What makes Backwaterprophets by Mars Ill notable?

Backwaterprophets was well-received within the underground hip-hop community, praised for its lyrical complexity and unique sound. The album contributed to the growing recognition of Mars Ill as a significant force in independent hip-hop during the mid-2000s, influencing a wave of artists seeking authenticity over commercial appeal. Released in 2005, Backwaterprophets is Mars Ill's third studio album, following their acclaimed project, ProPain, which helped establish their presence in the underground hip-hop scene. At this point in their career, the duo had solidified their reputation for innovative production and thought-provoking lyrics, expanding their audience while maintaining their artistic integrity.

How many songs are on Backwaterprophets?

Backwaterprophets has 19 tracks, running approximately 65 minutes.

Backwaterprophets

Mars Ill · 2005

65 min · 19 tracks · underground hip-hop

A rich tapestry of intricate wordplay and eclectic beats that challenges conventional hip-hop norms with depth and intellectualism.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Breathe Slow — This track exemplifies the album's thematic exploration of mindfulness and reflection, combining smooth production with introspective lyrics that invite listeners to slow down amidst chaos.
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Black Box Artist (Boom Bap) — Showcasing a classic boom-bap sound, this track highlights Mars Ill's mastery of rhythm and flow while critiquing the music industry's superficiality.
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Piecemeal — This song features a layered narrative approach, weaving together personal anecdotes and social commentary that encapsulate the essence of Mars Ill's storytelling prowess.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

58 /100

Treeline

Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The album's intricate beats and lyrical depth create a unique listening experience, though its cohesion is somewhat disrupted by interludes.

What we noticed

The album features a diverse range of beats, incorporating elements from jazz, funk, and electronic music across its tracks.
Lyrical themes shift frequently, with complex wordplay that often requires multiple listens to fully appreciate.
The final track serves as a reflective conclusion, contrasting with the more energetic pieces earlier in the album.

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: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

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 Eighty Eight 1:27
2 Breathe Slow 5:02
3 Planes And Trains 4:11
4 Afterlife 4:24
5 Black Box Artist (Boom Bap) 4:08
6 Inside Out 4:17
7 Enterchange 3:57
8 Let Me 1:06
9 Alpha Male 4:17
10 PSA #428 2:21
11 Freeze Framework 2:59
12 Sideline Speech 5:07
13 Next Door 4:40
14 Piecemeal 3:35
15 Stepson 0:25
16 Sunstep 3:42
17 Lump Sum 3:45
18 The Calm Before 4:11
19 He 1:54

What to play next

Listen next

Pirate Radio +Plus

2005

Go back to

ProPain

2004

Full Mars Ill discography Artists like Mars Ill

underground hip-hop

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata