Is Dream.ZONE.Achieve a good place to start with Smoke DZA?

Yes, Dream.ZONE.Achieve is recommended as a starting point for new Smoke DZA listeners. A lush blend of introspective lyricism and smooth, laid-back beats, embodying the essence of East Coast hip-hop. Released on January 1, 2014, Dream.ZONE.Achieve marked Smoke DZA's fifth studio album, following his previous project, Dream.ZONE.Achieve. By this point in his career, DZA had established himself as a notable figure in the underground hip-hop scene, with an increasingly refined sound that showcased his growth as both a lyricist and an artist.

Who is Dream.ZONE.Achieve for?

Dream.ZONE.Achieve works well if you're into introspective reflections on ambition, short interludes for pacing breaks and smooth beats for relaxed listening.

How many songs are on Dream.ZONE.Achieve?

Dream.ZONE.Achieve has 21 tracks, running approximately 79 minutes.

Dream.ZONE.Achieve

Smoke DZA · 2014

79 min · 21 tracks · East Coast hip-hop

A lush blend of introspective lyricism and smooth, laid-back beats, embodying the essence of East Coast hip-hop.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Count Me In Start here — accessible entry with immediate hook
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Ghost of Dipset — This track pays homage to the influential Harlem collective Dipset, showcasing DZA's lyrical prowess while connecting past and present hip-hop narratives.
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City of Dreams — With its reflective lyrics about ambition and success, this track encapsulates the album's overarching themes of aspiration and resilience.
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Legends in the Making (Ashtray, Part 2) — This track serves as a powerful declaration of DZA’s aspirations and his status in the industry, blending personal storytelling with bravado.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

56 /100

Foothills

Higher than 47% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong production and introspective lyrics but lacks a tightly cohesive flow due to its length and interludes.

What we noticed

The album features a consistent use of smooth, laid-back beats that create a relaxed atmosphere throughout its 21 tracks.
Several tracks incorporate interludes that serve as transitions, breaking up the flow and adding depth to the narrative.
Lyrically, Smoke DZA employs introspective themes that reflect personal experiences and aspirations, often layered over intricate rhyme schemes.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

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

introspective reflections on ambition
short interludes for pacing breaks
smooth beats for relaxed listening
late-night thoughts and musings
varied track lengths for exploration

Maybe skip if you

prefer instant gratification tracks
dislike slower, thoughtful experiences

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — The album solidified Smoke DZA's reputation in East Coast hip-hop.
Themes: Harlem nostalgia· ambition in hip-hop· personal storytelling
Career context: Released on January 1, 2014, Dream.ZONE.Achieve marked Smoke DZA's fifth studio album, following his previous project, Dream.ZONE.Achieve. By this point in his career, DZA had established himself as a notable figure in the underground hip-hop scene, with an increasingly refined sound that showcased his growth as both a lyricist and an artist.
Stylistic neighbors: Curren$y· Joey Bada$$· Action Bronson