What makes Cinemetropolis by Blue Scholars notable?

Upon its release, Cinemetropolis received critical acclaim for its intricate storytelling and innovative production, charting well within the independent music scene. The album's cultural impact was highlighted by its exploration of diverse topics, resonating particularly within Asian American communities and contributing to discussions around identity and social justice in hip-hop. Cinemetropolis is Blue Scholars' third studio album, following their breakthrough with Bayani in 2007. By 2011, the duo had established themselves as key voices in the independent hip-hop scene, blending personal narratives with broader social commentary. This album further solidified their reputation, showcasing their evolution in sound and lyrical depth.

How many songs are on Cinemetropolis?

Cinemetropolis has 15 tracks, running approximately 57 minutes.

Cinemetropolis

Blue Scholars · 2011

57 min · 15 tracks · hip-hop

A vibrant fusion of hip-hop beats and socially conscious lyrics that paint a vivid picture of urban life and culture.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Cinemetropolis — The opening track introduces the album's thematic core, blending rich imagery of city life with a compelling narrative flow that sets the tone for the entire project.
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Hussein — This track offers poignant commentary on political issues, intertwining personal reflection with broader critiques of power dynamics, making it a standout moment on the album.
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Oskar Barnack ∞ Oscar Grant — By connecting historical figures with contemporary issues of racial injustice, this track exemplifies Blue Scholars' ability to blend storytelling with activism, deepening the album's impact.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

64 /100

Treeline

Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

Cinemetropolis combines storytelling with innovative production, making it a notable entry in independent hip-hop.

What we noticed

The album opens with a title track that sets a cinematic tone, blending orchestral samples with hip-hop beats.
Each track features intricate lyricism that often references historical and cultural figures, creating a narrative thread throughout.
Several tracks incorporate live instrumentation alongside traditional hip-hop production, adding depth to the sound.
The sequencing maintains a consistent energy level, with only slight dips in tempo that allow for lyrical reflection.

Composition 25% of the score: 8/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 8/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. 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 Cinemetropolis 4:06
2 Hussein 3:40
3 Fou Lee 3:44
4 Lalo Schifrin 3:35
5 Seijun Suzuki 4:33
6 Anna Karina 3:17
7 Marion Sunshine 3:10
8 Slick Watts 3:24
9 George Jackson 3:56
10 Oskar Barnack ∞ Oscar Grant 4:07
11 Yuri Kochiyama 3:51
12 Rani Mukerji 3:16
13 Tommy Chong 4:12
14 Chief Sealth 4:42
15 Fin 4:22

What to play next

Go back to

2010: Odds & Ends

2010

Full Blue Scholars discography Artists like Blue Scholars

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Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata