Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

77 /100

Summit

Higher than 99% of albums we've rated

RJD2's debut showcases innovative sampling and production techniques that stand out in the instrumental hip-hop genre.

What we noticed

• — Several tracks incorporate vocal snippets and dialogue, adding an additional layer of texture to the instrumental compositions.
• — The sequencing includes interludes that create a narrative flow, with tracks transitioning smoothly into one another without abrupt breaks.

How the number is built

Composition 25% of the score

8/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score

9/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score

7/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score

8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score

8/10

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.