By Dom Kennedy cover

By Dom Kennedy

Dom Kennedy · 2015

36 min · 11 tracks · hip-hop

A smooth blend of laid-back West Coast vibes and introspective lyricism that captures the essence of urban life.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Fried Lobster — This track highlights Dom's unique storytelling ability, weaving together personal anecdotes with relatable themes of ambition and success.
  • →
    Thank You Biggie — In this tribute to The Notorious B.I.G., Kennedy reflects on the impact of hip-hop legends while intertwining his own narrative, showcasing his reverence for the genre.
  • →
    Posted in the Club — This standout track combines catchy hooks with a party anthem vibe, exemplifying Kennedy's skill in blending introspection with celebration.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

55 /100
Foothills
Higher than 45% of albums we've rated

The album showcases solid writing and production, with a cohesive flow but lacks standout moments that elevate it further.

What we noticed

  • The album features a consistent mid-tempo groove, with most tracks maintaining a laid-back feel that aligns with West Coast hip-hop aesthetics.
  • Several tracks incorporate smooth jazz and funk samples, creating a relaxed atmosphere that complements the introspective lyrics.
  • The sequencing flows seamlessly from one track to the next, with transitions that enhance the overall narrative of urban life experiences.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
8/10

running order, pacing, length

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.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Daddy 2:36
  • 2 My First Reply (Till It's Over) 3:13
  • 3 On My Hometown / Nobody Else 4:10
  • 4 Represent (I Like That) 3:25
  • 5 What I Tell Kids 1:56
  • 6 Fried Lobster 2:49
  • 7 Thank You Biggie 2:29
  • 8 Lemonade 3:13
  • 9 2 Bad 3:42
  • 10 Alhambra 3:52
  • 11 Posted in the Club 4:46

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata