What makes 20 Below by MC Breed notable?

20 Below is recognized for its influence on the Midwest hip-hop movement and its representation of the G-funk style that dominated early '90s rap. The album features tracks that received significant radio play and contributed to Breed's growing reputation, culminating in a legacy that would inspire future artists in the genre. Released in 1992, 20 Below was MC Breed's third studio album, following his notable 1991 release, Funky Fresh. At this point in his career, Breed was establishing himself as a key figure in the Midwest hip-hop scene, further developing his distinctive G-funk sound while collaborating with prominent producers.

How many songs are on 20 Below?

20 Below has 13 tracks, running approximately 54 minutes.

20 Below

MC Breed · 1992

54 min · 13 tracks · hip-hop

A gritty blend of hard-hitting beats and introspective lyrics that define Midwest hip-hop's raw energy.

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Top tracks — play these first

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20 Below — The title track encapsulates the album's themes of struggle and resilience, showcasing Breed's ability to blend personal storytelling with infectious beats.
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Little Child Running Wild — This track stands out for its poignant reflection on youth facing adversity, combining sharp lyricism with a memorable hook that resonates deeply.
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Ain't to Be Fucked With — An assertive anthem, this song exemplifies Breed's confidence and street credibility, making it a quintessential representation of hardcore hip-hop.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

50 /100

Foothills

Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The album showcases solid writing and production typical of its time while contributing to the Midwest hip-hop scene.

What we noticed

Several songs feature layered vocal harmonies and call-and-response elements, typical of the era's hip-hop style.
Tracks like 'Little Child Running Wild' incorporate storytelling lyrics that reflect social issues, contrasting with more upbeat tracks.
The production features heavy bass lines and synthesized melodies, characteristic of early '90s G-funk influences.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. 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 Ain't to Be Fucked With 4:23
2 20 Below 3:54
3 Dis Mode 4:00
4 Little Child Running Wild 3:55
5 Flash's Groove 4:26
6 Ain't Too Much Worried 4:56
7 No Frontin' Myself 4:33
8 Be Myself 4:33
9 Great Depression 3:31
10 Whenever You Want Me 3:57
11 Life of a Flintstone 3:44
12 Jealous Pimp 3:21
13 Shout Out 5:21

What to play next

Listen next

The New Breed

1993

Full MC Breed discography Artists like MC Breed

hardcore hip-hop hip-hop underground hip-hop

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata