We’re about halfway through 2022, which has already been an impressive year for music everywhere. Here’s a few of my favorite projects and songs so far. These are just songs that get play in the crib and that I always find myself coming back to. Looking forward to hearing the rest of this year's drops! ~ Reina
Favorite Projects of 2022 (so far)
Burning Bush • Willyynova
favorite songs: SPIN CYCLE ft. cldwaterr + Shea Clouds, SMOKE, & NO LIFE ft. Shea Clouds
Burning Bush captures everything I love about Willyynova's style. His nonchalant flows and potent bars layered over manipulated soul samples make for a great listen. There’s a clear growth between this project and his 2021 release Major League. Burning Bush is also home to an unexpected appearance by Cldwaterr on SPIN CYCLE, which was a collaboration I didn’t know I needed and thoroughly enjoyed.
Chicago Vs. Everybody • Campaign Camo & Various Artists
favorite songs: Best of Both Worlds ft. Sino Rocke & YK Diamond, Came 4 Nothin ft. FLEX SINATRA, & Back Then ft. PeeweeDaPlug , & Is You Cool ft. Lil Blessin
Campaign Camo’s Chicago Vs. Everybody hosts songs from a wide array of Chicago’s up-and-coming talent such as 1sauney, Flex Sinatra, and Gado 2x. If you’re looking for new artists from the city, this project is definitely a great place to start. I’m such a big fan of the title and the idea of the project, so I would definitely love to see more of these projects in the future.
favorite songs: How High, Left Wrist, Right Wrist, & 2DopeBoyz
On January 23rd, Olde. dropped off this collection of unmixed songs, properly titled DEMOS. The project feels like a subtle flex as his rough outtakes are better than a lot of formal, fully fleshed-out albums/projects. Despite serving as a “lil sampler”, DEMOS is an impressive offering from the Chicago-born artist and a strong lead-up to Lashon, which dropped a few weeks ago. Be sure to give both a listen!
favorite songs: switch up, wonder why, hot pursuit, & don freestyle
Hunter Amazing is easily one of the brightest talents in Chicago right now, and one of my favorite artists period. Her most recent body of work in my room 2 (Deluxe Version), executively produced by herself and Cbbeatz, takes listeners on a melodic ride through the complex mind of Hunter Amazing. Each of the project's 20 songs showcases Hunter Amazing's unique sound and ability.
favorite songs: Missing Me, Gemini ft. Ohana Bam, Show Me (interlude), & Are You Alone
Olivia Sherren's debut album, Oasis, is a true R&B album that chronicles her dealing with love. Each of these songs is truly great. I love the Mary J. Blige - Leave A Message- moment on the album's interlude that pieces together several voicemails (one of which is from Femdot). Overall, Oasis is just an incredibly produced album, and easily one of my favorite R&B albums to date.
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