2000 cover

2000

Grand Puba · 1995

47 min · 11 tracks · hip-hop

Smooth grooves and clever wordplay intertwine, creating a vibrant fusion of hip-hop and soul that defines the mid-90s sound.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Very Special — This track stands out for its soulful production and introspective lyrics, encapsulating the essence of love and relationships with an infectious groove.
  • →
    I Like It (I Wanna Be Where You Are) — A clever reinterpretation of a classic Motown track, this song showcases Grand Puba's lyrical dexterity and knack for blending genres.
  • →
    Change Gonna Come — This cover of Sam Cooke’s anthem recontextualizes themes of struggle and hope within a hip-hop framework, demonstrating Grand Puba's ability to tackle serious subjects.

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 writing and production, blending hip-hop and R&B effectively while maintaining a cohesive sound.

What we noticed

  • The first track, 'Very Special', features a smooth, melodic hook that sets a laid-back tone for the album.
  • Several tracks incorporate live instrumentation alongside samples, creating a rich texture that blends hip-hop with R&B elements.
  • The lyrics often employ clever wordplay and storytelling, with Grand Puba alternating between introspective themes and party vibes.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • steady, consistent energy levels
  • smooth background listening experience
  • contemplative late-night vibes
  • dynamic emotional journeys

Where this album fits

Career context
In 1995, Grand Puba was establishing himself as a solo artist after his success with Brand Nubian. '2000' served as his second album, following his debut 'Reel to Reel' in 1992, showcasing his growth as a lyricist and producer.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Very Special 5:13
  • 2 I Like It (I Wanna Be Where You Are) 4:23
  • 3 A Little of This 3:40
  • 4 Keep On 5:04
  • 5 Back Stabbers 5:05
  • 6 2000 3:35
  • 7 Amazing 4:02
  • 8 Don't Waste My Time 4:28
  • 9 Play It Cool 4:12
  • 10 Playin' the Game 3:08
  • 11 Change Gonna Come 4:32

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata