I usually don't participate in these lists, but always really appreciate them, so here's my try at this year:

01. FAVORITE 2022 ALBUM
Nas & Hit-Boy - King's Disease III
I mean sure HB's beats don't always have the warmth or the knock I want for Nas, but this album is incredible. That combined with the fact that I also listened to Magic a LOT this year I got to give it to Nasir. Black Thought and Dangermouse were really close tho.

02. WHAT ALBUM DID PEOPLE OVERLOOK?
Kojey Radical had a solid album with some great tracks that I feel nobody talks about.
Saba’s album deserved more shine as well.

03. WHAT RELEASE DISAPPOINTED YOU?
SAULT - Air
hard to put SAULT here when they released 6 albums this year, but Air was not what i was expecting and i was a bit disappointed by the direction. Good for what it was, just not my lane. The 5pack had some real bangers tho. I do admire the diversity and constant quality of their projects.

Pretty disappointed by the Premo EP as well, I was HYPED for that release, but it was pretty mid.

04. WHAT ALBUM SURPRISED YOU?
CARRTOONS - homegrown

05. SONGS YOU RAN INTO THE GROUND.
Lady Wray - Through it all / Piece of Me
Dr.Dre - ETA
The Smile - The Smoke
Nas - Legit / Speechless / The Truth / Thun
SIPHO. - Occasion (COLORS version)
Benny the Butcher & J Cole - Johnny P's caddy
SAULT - Higher
Buddy - Ain't Fair
Jordy - Feel Right now
Rome Streetz - Fashion Rebel
Black Thought & Danger Mouse - Because / Belize / Darkest Part
Jason Joshua - La Vida es Fria
Denzel Curry - Mental
Jeshi - Protein (f. Obongjayar) / 3210
Marcel Allen - DINNER WITH HOV
JID - Stars (f. Yasiin Bey)
BSF - 297 Parkside
Gabriels - Blame
Freddie Gibbs - Ice Cream / space rabbit / grandma's stove / feel no pain
NxWorries - Where I go (f.HER)
Pongo - Doudou
Ab-Soul - Do Better
Tierra Whack - Millions
Boj - Culture (f. ENNY)
Saba - Come my way / if i had a dollar / few good things
Kojey Radical - War outside (f. Lex Amor)

06. WHAT ONE PRODUCER SHINED THIS YEAR?
ALC had a lot of bangers again (Roc, Gibbs, G Rap, Benny, etc)
Shout out to Hit Boy (Nas, the Game, Cordae, etc), Inflo, Juls

07. BEST EP PROJECT
Isatta Sherrif & Koralle - Eat the kiwi skin EP
Jeshi - Protein EP

08. BEST HIP HOP PROJECT
Let me put Thought and Dangerous here, I truly enjoyed this album and listened to it a LOT.
If the vocals were mixed a bit better, this might’ve taken AOTY.
Shoutout to JID, Gibbs en Saba.

09. BEST JAZZ PROJECT
Either Kokoroko or Ezra Collective

10. BEST ELECTRONIC PROJECT
Branko - OBG
shout out to Channel Tres, IAMNOBODI (I need ‘Dede did it’ back on DSP or DL please!) and Mr.Carmack (CHAOS).

11. BEST R&B/SOUL PROJECT
Lucky Daye - Candydrip. Great cohesive album that showcases his growth as an artist. Big shout out to Lady Wray's Piece of Me and Alex Isley & Jack Dine's Marigold.

12. BEST ROCK PROJECT
The Smile
Didn’t listen to a lot of rock music this year

13. BEST RECOMMENDATION FROM THE LESSON BOARDS
OC from NC
CARRTOONS
Radio B

14. BEST COLLABORATION BETWEEN TWO ARTISTS (single or project)
Vieux Farka Toure & Khruangbin - Ali
Alex Isley & Jack Dine - Marigold
Nas & Hit Boy - Magic / KDIII

15. WHAT ARTIST DID YOU DISCOVER THIS YEAR (new or old)?
Gabriels
Lex Amor (2021?)
Kaelin Ellis

16. WHAT OLDER ALBUM DID YOU DISCOVER THIS YEAR (2000 or older)?
Cortex - Troupeau Bleu
I honestly haven’t listened to a lot of ‘new’ old music.

17. WHO ARE YOU LOOKING FOR IN 2023?
The Roots
NxWorries
Inflo (anything he gets behind is exciting)
Stove God Cooks (Roc Marciano and Griselda projects)
Ab-Soul & SZA dropping in dec but will get play in 23

18. WHAT NEW GENRE DID YOU EXPLORE THIS YEAR?
Finally got into Amapiano a bit deeper. It’s pretty big out here.

19. WHAT SHOWS DID YOU ATTEND THIS YEAR (if any)?
Mereba: one of my first shows since quarantine. Very small venue, Mereba was magic. the live energy and vibes from the crowd felt so warm.
Action Bronson/ALC: Seemed like Bronson been coastin a while, but he killed this. Great live performer.
Tyler: Large sold out venue and the first time i took my daughter. I was really impressed with the show and his command of the huge crowd.
Saba: Another great Hip Hop show. thankful to witness this generation stand up.
Lucky Daye: I loved his music and he is the real thing, but due to "technical difficulties" (seemed like internal beef) the show was cut short after a couple of songs and i missed the make up show a week later.
Kendrick: Saw him in Antwerp with my daughter and my lady. Intense stadium show that hit the mark on a lot of points. I liked it better than the album.
NSG: wasn't familiar with these cats but went with/for the mrs and was pleasantly surprised. Its like a nowadays wu type crew with afro, dancehall, pop and hip hop influences from the UK. The songs started blending a bit into each other for me so didnt enjoy as much as i would if i knew the music probably.

20. WHAT ARE YOUR LIVE MUSIC PLANS FOR 2023?
In spring we have Isaiah Rashad, JID and Smino coming through within one month so I will def check them out. Probably WSG in january as well.

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