What makes Afro Samurai: The Album by RZA notable?

The album is significant for its role in popularizing the Afro Samurai anime series, showcasing RZA's unique ability to merge hip-hop with visual storytelling. It received critical acclaim for its innovative sound and led to a resurgence in interest in both the series and the genre of anime soundtracks. Released in 2007, 'Afro Samurai: The Album' marked RZA's foray into scoring for television and film, following his acclaimed work with Wu-Tang Clan. At this point, he was transitioning from producing hip-hop albums to creating soundtracks that melded his musical roots with narrative-driven compositions.

Who is Afro Samurai: The Album for?

Afro Samurai: The Album works well if you're into cinematic soundscapes for focus, dynamic pacing with thematic shifts and instrumental interludes for reflection.

How many songs are on Afro Samurai: The Album?

Afro Samurai: The Album has 25 tracks, running approximately 62 minutes.

Afro Samurai: The Album

RZA · 2007

62 min · 25 tracks · classical · hardcore hip-hop · East Coast hip-hop

A cinematic blend of East Coast hip-hop and orchestral elements, echoing the spirit of samurai culture.

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Why this album works

The album is significant for its role in popularizing the Afro Samurai anime series, showcasing RZA's unique ability to merge hip-hop with visual storytelling. It received critical acclaim for its innovative sound and led to a resurgence in interest in both the series and the genre of anime soundtracks.

Best for: cinematic soundscapes for focus dynamic pacing with thematic shifts instrumental interludes for reflection
Context: Released in 2007, 'Afro Samurai: The Album' marked RZA's foray into scoring for television and film, following his acclaimed work with Wu-Tang Clan. At this point, he was transitioning from producing hip-hop albums to creating soundtracks that melded his musical roots with narrative-driven compositions.
Stylistic neighbors: Kool Keith· Kool G Rap· Big L

Tracklist

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

1 Afro Theme 0:29
2 Afro Intro (instrumental) 0:50
3 Certified Samurai Standout 3:00
4 Just a Lil Dude "Who Dat Ovah There" 3:28
5 Afro's Father Fight (instrumental) 1:23
6 Oh Standout 4:05
7 The Walk 4:09
8 Bazooka Fight (instrumental 1) 0:41
9 Who Is tha Man 2:33
10 Ninjaman (instrumental) 2:08
11 Cameo Afro 2:52
12 Tears of a Samurai (instrumental) 1:28
13 Take Sword, Part 1 2:47
14 The Empty 7 Theme (instrumental) 3:17
15 Baby 3:40
16 Take Sword, Part 2 4:03
17 Bazooka Fight (instrumental 2) 0:45
18 Fury in My Eyes / Revenge Standout 3:56
19 Afro Samurai Theme (First Movement) (instrumental) 1:42
20 Afro Samurai Theme (Second Movement) (instrumental) 1:36
21 Insomnia 3:22
22 So Fly 2:55
23 We All We Got 1:47
24 Glorious Day 3:34
25 Series Outro (instrumental) 1:16

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata

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East Coast hip-hop hardcore hip-hop