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…

Roc Marciano & The Alchemist: Quantum Leap

The recent long-awaited collaboration from Roc Marciano and The Alchemist was undoubtedly worth the wait and Quantum Leap was one of the standout tracks in an album overladen with gems. Now it’s blessed with its own fitting video, courtesy of The Diggers, which you can watch above. The Elephant Man’s Bones is out now.

IRON WIGS ft. Roc Marciano: Bally Animals & Rugbys

The second single from the forthcoming Iron Wigs album is out and it’s another banger. If you’re not aware, the newly formed crew is comprised of Sonnyjim, Vic Spencer and Verbal Kent, with Sonny on full production duties. That production is sounding on point on this latest joint, which also features a typically tight verse from Roc Marci. The full album is due for release on 27 June on Mello Music.

The Four Owls: Nocturnal Instinct (Stream)

The Four Owls release their long-awaited third album today and it stands as a testament to the success of High Focus, who reach their 10 year anniversary this year. There has never been an independent UK hip hop label that has achieved what HF have achieved since their inception in 2010, whether that’s in terms of impact, influence or breaking through the US barriers, Fliptrix, Molotov and all the artists involved have now built a brand that’s recognised across the globe. With this latest Four Owls venture, we are shown exactly how much clout they wield now, thanks to a string of features from some truly legendary US rappers, including Kool G Rap, R.A. The Rugged Man, Roc Marciano, and a SECOND collaboration with Preemo, something unheard of in itself on these shores. Production wise, Leaf seems as hungry as ever to continue to uphold his position as one of the UK’s best boom bap exporters, and he manages to keep the styles varied enough for it to not result in a head-nodding snooze fest. It’s basically the album that both the Owls and their fans deserve. A definite level up on the last album, but still peddling the same reliable brand of hip hop that has served them so well up to this point. You can hear the full thing for yourself below and there are plenty of other options available over at the High Focus shop.

Datkid & Leaf Dog ft. Roc Marciano: Scheme On

As we get dangerously close to the release date for the new album from Datkid and Leaf Dog, yesterday saw the next single given life. Following on from the Conway laced, Eyes, this time we see Datty and Leaf bringing in Roc Marciano for the suitably gritty Scheme On. The video was made by Chris Lucas. Pre-orders for Confessions Of A Crud Lord are available now, with the release date set for 17 May on High Focus.

The Alchemist: Bread EP (Stream)

Excellent new release from The Alchemist, as he drafts in a whole wealth of talent on his latest project. The Bread EP features Earl Sweatshirt – the video for which was released last week – alongside appearances from Conway, Westside Gunn, Black Thought and Roc Marciano. Considering the whole thing only weighs in at four tracks – plus four instrumentals – Alc has managed to cram in a hell of a lot of dope. It also features some of the most glorious cover art of 2018. You can stream the Bread EP below, as well as on all the other usual platforms.

DJ Muggs & Roc Marci: KAOS (Stream)

Not content with releasing some of 2018’s most powerful albums individually, DJ Muggs and Roc Marciano recently announced they were joining forces for a new album entitled KAOS. We’ve already been treated to a couple of glimpses at what the project was going to offer and now we get to immerse ourselves in the full grimy splendour of it all. KAOS is available to stream below, with physicals available via Soul Assassins.

DJ Muggs x Roc Marci: Kaos Theme

Another heavy track from the upcoming Kaos project, courtesy of DJ Muggs and Roc Marci. The album is set for release on 19 October via Soul Assassins.

DJ Muggs x Roc Marci: White Dirt

DJ Muggs and Roc Marciano continue their recent run of releases with a new collaborative album. White Dirt is one of the tracks that will feature on the project, KAOS, which is due for release on 19 October. Pre-orders are available now via Soul Assassins.

Roc Marciano: The Horse’s Mouth

Roc Marciano has blessed us with another new album, following on from this year’s earlier effort, RR2: The Bitter Dose. The Horse’s Mouth is the first track to be lifted from the album and features production from Preservation. The album, Behold a Dark Horse, is available now exclusively from rocmarci.com.