Diaspora (GoldLink album) cover

Diaspora (GoldLink album)

GoldLink · 2019

39 min · 14 tracks · contemporary R&B

A vibrant fusion of alternative hip-hop and contemporary R&B, layered with electronic beats and global influences.

Top tracks — play these first

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    Joke Ting — This track showcases GoldLink's dexterous flow over a catchy beat, embodying the album's playful yet introspective nature. Its infectious hook and lively production make it a standout example of his ability to merge humor with deeper themes.
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    U Say — Featuring an engaging sample and a smooth melodic structure, 'U Say' highlights GoldLink's knack for storytelling through rhythm. The collaboration with fellow artists further enriches the track, making it a prime illustration of the album’s multicultural elements.
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    Days Like This — 'Days Like This' encapsulates the album's exploration of optimism amidst challenges, with a laid-back vibe that contrasts its lyrical depth. It stands out as a reflective piece where GoldLink delves into personal experiences while maintaining an upbeat sound.
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    More — 'More' is a testament to GoldLink's growth as an artist, blending sharp lyricism with infectious rhythms. The track captures the essence of ambition and desire, resonating well with listeners seeking motivation.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

60 /100
Treeline
Higher than 66% of albums we've rated

The album blends genres effectively but has some unevenness in pacing and thematic cohesion.

What we noticed

  • The album features a diverse range of tempos, with tracks like 'Joke Ting' and 'Maniac' maintaining an upbeat pace, while others like 'Days Like This' slow down for introspection.
  • Several tracks incorporate global musical elements, such as Afrobeat rhythms in 'Zulu Screams' and Latin influences in 'Spanish Song', creating a multicultural soundscape.
  • The use of layered electronic beats is prominent throughout, with intricate production techniques that enhance the overall texture of the music.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

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 4/10

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

  • vibrant energy for social settings
  • short tracks for quick engagement
  • playful beats with global flair
  • eclectic sounds for adventurous listeners

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer lengthy immersive experiences
  • seek consistent slow pacing

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in January 2019, 'Diaspora' is GoldLink's sophomore album following his acclaimed debut 'At What Cost.' At this point in his career, he sought to explore broader themes of identity and cultural heritage, building on the buzz from his previous work while refining his sound.
Stylistic neighbors
Saba· Masego· Anderson .Paak

Tracklist

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

  • 1 //error 0:22
  • 2 Joke Ting 3:00
  • 3 Maniac 3:09
  • 4 Days Like This 2:48
  • 5 Zulu Screams 2:57
  • 6 More 3:07
  • 7 Cokewhite 3:25
  • 8 U Say 3:21
  • 9 Yard 3:16
  • 10 Spanish Song 3:31
  • 11 No Lie 3:23
  • 12 Tiff Freestyle 1:42
  • 13 Rumble 3:11
  • 14 Swoosh 2:40

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata