What makes Born and Raised by Cormega notable?

Born and Raised received critical acclaim for its introspective lyrics and authentic representation of street life, earning a strong place within the East Coast hip-hop canon. It notably debuted at number 80 on the Billboard 200, reflecting both commercial viability and cultural relevance during a time when the genre was evolving. Released in 2009, Born and Raised marked Cormega's third studio album, coming after a significant hiatus following his 2004 release The True Meaning. This album solidified Cormega's position in the East Coast hip-hop scene, showcasing his lyrical maturity and personal growth post-controversy with major labels.

Who is Born and Raised for?

Born and Raised works well if you're into reflective and introspective vibes, thought-provoking lyrical narratives and steady, consistent pacing throughout.

How many songs are on Born and Raised?

Born and Raised has 14 tracks, running approximately 43 minutes.

Born and Raised

Cormega · 2009

43 min · 14 tracks · gangsta rap

A reflective journey through Cormega's gritty storytelling, layered over soulful beats and hard-hitting rhythms.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Love Your Family — This track captures Cormega’s deep appreciation for familial bonds, blending heartfelt lyrics with a smooth production that resonates with listeners seeking emotional depth.
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Get It In — With its infectious hook and energetic beat, this track exemplifies Cormega's ability to balance street narratives with mainstream appeal, making it a standout anthem of ambition.
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Journey — Here, Cormega reflects on his past struggles and triumphs, using vivid imagery that paints a picture of resilience and determination, reinforcing his narrative style.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

50 /100

Foothills

Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The album combines personal storytelling with soulful production, making it a solid entry in East Coast hip-hop.

What we noticed

The album opens with a spoken-word intro that sets a reflective tone, followed by tracks that alternate between personal narratives and broader social commentary.
Several tracks feature layered vocal harmonies and soulful samples, creating a rich backdrop for Cormega's storytelling.
The pacing varies, with mid-tempo tracks dominating the first half, while the latter half includes more introspective and slower pieces.

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: 5/10

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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

reflective and introspective vibes
thought-provoking lyrical narratives
steady, consistent pacing throughout
short immersive listening sessions

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in 2009, Born and Raised marked Cormega's third studio album, coming after a significant hiatus following his 2004 release The True Meaning. This album solidified Cormega's position in the East Coast hip-hop scene, showcasing his lyrical maturity and personal growth post-controversy with major labels.
Stylistic neighbors: Nas· AZ· Raekwon