Slim’s Pickings 2022 Pt. 1

For those of you unaware, I recently published a list of my top 10 favourite hip hop and RnB albums in The Wire Magazine, as part of their end of year review issue. It was a tough list to compile because 2022 contained a multitude of stellar releases, many of which deserved further praise.
Guilt quickly set in after I’d submitted the list to my editor, not because I felt like I’d made a mistake with any of my choices, but because I wish I had been given the time and space to write about the bevy of other favourites that had been in rotation over the last 12 months. So now I’m going to attempt to summarise those remaining projects and give them the shine they deserve. But first my original list and the accompanying blurb, for those of you who missed it the first time round. I should also mention that I fucked up with the Little Simz pick. I had it in my head that SIMBI came out in early 2022, but in fact it was late 2021. I blame my own sketchy-at-best memory and the fact that her MOBO win came so late in the year. Anyway…

Tokyo Cigar x Iceberg Theory: Who is Marcella? (Stream)

Strong sounds emanating from Maryland, as Tokyo Cigar joins forces with Iceberg Theory for Who is Marcella? The project is the product of a long-standing friendship, which has seen Tokyo produce multiple tracks for Iceberg Theory over the years. Now the roles have reversed, it’s clear the strength of their collaborations was definitely a two-way street. Who is Marcella? is available to stream below, with downloads to be found over on Bandcamp.

Defcee ft. Davis: Canaan

Strong sounds on this new loosie from Defcee, as he joins forces with Davis before they get to work over some nice production from Iceberg Theory. You can stream Canaan below, with downloads available via Bandcamp.

Iceberg Theory: Slothmonk & Friends Vol. 1 (Stream)

Big release here from Iceberg Theory, as he finally breathes life into the production album he’s been plotting and planning for the last few years. Slothmonk & Friends comes off the back of his successful run of collabs with August Fanon, but this time we get to hear a stack of talented artists doing their thing over Iceberg’s beats. And boy does it work well. The project features some superb guest spots from the likes of Defcee, Sleep Sinatra, Jyroscope and Tokyo Cigar, with IT’s beats sounding bespoke on each and every track. You can stream the full thing for yourself below and then head to Bandcamp to cop a download.