Released 10 years ago
and the Anonymous Nobody...
De La Soul · 2016
68 min · 17 tracks · hip-hop
A vibrant tapestry of jazz-infused beats and introspective lyricism that challenges conventional hip-hop norms.
Top tracks — play these first
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Royalty Capes Start here — This track embodies the album's playful yet reflective spirit, with clever wordplay and smooth production that harkens back to De La Soul's roots while embracing modernity.
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Pain — The emotional depth in this track showcases the group's ability to blend personal storytelling with broader societal themes, creating a poignant reflection on struggle and resilience.
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Memory of… (US) — This track stands out for its nostalgic undertones and rich instrumentation, evoking a sense of longing while highlighting the evolution of the group's sound over the years.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album's innovative sound and diverse influences create a distinctive listening experience within hip-hop.
What we noticed
- The sequencing alternates between upbeat tracks and more reflective pieces, maintaining listener engagement through dynamic contrasts.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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7/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- dynamic journey with varied pacing
- introspective moments for reflection
- vibrant beats for lively sessions
- short interludes spark curiosity
- thought-provoking themes throughout
Maybe skip if you
- seeking instant gratification tracks
- prefer standalone singles only
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Late Career Highlight — Revitalizes De La Soul's sound after a decade, showcasing their continued innovation.
- Themes
- crowdfunded creativity· nostalgic reflections
- Career context
- Released in 2016, and the Anonymous Nobody… is De La Soul's first studio album in over a decade, following their previous work, The Grind Date (2004). This album marked a significant period of revival for the group, who turned to crowdfunding to bring their vision to life, showcasing their commitment to creative independence.
- Stylistic neighbors
- A Tribe Called Quest· The Roots· J Dilla
Tracklist
- 1 Genesis 1:36
- 2 Royalty Capes Start here 3:46
- 3 Pain 4:39
- 4 Property of Spitkicker.com 5:32
- 5 Memory of… (US) 4:55
- 6 CBGB’s 1:20
- 7 Lord Intended 7:16
- 8 Snoopies 4:15
- 9 Greyhounds 5:26
- 10 Sexy Bitch 1:31
- 11 Trainwreck 3:17
- 12 Drawn 5:33
- 13 Whoodeeni 4:31
- 14 Nosed Up 3:57
- 15 You Go Dave (A Goldblatt Presentation) 1:20
- 16 Here in After 5:41
- 17 Exodus 3:24
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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