Call Me D-Nice cover

Call Me D-Nice

D-Nice · 1990

38 min · 10 tracks · funk

A soulful blend of jazz-infused hip-hop rhythms and introspective lyrics that exemplify early '90s East Coast artistry.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Call Me D-Nice — The title track cleverly blends catchy hooks with sharp lyrics, encapsulating the essence of D-Nice's artistry while introducing listeners to his unique style.
  • →
    It's All About Me — This track features infectious grooves and a confident delivery, reflecting themes of self-empowerment and identity that resonate throughout the album.
  • →
    Pimp of the Year — This track stands out with its playful narrative and clever wordplay, showcasing D-Nice's storytelling ability amidst a funky beat.

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 blends jazz and hip-hop effectively but doesn't fully stand out in its era.

What we noticed

  • The album features a consistent use of jazzy samples layered over hip-hop beats, creating a smooth yet rhythmic sound throughout.
  • D-Nice employs varied vocal delivery styles, alternating between laid-back flows and more assertive cadences across different tracks.
  • Several tracks incorporate live instrumentation, particularly in the horn sections, which adds a rich texture to the production.
  • The sequencing maintains a steady pace, with tracks like 'Call Me D-Nice' positioned early to establish the album's thematic direction.
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
5/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

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.

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • It's All About Me

    The perspective shifts from external observations to a personal declaration of individuality and ambition.

    This shift emphasizes self-assertion at a critical point in the song, marking a decisive turn towards introspection that underlines the album's broader themes.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Crumbs on the Table 4:04
  • 2 Call Me D-Nice 3:47
  • 3 Glory 3:56
  • 4 The TR 808 Is Coming 3:41
  • 5 Under Some Budda 4:29
  • 6 It's Over 4:57
  • 7 A Few Dollars More 4:08
  • 8 It's All About Me 3:56
  • 9 Pimp of the Year 2:36
  • 10 And You Don't Stop 3:02

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata