What makes Big Baller by MC Breed notable?

'Big Baller' is significant for its role in popularizing Midwest hip-hop during the mid-90s, showcasing Breed's distinctive voice and lyrical prowess. The album garnered positive reviews and contributed to the regional sound that influenced later artists like Bone Thugs-n-Harmony and Insane Clown Posse. Released on June 20, 1995, 'Big Baller' was MC Breed's third studio album, following his breakthrough with 'Catch a Bad One' in 1991. At this point in his career, Breed had established himself within the G-funk and hardcore hip-hop scenes, leveraging his unique style to capture a wider audience.

How many songs are on Big Baller?

Big Baller has 12 tracks, running approximately 48 minutes.

Big Baller

MC Breed · 1995

48 min · 12 tracks · hip-hop

A vibrant mix of laid-back grooves and sharp lyricism that embodies the spirit of 90s Midwest hip-hop culture.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Game for Life — This track features an infectious hook paired with Breed's motivating verses about perseverance, representing the album's energetic essence.
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Sea of Bud — Combining smooth production with laid-back lyrics, this track captures the carefree vibe of summer parties and showcases Breed's storytelling ability.
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You Slippin' — This song highlights Breed's sharp lyricism as he critiques those who fail to recognize his talent, making it a standout moment on the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

54 /100

Foothills

Higher than 43% of albums we've rated

The album showcases solid writing and production typical of its era while maintaining a cohesive flow.

What we noticed

The album opens with a brief intro that sets a laid-back tone, followed by tracks that maintain a consistent mid-tempo groove.
Several tracks feature layered vocal harmonies and call-and-response patterns, emphasizing Breed's lyrical delivery.
The last three tracks slow down the tempo, creating a reflective atmosphere that contrasts with the earlier energy.

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

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.