Based on a True Story
Trick Daddy · 1997
63 min · 17 tracks · gangsta rap
Raw storytelling interwoven with gritty beats, capturing the urgency of street life in late '90s Miami.
Top tracks — play these first
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Oh Me, Oh My — This track showcases Trick Daddy's ability to blend catchy hooks with poignant storytelling about his struggles and triumphs in Miami, making it an anthem for many fans.
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Now They Wanna Holler — With its infectious beat and confident lyrics, this track highlights Trick Daddy's charisma and addresses themes of success and recognition after hardship.
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Going Down Like That — This song stands out for its club-ready production paired with gritty lyrics, embodying the party atmosphere prevalent in Miami's nightlife while reflecting on the rapper's past.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album effectively captures street life through vivid storytelling and distinctive Miami beats.
What we noticed
- The album opens with two narrative-driven tracks that set the tone for Trick Daddy's storytelling style, establishing a gritty atmosphere.
- Several tracks feature layered vocal deliveries, with Trick Daddy alternating between rapping and a more melodic flow, enhancing the emotional weight of the lyrics.
- The production includes heavy bass lines and sparse instrumentation, typical of late '90s Miami rap, which complements the rawness of the lyrical content.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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6/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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5/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- 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
- gritty narratives of street life
- short skits breaking tension
- pacing that rewards focus
- late-night introspection and storytelling
- dynamic shifts in energy
Maybe skip if you
- prefer polished mainstream sounds
- seek consistent upbeat tempos
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released on July 29, 1997, 'Based on a True Story' was Trick Daddy's second album and followed his debut, 'Based on a True Story', released in 1996. This album marked a crucial point in his career as he began to solidify his reputation within the Southern hip-hop scene and explored deeper narratives about life in Miami.
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Now They Wanna Holler
The verse shifts from recounting past struggles to confidently addressing newfound fame and respect from peers.
This transition marks a pivotal moment where Trick Daddy asserts his place in the industry, contrasting his previous hardships with present success.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Based on a True Story, Part I 1:59
- 2 Based on a True Story, Part II 3:59
- 3 Oh Me, Oh My 5:18
- 4 Bout a Lotta Thangs 4:31
- 5 They Don’t (Live Long) 3:53
- 6 Kill-a-Head 3:47
- 7 Now They Wanna Holler 4:19
- 8 Going Down Like That 3:39
- 9 Snowin’ in Miami 5:04
- 10 Smoke Out 3:28
- 11 I’ll Be Your Player 3:16
- 12 I Got Plans 4:13
- 13 Pimp 4:30
- 14 Telephone (skit) 0:37
- 15 Ho but You Can’t Help It 3:27
- 16 Gone With Your Bad Self 3:39
- 17 Gone With Your Bad Self (Bom Bom mix) 3:43
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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