As we're winding down a stellar 2022, the ROCK THE BELLS writing staff got together to share some of our favorite production from this past year. Here are our picks for the BEST BEATS OF 2022.

"Science Class" featuring Westside Gunn featuring Busta Rhymes, Raekwon, Ghostface & Stove God Cooks (produced by Swizz Beatz)

Leave it to Swizz Beatz to lay the foundation for one of the best posse cuts in recent memory. Utilizing a Margo Guryan sample — which forms the basis of both the melody and the vocal sample — "Science Class" is absolute heat.—Alec Banks

“30” - Nas (Produced by Hit-Boy)

Grammy-nominated producer Hit-Boy was a star talent before he linked with Nas. However, his musical connection with one of Hip-Hop’s greatest allowed him to showcase his agility on another level. He does so on “30” with production that sounds cinematic yet grounded at the same time, a calling card for the Cali producer.

—Jacinta Howard

Recognize My Car - Paul Wall and Termanology (Produced by Pete Rock )

Paul Wall’s syrupy drawl on the Pimp C-inspired “Recognize My Car” accompanies Hip-Hop legend Pete Rock’s slow-riding production perfectly. Decades in, Pete remains one of the most nimble producers around, with an ear that allows him to settle comfortably into any space, and own it. —Jacinta Howard

Diamond D “Life Is What You Make It” (Produced by Diamond D)

You could’ve closed your eyes and pointed to almost any track on Diamond D’s latest The Rear View, and come away with a contender for the year’s best production. D quietly stands as one of the most prolific, influential producers of all time, and with tracks like “Life Is What You Make It,” a mid-tempo banger that helps set the laidback, cinematic tone that runs through the entire project — it’s clear his skill level rivals the best to ever do it. —Jacinta Howard

Prodigy "Walk Out" (Produced by DJ Premier)

DJ Premier remains one of Hip-Hop's most consistent producers, and this year was one one of his busiest and most prolific. "Walk Out", his collaboration with Prodigy from the posthumous Hegelian Dialect:Book of Heroine features Preemo's signature vocal cuts and scratches for the hook and a chopped sample over a boom bap drum pattern for the verses. This slow tempo banger was one of many that the "In Deep Concentration" producer churned out this year.—JayQuan