Top tracks — play these first
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The Full Retard — This track stands out for its aggressive beats and sharp commentary on societal issues, exemplifying El-P's signature mix of humor and intensity.
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Drones Over BKLYN — Combining vivid imagery with a haunting atmosphere, this track captures the sense of urban alienation that permeates the album.
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Tougher Colder Killer — With its relentless pace and confrontational lyrics, this song serves as a powerful statement of resilience and defiance against adversity.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
El-P's innovative production and complex lyrics create a distinctive sound that stands out in hip-hop.
What we noticed
- Several songs incorporate unconventional song structures, such as abrupt transitions and layered vocal samples.
- The production employs a raw, gritty aesthetic that complements the thematic content of chaos and struggle.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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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
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
- intense bursts of raw energy
- cathartic reflections on chaos
- sharp lyrical wit and insight
- punchy tracks for quick listening
Maybe skip if you
- prefer smooth, polished production
- want lengthy, sprawling albums
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Cancer 4 Cure is El-P's first solo album in nearly a decade, following his work with the influential duo Company Flow. By this time, he had established himself as a key figure in alternative hip-hop, blending abstract lyricism with innovative production techniques. The release marked a significant return to form for El-P, solidifying his place within the underground rap scene.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Run the Jewels· Aesop Rock· Death Grips
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Drones Over BKLYN
The narrative shifts from personal reflection to broader societal critique, highlighting a disconnect between individual experience and urban life.
This transition illustrates how personal struggles can mirror larger systemic issues, deepening the emotional weight of the storytelling.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Request Denied 4:32
- 2 The Full Retard 3:39
- 3 Works Every Time 3:35
- 4 Drones Over BKLYN 5:49
- 5 Oh Hail No 3:41
- 6 Tougher Colder Killer 3:39
- 7 True Story 3:14
- 8 The Jig Is Up 3:18
- 9 Sign Here 2:51
- 10 For My Upstairs Neighbor (Mums the Word) 3:15
- 11 Stay Down 3:10
- 12 $4 VIC / Nothing But You+Me (FTL) 8:23
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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