There were many amazing releases in 2022 but three stood the test of replayability, were fantastic and were popular. Melt My Eyez See Your Future by Denzel Curry, The Forever Story by J.I.D., and Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers by Kendrick Lamar.

Starting at the three spot, ranked Melt My Eyez See Your Future. The album has received critical acclaim for its lyricism and themes, it received an overall critic score of 85/100 and an overall listener score of 8.6/10. Melt My Eyez shows the ambitious side of Denzel Curry as he switches his sound on this album and he does it well. At the second spot, there is an album that was long awaited and didn’t reach expectations but completely swerved around them, it is Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers. Kendrick Lamar released this album after five years of waiting, nobody expected the album to be like the sound and message it holds. The album shows a process of therapy for Kendrick as he reveals he was addicted to lust and the problems it brought him in the first half of the album. The second half shows a new Kendrick, one that is not a savior of the people but just a man like any other. There are other small concepts in the album and a listen is strongly recommended for any of those that have not heard the album. Mr. Morale received an 85 from critics and an 8.8 from listeners, it also recently won Rap Album of the Year at the Grammys.

At one is The Forever Story, you’re probably thinking how could the Best Rap Album of the Year not rank one? Both The Forever Story and Melt My Eyez were snubbed from the Grammys as nominees. The Forever Story Was released later in the year and was a big surprise to many listeners as J.I.D. was relatively unknown before releasing the album but it turned out to be a beautiful project that tells stories of family and the hard work it takes to reach success. J.I.D. is an extremely creative and ambitious artist and it is shown through his work, and it happens to be very enjoyable to listen to as well. It received a critic score of 83 and 8.7 from listeners.