: Spearheaded by artists like Yeat and the Opium roster (Playboi Carti, Ken Carson), this sound features distorted 808s and video-game-inspired synths.
: High-tempo, sliding basslines from artists like Fivio Foreign and Central Cee remained staples for high-intensity mixes.
: The "Atlanta sound" continued to dominate through Future , Gunna , and Lil Baby , focusing on smooth flows over hard-hitting percussion. Essential Artists & 2022 MVPs
The represents a transformative year for hip-hop, characterized by the rise of "rage" trap, the dominance of melodic Atlanta sounds, and a significant breakthrough for women in the genre. The following write-up breaks down the defining elements of a top-tier 2022 mix. 2022 Sound & Style
