDK, and Cordae (yes, he counts) have continued a path made golden by Wale, Shy Glizzy, and Logic. Even better: there are a wealth of talented artists that are currently giving us an idea of what’s to come.

In this editorial, JUKEBOX:DC has created a ranked list of albums that we feel have had the greatest impact this year. This isn’t just about sales or stream — an album’s quality and creativeness are among other factors considered. As you’ll see, these are also albums that we’ve shared at the time of their respective releases — if we’ve missed anything, feel free to let us know so that we can be more on point moving forward.

Without further adieu, step into the rabbit hole below.

#20: Travy Nostra – Leave Me The Fuck Alone (READ MORE/STREAM)

What’s immediately striking about this project is the fact that you have an artist that’s been buzzing in the area, yet chooses to keep his subject matter focused on how he’s been dealing with his life mentally. It’s a raw depiction of a person who’s in the midst of his storm, and that emotion plays out in real time. This is an absolute must-listen, period.

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#19: Lil Gray – 10B410 (READ MORE/STREAM)

Representing PG County, MD, Lil Gray (like many of the others you will see) has remained very consistent with non-fiction raps and ever-changing lyricism. One immediate standout from the project is “Pest Control (RAT)” — you’ll know why the minute you press play. Also worth checking out: newer singles like “Get Shit Started” with Big Flock and “Reservoir.”

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#18: P-Wild & Foams SB – Get Lit Or Die (READ MORE/STREAM)

Two members of one of D.C.’s most iconic collectives make a big return with Get Lit Or Die, a project that’s especially notable for their collaboration with longtime producer Basshed E for its title track. Simply put, Slutty Boyz are still very much in effect, and P-Wild and Foams’ collaborative effort is a true continuation of their dynasty.

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#17: Kingpen Slim – Blurred Lines (READ MORE/STREAM)

Let’s just keep it all the way real: nobody in this area (or beyond, in many circumstances) have the ability to out-rap Kingpen Slim. The Uptown, D.C. lyricist has been tearing down beats for the past couple of decades, most recently by way of the project Life After Doubt and Trapper’s Delight. Initially, Blurred Lines was released as an exclusive for those who recently support his craft — those that really appreciate real raps from the city can head here to let Kingpen know.

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#16: Fat Yee – Southeast Gucci (READ MORE/STREAM)

Fat Yee is definitely one of the most prolific rapper from D.C. Case in point: even after blessing the masses with Southeast Gucci, the Barry Farms representative also liberated the well-received projects Life Of Da Dopeman and — just this month — Now Or Never. Extra shout out to Presto Tracks.

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