Exhile
34 min · 8 tracks · hip-hop
A raw exploration of personal and political disillusionment, layered over gritty beats and Sole's distinctive flow.
Top tracks — play these first
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The American Standard — This opening track sets the tone with its biting critique of American values, showcasing Sole's sharp lyricism and unique vocal delivery.
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Middle Aged Rapper Blues — In this reflective piece, Sole captures the struggles of aging in an industry that often overlooks maturity, blending humor and poignancy.
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Self Fulfilling Prophets — This track delves into themes of self-identity and societal expectations, making it a standout for its introspective nature and intricate wordplay.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Exhile combines introspective lyrics with experimental beats, making it a notable entry in underground hip-hop.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a strong political statement in 'The American Standard', setting a confrontational tone that persists throughout.
- Sole's flow varies significantly between tracks, with some featuring rapid-fire delivery while others adopt a more laid-back approach.
- Several tracks incorporate unconventional samples and production techniques, creating a gritty, experimental sound that complements the lyrical themes.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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6/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
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
- gritty reflections on disillusionment
- raw emotional exploration of life
- short bursts of introspective thoughts
- thought-provoking lyrics for contemplation
Maybe skip if you
- seeking upbeat party anthems
- prefer polished mainstream production
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 2007, Exhile is Sole's fifth studio album, coming after a series of innovative projects that solidified his reputation as a pioneer in underground hip-hop. At this point in his career, Sole was transitioning from the more abstract sounds of his earlier work to a sharper focus on socio-political commentary.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Aesop Rock· El-P· Atmosphere
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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The American Standard
The verses confront mainstream ideologies directly, employing stark imagery to challenge the listener's perception of American life.
This direct approach establishes a confrontational tone that persists throughout the album, underscoring Sole's role as an outspoken critic.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 The American Standard 3:25
- 2 Terror in the Water 4:42
- 3 Self Fulfilling Prophets 4:18
- 4 I Can't Stand, Part 1 4:17
- 5 The Binger Is Over 4:19
- 6 Allieverwanted (original) 4:53
- 7 Nothing Wrong, Part 2 4:29
- 8 Middle Aged Rapper Blues 4:29
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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