Cheers cover

Cheers

Obie Trice · 2003

79 min · 19 tracks · hip-hop

A gritty fusion of storytelling and bravado, showcasing sharp lyricism over hard-hitting beats.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Cheers — The title track encapsulates the album's themes of celebration and resilience amidst adversity, showcasing Trice's confident delivery and clever wordplay.
  • →
    Got Some Teeth — This track features biting commentary on authenticity in the rap game, illustrating Trice's ability to blend humor with sharp critiques.
  • →
    We All Die One Day — Offering a reflective perspective on mortality, this track highlights Trice's introspective side, contrasting with the more braggadocious elements of the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

51 /100
Foothills
Higher than 34% of albums we've rated

The album balances storytelling with hard-hitting beats, showcasing distinct lyrical themes and solid production.

What we noticed

  • The first half of the album features a consistent mid-tempo pace, while the second half introduces slower tracks that create a more reflective atmosphere.
  • Several tracks utilize a call-and-response structure between Obie Trice and featured artists, enhancing the dynamic of the storytelling.
  • The production employs heavy bass lines and sharp snares, creating a gritty sound that complements the lyrical themes of urban life.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
6/10

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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • dynamic emotional journeys
  • long immersive listening sessions
  • introspective lyrical exploration
  • wave-like pacing variations

Where this album fits

Career context
When 'Cheers' was released in September 2003, Obie Trice was riding the wave of his major-label debut following his successful appearance on Eminem's '8 Mile' soundtrack. This album marked a significant moment in his career as it established him as a solo artist within the Detroit hip-hop scene after gaining initial recognition.
Stylistic neighbors
Joe Budden· Royce da 5'9"· Black Milk

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • We All Die One Day

    A poignant moment arises when Trice shifts from boasting about success to acknowledging life's transience.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Average Man 4:16
  • 2 Cheers 3:34
  • 3 Got Some Teeth 3:47
  • 4 Lady 4:45
  • 5 Don’t Come Down 5:11
  • 6 The Set Up 3:13
  • 7 Bad Bitch 4:09
  • 8 Shit Hits the Fan 4:52
  • 9 Follow My Life 3:55
  • 10 We All Die One Day 5:29
  • 11 Spread Yo Shit 4:03
  • 12 Look in My Eyes 4:50
  • 13 Hands on You 5:12
  • 14 Hoodrats 4:12
  • 15 Oh! 4:30
  • 16 Never Forget Ya 4:27
  • 17 Outro 4:03
  • 18 8 Miles 3:57
  • 19 Synopsis 1:18

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata