The Best Rap Songs of 2022 …(so far)

The world continues to shift at a rapid pace with so many major global events happening that it’s hard to know exactly how think about time. The only thing that’s been consistent throughout the past few years has been the good music dropping that we’re able to use as timestamps. So far in 2022, fans have received music from up-and-coming staples of rap to bona fide legends. HipHopDX has rounded up the hottest tracks and some songs that deserve some love. In April, fans were blessed with a Clipse reunion thanks to Nigo, a surprising collab from Latto, Lil Wayne Childish Gambino and new music from our Rising Star Coi Leray featuring the one and only Nicki Minaj.

Check back at the beginning of every month for updates and check out our other lists and our playlist below, which includes all of the songs mentioned in this article and more:

Struggling to find a list of the Hip Hop Albums that have been shifting the culture? Take a look at our lists for Hip Hop, Rap and RB to get a complete survey of the projects that are dictating the conversation within Hip Hop.

• The Best Hip Hop Albums of 2022 …(so far)
• The Best Rap Albums of 2022 …(so far)
• The Best RB Albums of 2022 …(so far)

Need some new songs to throw in the rotation but Spotify and user-created playlists are way too long? We kept it simple and added only the best of the best songs from each month to make sure you get the songs you need without a hassle. Peep the lists below.

• The Best RB Songs of 2022 …(so far)
• The Best Hip Hop Songs of 2022 …(so far)

“Punch Bowl – Clipse Nigo

“Free The Shiners” – 42 Dugg EST GEE

“Telepathic” – Fly Anakin

Off a debut album that amalgamates a 1993 lyrical foundation with a murky playfulness, Fly Anakin’s “Telepathic” with frequent collaborator Big Kahuna OG finds both rappers at peak performance. The instrumental is reserved and muffled, but Anakin’s pithy rhymes cut through the fog, his terse voice demanding of anyone’s attention. “She said it’s a vibe I told her to shut up,” Anakin spits plainly. “When real collide with fake it’s fucked up.” Anakin’s penchant for plainspoken rhymes are elevated by Kahuna’s nonchalance on the hook, as he raps about his enemies “fake demons” and how he’s sitting in traffic with “Big Sharks.” “Telepathic” culminates to be the best track on the project because it all just sounds so effortless.

“Starlight” – Dave

“Diesel” – Alchemist Kool G Rap

Anything legendary producer The Alchemist touches turns to gold. After winning the 2021 HipHopDX Producer of the Year award Alc has kept his foot on the gas. Over the past few years he’s helped artists achieved new heights, working with leaders of the next generation such as Earl Sweatshirt, Navy Blue and Pink Siifu as well as industry vets including Body James and Curren$y. But on his latest single “Diesel,” Alc linked with the iconic Kool G Rap for a somber bar-heavy track. It’s been fantastic watching the Los Angeles-based producer develop new acts, but there’s something special watching him spar with one of the genre’s OGs. As Kool G unleashes an infinitely rolling verse, Alc’s slow piano sample loops solemnly in the background. No bells or whistles, “Diesel” is proof of the power in simplicity.

“Diet Coke” – Pusha T

As the wait continues for Pusha T’s forthcoming album produced by The Neptunes and Kanye West, fans were blessed with “Diet Coke.” Kingpin rap isn’t new to the G.O.O.D. Music rapper, yet his brick-talk on “Diet Coke” sounds as energized as ever. Rapping over soulful production 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.

“Nail Tech” – Jack Harlow

“Don’t Play That” – King Von 21 Savage

On first listen, the warm production from Kid Hazel wouldn’t appear to be suitable for the raps of Atlanta’s 21 Savage and the late 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 gift for storytelling. While his contribution to “Don’t Play That” strays from his usual affinity or narratives, it’s nice to hear him on such a lighthearted track.

“Sl*t Him Out” – Baby Tate

2022 HipHopDX Rising 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 one of Atlanta’s best. Tate still hasn’t cooled from the enormous highs of her 2021, but it seems like the ascent has only just begun.

“Johnny P’s Caddy”- Benny The Butcher F. J. Cole

“Surround Sound” – JID F. Baby Tate 21 Savage

WALKIN – Denzel Curry

Like he tends to do in January every year, Denzel Curry has returned unexpectedly. On “Walkin,” the Carol City Star is back in full 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 as providing space for a long, head-bumping chorus that incorporates the cynicism and braggadocio we expect and love. And, as the drums switch around at the halfway point and the hi-hats begin to fire at double speed, Denzel speeds up to a furious, machine gun pace that carries the second half weightlessly.

“Survivor’s Guilt” – Saba F. G Herbo

“So Cool” – Big K.R.I.T

Big K.R.I.T is known for his intense southern drawl, as well as his unwavering aggression. While the former is present on his new single “So Cool” (and as prominent as ever), the latter is washed away entirely, replaced by forcefully serene vibes that suspend all feelings that aren’t related to chilling in a hammock on a tropical beach. In less than 2 minutes, Big K.R.I.T does a complete 180 from his previous work, leaving the listener scratching their head as to the direction of his next album while relaxing and grooving to the greatest extent possible.

“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 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’s greatest thinkers.

“The Last 2 Minutes” – Method Man

“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.

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

OTHER FAVORITE RAP SONGS FROM FROM NOVEMBER 2021

• “Channel 5” – Key Glock
• “RISK SUM” – Tony Shhnow 10kDunkin

OTHER FAVORITE RAP SONGS FROM FROM OCTOBER 2021

• “Silly Rabbit” – TisaKorean
• “SANTANNY” – BKtherula

OTHER FAVORITE RAP SONGS FROM FROM SEPTEMBER 2021

• “Rocc Climbing” – Remble f. Lil Yachty
• “Bread Head” – SahBabii

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