What makes Duality by Flying Lotus notable?

'Duality' is significant for its innovative approach to blending genres and its influence on the future of electronic music. The mixtape received positive reviews from critics, highlighting Flying Lotus's creative depth and solidifying his position as a key figure in the Los Angeles beat scene. It also contributed to his ongoing collaborations with artists across various genres, influencing a wave of producers who followed. At the time of its release in January 2012, Flying Lotus was building on the success of his critically acclaimed album 'Cosmogramma' from 2010. 'Duality' further established him as a pioneering force in experimental music, showcasing his ability to seamlessly amalgamate hip-hop, electronic, and jazz influences. This mixtape was pivotal in enhancing his reputation within both underground and mainstream circles.

Duality works well if you're into dynamic exploration with interludes, short bursts of eclectic sound and wave-like pacing throughout experience.

How many songs are on Duality?

Duality has 28 tracks, running approximately 62 minutes.

Duality

Flying Lotus · 2012

62 min · 28 tracks · electronic music

A kaleidoscopic blend of electronic beats and jazzy atmospheres that challenges genre boundaries with each track.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Mighty Morphin Foreskin — This track exemplifies Flying Lotus's unique fusion of playful sound design and complex rhythms, making it a standout piece that reflects his adventurous spirit.
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The Ritual — With its haunting soundscapes and intricate layering, this track encapsulates the album's thematic exploration of duality and transformation.
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Gone Fishing — This track showcases a more introspective side of Flying Lotus, combining lush instrumentation with a sense of longing that resonates throughout the mixtape.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

61 /100

Treeline

Higher than 71% of albums we've rated

The album showcases innovative genre blending and complex structures, though its cohesion is somewhat affected by the extensive tracklist.

What we noticed

The first half of the album features tracks that blend intricate electronic beats with organic jazz elements, while the second half leans heavily into ambient soundscapes.
The inclusion of both vocal and instrumental versions of many tracks suggests a focus on exploring different interpretations of the same material.

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

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 exploration with interludes
short bursts of eclectic sound
wave-like pacing throughout experience
playful experimentation in soundscapes
engaging headphone detail hunting

Maybe skip if you

prefer straightforward song structures
seek immediate gratification tracks

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Critical Peak — Innovative genre blending further established his pioneering status in electronic music.
Career context: At the time of its release in January 2012, Flying Lotus was building on the success of his critically acclaimed album 'Cosmogramma' from 2010. 'Duality' further established him as a pioneering force in experimental music, showcasing his ability to seamlessly amalgamate hip-hop, electronic, and jazz influences. This mixtape was pivotal in enhancing his reputation within both underground and mainstream circles.
Stylistic neighbors: Thundercat· Kamasi Washington· Shlohmo