Spotify Wrapped 2022: Mack's Edition

Every music lover eagerly awaits for the week of December 1st when they receive that special, once-a-year notification:

“Your Spotify Wrapped is finally here.”

Or maybe that’s just me? (Sorry, Apple Music listeners.)

Either way, for my first article of the new year, I want to highlight the artists, albums, and songs that were important to my 2022. Hopefully, you enjoy learning a little bit more about my tastes and find some new music to check out for yourself.

My Top Genres

1. R&B
2. Hip-Hop
3. Pop
4. Lo-Fi Beats
5. Disco

For me, 2022 was all about alternative R&B and hip-hop. I explored these genres more than any others this year. I found myself fascinated with the newest releases in R&B and hip-hop music. A mixture of longtime favorites like Kendrick and Drake and new discoveries like Doechii and Tems made up the soundtrack of my year.

Of course, I work best to Spotify’s Lo-Fi Beats playlists, so there was plenty of chill, easy listening. And shout out to the late, great queen of the ’70s Donna Summer for putting disco on the list!

My Top Artists

1. Jhené Aiko
2. Drake
3. Selena
4. SZA
5. H.E.R.

This year, I couldn’t stop listening to the music of alternative R&B artist Jhené Aiko, especially albums like Trip (2017) and her latest Grammy-nominated work, Chilombo (2020). Her silky smooth vocals are captivating and endlessly soothing to the ear. Plus, she’s collaborated with plenty of heavyweights like Swae Lee, Drake, Chris Brown, Snoop Dogg, and her boyfriend Big Sean. Among other R&B and hip hop artists, I also listened to SZA, Drake, and H.E.R. daily.

My Top Songs

1. "Baila Esta Cumbia - Live", Selena
2. "Girl Like Me (feat. H.E.R.)", Jazmine Sullivan
3. "That's How You Feel", Drake
4. "Como La Flor/Baila Esta Cumbia - Live", Selena
5. "I Hate U", SZA

For the second year in a row, “Baila Esta Cumbia” by Selena was my top streamed song. It’s a live version from her famous last televised concert, the 1995 Houston Astrodome show. Another live version of “Baila Esta Cumbia” with her hit “Como La Flor” also made the list.

Other than Selena, I had several songs on replay often throughout the year – especially “Girl LIke Me,” the vulnerable, guitar-led duet collab with Jazmine Sullivan and H.E.R., and the viral “I Hate U” by SZA.