Dark Comedy
Open Mike Eagle · 2014
44 min · 13 tracks · hip-hop
A sharp and cerebral exploration of self-doubt, identity, and societal absurdities wrapped in unconventional hip-hop beats.
Top tracks — play these first
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Thirsty Ego Raps — This track combines personal introspection with clever wordplay, showcasing Eagle's ability to navigate themes of insecurity while maintaining a humorous tone.
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Doug Stamper (Advice Raps) — Utilizing a fictional character from House of Cards, this track cleverly weaves pop culture references with sage advice, highlighting Eagle's unique narrative style.
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A History of Modern Dance — This song juxtaposes the complexities of modern life against dance imagery, reflecting Eagle's knack for blending abstract concepts with relatable emotions.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album's innovative beats and sharp lyrics create a unique voice in hip-hop, though its impact remains more niche.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a skit that sets a satirical tone, blending humor with commentary on societal issues.
- Tracks often feature unconventional structures, with verses that shift in rhythm and flow, defying typical hip-hop patterns.
- Several songs incorporate unexpected instrumental choices, such as jazz-inflected beats and electronic elements, enhancing the lyrical themes.
- 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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7/10
- 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
- steady flow with clever wordplay
- humorous yet introspective narratives
- for focused listening
- peaks of emotion and wit
Maybe skip if you
- prefer straightforward, upbeat tracks
- dislike introspective or nuanced content
Where this album fits
- Career context
- In 2014, Open Mike Eagle was establishing himself as a significant voice within the underground hip-hop scene with Dark Comedy serving as his sophomore album. This release followed his debut, Rappers Will Die of Natural Causes, which had laid the groundwork for his unique blend of humor and introspection. At this point in his career, Eagle was also gaining recognition for his contributions to the 'art rap' movement.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Aesop Rock· Busdriver· Milo
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Thirsty Ego Raps
The lyrics shift from self-deprecating humor to a biting critique of artistry and commercialism in hip-hop.
This transition illustrates the conflict between artistic integrity and mainstream success, encapsulating the duality present throughout the album.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Dark Comedy Morning Show 3:23
- 2 Qualifiers 3:31
- 3 Thirsty Ego Raps 3:50
- 4 Golden Age Raps 2:53
- 5 Very Much Money (Ice King Dream) 3:34
- 6 Doug Stamper (Advice Raps) 4:48
- 7 Jon Lovitz (Fantasy Booking Yarn) 2:22
- 8 Idaho 3:56
- 9 Sadface Penance Raps 1:26
- 10 A History of Modern Dance 3:41
- 11 Deathmate Black 4:09
- 12 Informations 3:45
- 13 Big Pretty Bridges (3 Days Off in Albuquerque) 3:15
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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