Cyborg cover

Released 10 years ago

Cyborg

Nekfeu · 2016

60 min · 14 tracks · rapping

A genre-blurring fusion of introspective lyrics and experimental beats that challenges the boundaries of contemporary French hip-hop.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Humanoïde — The opening track sets the tone for the album with complex wordplay and an exploration of human versus machine themes, encapsulating Nekfeu's artistic vision.
  • →
    Réalité augmentée — This track features a catchy hook alongside critical commentary on modern society’s obsession with technology, showcasing Nekfeu's ability to blend entertainment with thought-provoking discourse.
  • →
    Besoin de sens — A reflective piece that dives into existential questions, it highlights Nekfeu's introspective lyricism while drawing listeners into a deeper emotional landscape.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

71 /100
Alpine
Higher than 95% of albums we've rated

Cyborg's innovative sound and introspective lyrics create a distinctive experience within contemporary French hip-hop.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a spoken-word intro that sets a thematic tone, followed by tracks that blend rapid-fire verses with atmospheric production.
  • Several tracks feature unconventional song structures, such as abrupt tempo changes and layered vocal harmonies, which challenge traditional hip-hop forms.
  • Lyrically, the album explores complex themes of identity and technology, often using metaphorical language that requires attentive listening to unpack.
Composition 25% of the score
8/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
8/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • dynamic emotional journeys
  • long, immersive listening sessions
  • wave-like pacing and flow
  • introspective mood exploration

Where this album fits

Career context
Released on December 2, 2016, 'Cyborg' marks Nekfeu's second studio album following his acclaimed debut, 'Feu.' By this point in his career, he had solidified his status as a leading figure in French hip-hop, blending literary prowess with social commentary.
Stylistic neighbors
Lomepal· Orelsan· Soprano

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Avant tu riais

    The verses shift from nostalgic recollections to stark realizations about personal growth and societal changes.

    This transition emphasizes a contrast between past innocence and present complexities, illustrating Nekfeu's growth as both an artist and an individual.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Humanoïde 6:26
  • 2 Mauvaise Graine 4:00
  • 3 Squa 4:02
  • 4 Réalité augmentée 4:10
  • 5 Avant tu riais 5:06
  • 6 Esquimaux 3:24
  • 7 O.D 4:02
  • 8 Vinyle 4:52
  • 9 Saturne 6:03
  • 10 Galatée 3:54
  • 11 Le Regard des gens 3:30
  • 12 Programmé 3:39
  • 13 Besoin de sens 3:50
  • 14 Nekketsu 3:34

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata