What makes Beauty and the Beat by Edan notable?

The album received critical acclaim for its inventive sound and lyrical depth, earning a spot on several year-end lists. It significantly influenced a wave of experimental hip-hop artists who embraced genre-blending and sample-heavy production. Released in 2005, Beauty and the Beat is Edan's sophomore album, following his debut, Primitive Plus. At this stage, Edan was building a reputation for innovative production and eclectic style, solidifying his place in underground hip-hop.

How many songs are on Beauty and the Beat?

Beauty and the Beat has 13 tracks, running approximately 33 minutes.

Beauty and the Beat

Edan · 2005

33 min · 13 tracks · hip-hop

A kaleidoscopic blend of vintage samples, off-kilter beats, and playful wordplay that redefines hip-hop's creative boundaries.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Funky Voltron (feat. Insight) — This track exemplifies Edan's unique ability to fuse clever lyricism with infectious grooves, setting the tone for the album's playful yet profound exploration.
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Fumbling Over Words That Rhyme — Through its rapid-fire delivery and intricate wordplay, this track showcases Edan's skillful manipulation of language, highlighting his artistic vision in hip-hop.
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Making Planets (feat. Mr. Lif) — This collaboration features complex rhyme schemes and imaginative storytelling, reflecting Edan's commitment to pushing the boundaries of traditional hip-hop narratives.
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Beauty — As one of the standout tracks, it encapsulates the album's thematic essence, merging introspective lyrics with a captivating sonic landscape.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

65 /100

Treeline

Higher than 88% of albums we've rated

The album showcases innovative production and diverse influences, making it a standout in experimental hip-hop.

What we noticed

The album features a wide range of samples from various genres, creating an eclectic sound that shifts between styles within individual tracks.
Several tracks incorporate unexpected tempo changes and unconventional song structures, such as 'Murder Mystery', which blends narrative elements with abstract beats.
Edan's vocal delivery often includes rapid-fire verses interspersed with playful hooks, particularly evident in tracks like 'Fumbling Over Words That Rhyme'.
The sequencing includes interludes like 'Time Outt (Segue)' that serve to transition between the more energetic tracks and the introspective moments.

Composition 25% of the score: 8/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

Influence 6/10

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.

Tracklist

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

1 Polite Meeting (intro) 2:16
2 Funky Voltron (feat. Insight) 2:16
3 I See Colours 2:30
4 Fumbling Over Words That Rhyme 2:55
5 Murder Mystery 2:02
6 Torture Chamber (feat. Percee P) 3:12
7 Making Planets (feat. Mr. Lif) 2:54
8 Time Outt (Segue) 1:07
9 Rock and Roll (feat. Dagha) 2:45
10 Beauty 3:19
11 The Science of the Two (feat. Insight) 3:33
12 Smile 2:15
13 Promised Land 2:24

What to play next

Listen next

Echo Party

2009

Go back to

Primitive Plus

2002

Full Edan discography Artists like Edan

hip-hop

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata