Released 30 years ago this October
Firing Squad
M.O.P. · 1996
65 min · 18 tracks · East Coast hip-hop
Raw, aggressive beats collide with unfiltered lyrical ferocity, embodying the grit of East Coast hip-hop in the mid-90s.
Top tracks — play these first
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Firing Squad — The title track encapsulates M.O.P.'s signature intensity and confrontational style, showcasing their fierce lyricism and powerful delivery that define the album.
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New Jack City — This track exemplifies the duo's ability to blend storytelling with hard-hitting beats, reflecting on survival in their gritty urban environment while becoming a fan favorite.
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Stick to Ya Gunz — A standout track that emphasizes loyalty and resilience, its aggressive production and assertive lyrics highlight M.O.P.'s commitment to authenticity in their music.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Firing Squad showcases intense lyricism and production typical of mid-90s East Coast hip-hop, with notable energy but uneven cohesion.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a skit that sets a confrontational tone, followed by aggressive beats that dominate the first half.
- Tracks like 'New Jack City' and 'Stick to Ya Gunz' feature rapid-fire verses with minimal melodic elements, emphasizing lyrical delivery.
- Several tracks incorporate samples from classic soul and funk records, creating a gritty backdrop for the raw vocal performances.
- The sequencing includes interludes that disrupt the flow but also provide context to the themes of urban struggle and resilience.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- 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
- intense lyrical storytelling experience
- aggressive beats for workout motivation
- urban life reflections and struggles
- high-energy tracks for group settings
- cathartic release of pent-up emotions
Maybe skip if you
- prefer light-hearted, upbeat vibes
- seek polished, radio-friendly sounds
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released on October 22, 1996, Firing Squad was M.O.P.'s second studio album, following their debut, To the Death. At this point, the duo was gaining traction in the hip-hop scene, known for their intense delivery and street-centric narratives. This album solidified their place within the East Coast hip-hop movement and showcased their evolving sound.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Onyx· Havoc· Gang Starr
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Intro 0:50
- 2 Firing Squad (skit) 0:41
- 3 Firing Squad 4:20
- 4 New Jack City 2:53
- 5 Stick to Ya Gunz 3:51
- 6 Anticipation 4:37
- 7 Born 2 Kill 4:33
- 8 Brownsville 4:41
- 9 Salute 2:13
- 10 World Famous 4:11
- 11 Downtown Swinga ('96) 3:40
- 12 Lifestyles of a Ghetto Child 3:49
- 13 Revolution 5:35
- 14 Illside of Town 3:34
- 15 Nothin' 2 Lose 4:32
- 16 Dedication 1:19
- 17 Dead and Gone 4:59
- 18 Born 2 Kill (Jazz mix) 4:37
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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