Released 20 years ago
Black Magic
Swollen Members · 2006
68 min · 21 tracks · alternative hip-hop
Dark, gritty beats intertwine with sharp lyricism, reflecting the struggles and resilience of urban life.
Top tracks — play these first
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Pressure — This track exemplifies Swollen Members' signature blend of aggressive beats and introspective lyrics, showcasing their lyrical prowess and thematic depth.
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Prisoner of Doom — An exploration of personal struggles and societal issues, this track stands out for its haunting production and compelling narrative structure.
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Weight — Featuring poignant reflections on burden and perseverance, this track encapsulates the emotional weight present throughout the album.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album combines gritty beats and sharp lyricism but lacks standout tracks that elevate it beyond its genre.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a brief intro that sets a dark tone, followed by a series of tracks that maintain a consistent mid-tempo pace.
- Several tracks feature layered vocal deliveries, with verses alternating between members to create a dynamic interplay.
- The last three tracks slow down the tempo significantly, providing a contrasting conclusion to the album's overall intensity.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- dark narratives of struggle
- gritty beats for focused listening
- introspective moments of resilience
- short tracks for quick engagement
- late-night contemplative sessions
Maybe skip if you
- seeking lighthearted, upbeat vibes
- prefer long, immersive albums
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released on January 1, 2006, 'Black Magic' is Swollen Members' fifth studio album, following their successful record 'Heavy' from 2004. At this point in their career, the group had solidified their presence in the alternative hip-hop scene and was exploring darker themes while maintaining their unique sound. This album came after a brief hiatus and marked their return to form with new material.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Dilated Peoples· Jurassic 5· Aesop Rock
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Intro 0:40
- 2 Blackout 1:47
- 3 Swamp Water 3:35
- 4 Pressure 3:23
- 5 Press Forward 0:28
- 6 Grind 3:14
- 7 Torture 3:37
- 8 So Deadly 3:58
- 9 Weight 3:47
- 10 Prisoner of Doom 4:12
- 11 Heart 3:06
- 12 Too Hot 3:33
- 13 Dark Clouds 4:55
- 14 Ritual 0:37
- 15 Massacre 3:41
- 16 Go to Sleep 4:32
- 17 Sinister 4:19
- 18 Dynamite 3:03
- 19 Put Me On 4:05
- 20 Black Magic 3:58
- 21 Brothers 3:51
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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