2022 was another stellar year in the K-Hip-Hop and K-R&B spaces, so let’s check out some favorite releases from the year.

BIBI - “BIBI Vengeance”

2022 was a spectacular year for BIBI. Not only was she able to perform on big stages like Head in the Clouds, but she released her first full album accompanied by a very intricate storyline with her singles. “BIBI Vengeance” was the most recent and potentially most powerful. Not only is the reggae-influenced beat extremely addicting, the power in the message will help kickstart your 2023 with bad b*tch energy.

HUTA - “BOOM”

Yes, while this is Minhyuk of BTOB, the persona of HUTA came to slay with a darker and harder concept. For a man that lives in a very vocal-focused group, we don’t get to see rap shine very often in their songs, so “BOOM” was a great view of him as an artist. “BOOM” is one of my favorite releases for the entire year of 2022 and definitely made me a HUTA stan. 

Jessi - “ZOOM”

Jessi has shown herself to be an icon, and the release of “ZOOM” really reflected that. While the song went viral on TikTok, the song really shows her versatility as an artist wrapped in an infectious beat. In a judgemental society, Jessi has never been afraid to be true to herself, and maybe that is what makes her so appealing to so many.

“BTBT (feat. DeVita)” - B.I

It’s been so nice to watch B.I’s success after the public hardships he faced in the past. There’s never been a question of how talented of a musician he is, but the music industry is harsh, especially on soloists, so it’s been wonderful to see him flourish despite that. “BTBT (feat. DeVita)” is a track that seamlessly blends western influences with B.I’s own style, which seems to be helping pioneer Korean music globally. While it’s true that K-Pop has become more global, that’s not as true for the other genres of Korean music, and B.I is helping to change that.

“NO NAME” - YEZI

Admittedly, this is a personally indulgent choice. I’ve been a big fan of YEZI’s rap style since her time as an idol, and as she’s delved into a solo career, she’s focused a bit more on vocals. “NO NAME” is a straight rap track with a hard-hitting beat and biting lyrics that you won’t find in the K-Pop realm. 

Edited by Rashelle B.