Clockwork Gray cover

Clockwork Gray

Blaze Ya Dead Homie · 2007

50 min · 14 tracks · gangsta rap

A gritty blend of horrorcore narratives and aggressive beats, evoking the dark underbelly of urban life.

Top tracks — play these first

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    The Crypt Keeper — This track stands out with its vivid storytelling and character-driven narrative that exemplifies Blaze's signature horrorcore style. Its haunting production complements the chilling lyrics, immersing listeners in a macabre atmosphere.
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    Toe Tagz 'n Body Bagz — Combining hard-hitting beats with grim imagery, this track encapsulates the essence of the album's themes surrounding death and urban struggle. The relentless energy showcases Blaze's dynamic flow.
  • →
    Wishing Well — This track provides a reflective moment amidst the chaos, where Blaze explores deeper themes of longing and regret through introspective lyrics. It's a standout for its emotional depth.

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 combines aggressive narratives with introspective moments, showcasing a solid but not composition.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a haunting intro that sets a dark tone, followed by aggressive beats that dominate the first half.
  • Several tracks feature layered vocal deliveries, with Blaze alternating between rapid-fire verses and slower, more menacing lines.
  • The last three tracks shift towards introspection, incorporating melodic elements that contrast with the earlier aggression.
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 3/10

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

  • gritty narratives of urban life
  • brief bursts of aggressive energy
  • dark storytelling with vivid imagery
  • late-night intensity and unease
  • quick tracks for focused sessions

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer lighthearted, upbeat themes
  • seek long, sprawling compositions

Where this album fits

Career context
Released on January 1, 2007, Clockwork Gray marked Blaze Ya Dead Homie's fourth studio album, following his 2004 release, Gang Rags. At this point in his career, he had established himself within the underground hip-hop scene, known for his horror-themed lyrics and theatrical delivery. This album further solidified his unique position within the Midwest hip-hop landscape.
Stylistic neighbors
Twiztid· Insane Clown Posse· Tech N9ne

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Contact From the Other Side 1:15
  • 2 The Crypt Keeper 2:02
  • 3 Blaze Up 2:58
  • 4 Toe Tagz 'n Body Bagz 3:10
  • 5 Ill Connect 3:04
  • 6 Keep It Simple 4:13
  • 7 Some of Them Thugz 2:18
  • 8 Egg Plantz 3:47
  • 9 Zip Codes 'n Time Zones 4:40
  • 10 Inside Looking Out 3:30
  • 11 Dead Neck 3:20
  • 12 Escape Artist 4:57
  • 13 Wishing Well 4:27
  • 14 E.O.D. 6:28

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata