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My Top Five Albums of 2022 (in no Particular Order)

by Kyle Meister


Some of my fondest memories up to this point include going to concerts & festivals with those who share the same passion for music as I do. That being said, I am writing this to raise awareness surrounding CCA’s Introduction to Music Business Course. This class provides an introduction to the commercial music business space & allows students to gain an understanding of a plethora of subjects ranging from artist management to publishing deals.


Now, to leverage some of the material covered in CCA 202, I present my top five albums of 2022, along with some industry-relevant statistics related to each project.


“Unlimited Love”: Red Hot Chili Peppers

Debuted at No. 1 on Billboard 200, 97,500 equivalent album units earned (1st week)

This chart-topping album opens with the lead single “Black Summer”, which features almost pirate-like vocals from Anthony Kiedis & Flea. This track is energetic & makes you want to jam out and sing along to the chorus. Alternatively, this album provides a variety of distinct sounds, some of which I have never heard from the RHCP. On “Not the One”, Flea composes an eerie feel that makes you reflect on past lovers. It is a dark track that includes a pulsing bassline. This album has a bit of everything and if you're an RHCP fan, you’re going to love every second.

- Favorite tracks: Black Summer, Not the One, Poster Child, White Braids & Pillow Chair


“WASTELAND”: Brent Faiyaz

Debuted at No. 2 on Billboard 200, 88,000 equivalent album units earned (1st week)

Brent’s biggest commercial success so far, this album feels cinematic as it is filled with some dark skits, but then some melodic songs like “PRICE OF FAME” & my favorite “ADDICTIONS.” “ADDICTIONS” features a lyrical-heavy verse from Tre’ Amani, who talks about some of the addictions both he and Brent suffer from. This track makes you want to bop your head and vibe but has some sinister lyrical accounts. It is Brent at his finest. If you’re a fan of artists like Daniel Caesar or PARTYNEXTDOOR, I recommend giving “WASTELAND” a spin.

- Favorite Tracks: ADDICTIONS, GRAVITY, ALL MINE, PRICE OF FAME, ROLLING STONE


“Tana Talk 4”: Benny The Butcher

Has propelled Benny to 1.9MM monthly listeners along with his now most streamed song Johnny P’s Caddy (34. 7MM)

“Tana Talk 4” is the fourth installment of the “Tana Talk” series from Benny the Butcher. “Tana Talk 4” opens with the hit “Johnny P’s Caddy”, featuring J.Cole, and it is both Cole & Benny spitting at a crazy level. Benny paints this menacing image of his days trapping, then Cole comes in and reminds everyone that he is on top of the rap game. This album isn’t your modern-trap record, this is gangster rap with influences from groups like Mobb Deep & Wu-Tang Clan. If you're looking for something to get your mind right, then TT4 is worth a listen.

- Favorite Tracks: Mr. Chow Hall, Johnny’s P’s Caddy, Tyson vs. Ali, Bust a Brick Nick


“Melt My Eyes See Your Future”: Denzel Curry

Debuted at No. 51 on Billboard 200, peaked at No. 23 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums Chart.

This album features heavy 808’s production with some excellent delivery from Zel. One of my favorites, “X-Wing”, features Denzel dropping some crazy verses, with an exaggerated trap-like chorus. This album demonstrates Curry’s versatility, as you see him display different types of flows and productions. On the track “Walkin”, Denzel spits over a righteous sample for a polished listen. MMESYF perfectly shows Denzel’s evolution as an artist as he has drastically changed his sound. If you’re looking for a jazzy listen then MMESYF is right for you.

- Favorite Tracks: Melt Session #1, Walkin, Mental, X-Wing, The Ills


“Continuance”: Curren$y & The Alchemist

Album did not chart, so I wanted to include a less commercial album to emphasize that independents deserve the utmost respect.

“Continuance” is Curren$y & The Alchemist mastering their craft, as this 37-minute listen makes you want to float away. Curren$y talks on some dopey samples accompanied by elite features including Boldy James, Havoc, Wiz Khalifa, and more. This album solidifies Curren$y & The Alchemist as an elite MC/Producer duo, as both “Fetti” & “Continuance” have sought acclaim. Curren$y doesn’t seem to want to stop anytime soon, and his “Jet Life” branding has allowed him to flourish in the low-fi rap scene.

- Favorite Tracks: Half Moon Mornings, Reese’s Cup, Obsession, Corvette Rally Stripes



Kyle Meister is a senior at Miami University’s Farmer School of Business majoring in Marketing and minoring in Arts Management & Entrepreneurship. He loves to attend concerts and music festivals. After graduation, his dream job would be to work at a talent agency or record label.

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