First of a Living Breed
Homeboy Sandman · 2012
46 min · 14 tracks · hip-hop
Homeboy Sandman's intricate wordplay dances atop eclectic beats, weaving personal narratives into the fabric of contemporary hip-hop.
Top tracks — play these first
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Watchu’ Want From Me? — This track features a conversational flow that delves into self-reflection and vulnerability, highlighting Sandman's ability to blend humor with serious themes.
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Couple Bars (Honey, Sugar, Darling, Sweetie, Baby, Boo) — With its playful yet poignant lyrics, this song showcases Sandman's unique style of romantic storytelling that both charms and challenges conventional notions of love.
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Illuminati — In this track, Sandman critically examines conspiracy theories and societal structures through sharp lyricism and a compelling narrative approach.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong lyrical craftsmanship and diverse production, making it a notable entry in underground hip-hop.
What we noticed
- Homeboy Sandman's flow is characterized by intricate internal rhymes and varied cadences, often shifting within the same verse.
- Several tracks incorporate spoken word elements or narrative interludes, enhancing the storytelling aspect of the lyrics.
- The album's pacing alternates between reflective tracks and more upbeat songs, maintaining listener engagement throughout.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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7/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
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
- reflective moments for deep thought
- short tracks for quick engagement
- intricate wordplay for attentive listeners
- soulful beats with personal stories
Maybe skip if you
- seeking high-energy party vibes
- prefering long, sprawling narratives
Where this album fits
- Career context
- By 2012, Homeboy Sandman had established himself as a distinctive voice in underground hip-hop, following his 2010 debut album 'The Good Sun.' 'First of a Living Breed' marked his first release under the Stones Throw label, showcasing his growth as an artist and solidifying his place within the genre's experimental landscape.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Aesop Rock· Open Mike Eagle· Milo
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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For the Kids
The verses explore the complexities of adulthood while addressing younger generations directly, emphasizing the importance of legacy and guidance.
The direct address shifts the focus from personal experience to communal responsibility, creating an immediate connection between the artist and listeners.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Rain 3:14
- 2 Watchu’ Want From Me? 3:50
- 3 Couple Bars (Honey, Sugar, Darling, Sweetie, Baby, Boo) 3:21
- 4 Sputnik 3:58
- 5 Illuminati 3:08
- 6 4 Corners 3:46
- 7 For the Kids 3:39
- 8 Cedar & Sedgwick 2:01
- 9 Mine All Mine 2:35
- 10 Not Really 4:18
- 11 The Ancient 3:30
- 12 Eclipsed 1:55
- 13 First of a Living Breed 4:13
- 14 Let’s Get ’em 2:53
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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