Blowout Comb
Digable Planets · 1994
61 min · 13 tracks · jazz rap
A fusion of smooth jazz samples and intricate rhymes creating an immersive exploration of urban life and cultural identity.
Top tracks — play these first
-
→
Black Ego — This track features complex lyrical themes that delve into self-identity and social issues, exemplifying the group's intellectual approach to hip-hop.
-
→
Jettin’ — With its laid-back groove and sharp lyricism, this track captures the essence of the album's sound and thematic focus on urban experiences.
-
→
9th Wonder (Blackitolism) — This song showcases intricate wordplay and a rich musical backdrop, highlighting the intersection of black culture and hip-hop artistry.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album's intricate blend of jazz and rap creates a distinctive sound, though its cohesion dips slightly due to varied track structures.
What we noticed
- The album features a consistent use of smooth jazz samples layered with complex, multi-syllabic rhymes that create a rich auditory texture.
- Tracks often blend multiple sections, shifting between instrumental interludes and vocal verses without clear delineation.
- Composition 25% of the score
-
7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
-
8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
-
7/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
-
8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
-
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
- dynamic emotional journeys
- long, immersive listening sessions
- thoughtful, reflective moments
- wave-like pacing and flow
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Blowout Comb is Digable Planets' second album, released in 1994 after their critically acclaimed debut, Reachin' (A New Refutation of Time and Space). At this point in their career, the group was solidifying their unique sound within the jazz rap genre while exploring deeper themes related to race and identity.
- Stylistic neighbors
- A Tribe Called Quest· The Roots· Guru
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Slowes’ Comb / The May 4th Movement 4:56
- 2 Black Ego 7:02
- 3 Dog It 4:20
- 4 Jettin’ 4:39
- 5 Borough Check 6:55
- 6 Highing Fly / Agent 7 Creamy Spy Theme 1:23
- 7 Dial 7 (Axioms of Creamy Spies) / NY 21 Theme 5:46
- 8 The Art of Easing 5:05
- 9 K.B.’s Alley (Mood Dudes Groove) 2:07
- 10 Graffiti 4:03
- 11 Blowing Down 3:51
- 12 9th Wonder (Blackitolism) 4:27
- 13 For Corners 7:02
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.