What makes 1st Class by Large Professor notable?

'1st Class' was praised for its authentic sound and lyrical depth, garnering critical acclaim from outlets like The Source and Pitchfork. The album further solidified Large Professor’s standing as a key figure in East Coast hip-hop, influencing subsequent artists with its production style and narrative focus. Released in 2002, '1st Class' marked Large Professor's return to the forefront of hip-hop after a lengthy hiatus following his debut album, 'The LP' in 1996. This album served as a reestablishment of his creative voice and influence, particularly after his work as a producer for legendary acts like Nas and A Tribe Called Quest.

How many songs are on 1st Class?

1st Class has 16 tracks, running approximately 57 minutes.

1st Class

Large Professor · 2002

57 min · 16 tracks · East Coast hip-hop

A vibrant blend of classic hip-hop beats and introspective lyrics showcasing Large Professor's mastery and influence in the East Coast scene.

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Top tracks — play these first

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'Bout That Time — This opening track sets the tone with catchy hooks and a laid-back flow, perfectly encapsulating Large Professor's unique fusion of storytelling and rhythm.
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Stay Chisel — Featuring an infectious beat and motivational lyrics, this track highlights Large Professor's ability to inspire through clever wordplay while maintaining a classic hip-hop vibe.
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Born to Ball — This track stands out for its confident delivery and smooth production, showcasing Large Professor’s knack for crafting anthemic songs that resonate with listeners.
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Hip-Hop — An homage to the culture itself, this closing track reflects on the essence of hip-hop through intricate lyrics and engaging beats, making it a fitting conclusion to the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

59 /100

Treeline

Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong production and lyrical depth but remains somewhat conventional within its genre.

What we noticed

The album features a consistent use of classic hip-hop samples layered with intricate drum patterns, creating a rich sonic backdrop.
Lyrically, Large Professor alternates between personal introspection and commentary on the hip-hop scene, often within the same track.
Several tracks incorporate call-and-response elements, engaging listeners and enhancing the live performance feel.
The sequencing includes interludes that provide thematic transitions between tracks, contributing to an overall narrative flow.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Intro 1:40
2 ’Bout That Time 3:33
3 Ultimate 2:57
4 Brand New Sound 3:30
5 Stay Chisel 2:36
6 Akinyele 2:26
7 In the Sun 4:31
8 Born to Ball 3:51
9 Kool 3:49
10 The Man 4:27
11 Large Pro 3:26
12 Alive in Stereo 4:10
13 Blaze Rhymes II 3:47
14 On 2:53
15 Hip‐Hop 4:27
16 Radioactive 5:07

What to play next

Listen next

Beatz Volume 1

2006

Full Large Professor discography Artists like Large Professor

East Coast hip-hop

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata