Handshakes and Middle Fingers
Classified · 2011
57 min · 15 tracks · hip-hop
A dynamic blend of introspective lyrics and catchy hooks layered over vibrant hip-hop beats that reflect personal and cultural themes.
Top tracks — play these first
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That Ain’t Classy Start here — The track critiques societal norms and expectations with humor and sharp wit, making it a standout example of Classified's storytelling ability.
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Stay Cool — With its laid-back vibe and relatable lyrics about navigating life's challenges, this track encapsulates the album's balance of introspection and accessibility.
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Maybe It’s Just Me — This song delves into personal insecurities and self-reflection, showcasing Classified's ability to connect with listeners through vulnerable yet relatable themes.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album balances catchy hooks with introspective lyrics, showcasing solid craftsmanship and thematic depth.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album features upbeat tracks that maintain a consistent tempo, while the second half introduces slower, more introspective songs.
- Several tracks incorporate layered vocal harmonies and call-and-response patterns, enhancing the engagement with listeners.
- 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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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- 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
- steady mid-tempo for focus
- introspective lyrics for reflection
- catchy hooks for sing-alongs
- personal struggles resonate deeply
Maybe skip if you
- prefer fast-paced instant gratification
- seek purely instrumental sounds
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — Solidified Classified's reputation in Canadian hip-hop with notable chart success.
- Themes
- Canadian hip-hop scene· societal critique· personal insecurities
- Career context
- By 2011, Classified was well-established in the Canadian hip-hop scene, having achieved significant recognition with his previous album, 'Self Explanatory.' 'Handshakes and Middle Fingers' marked his commercial peak, showcasing a mature sound while continuing to explore personal narratives and social commentary.
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Maybe It’s Just Me
The chorus subtly shifts from self-doubt to a more empowering self-acceptance stance.
This transition in tone emphasizes growth, illustrating how the lyrics evolve from uncertainty to resilience within the personal narrative.
Tracklist
- 1 Intro! Ups and Downs 3:08
- 2 That Ain’t Classy Start here 4:00
- 3 High Maintenance 3:48
- 4 Unusual 4:13
- 5 Danger Bay 3:37
- 6 Stay Cool 3:59
- 7 Passion 3:57
- 8 Maybe It’s Just Me 3:46
- 9 Young Soul 3:43
- 10 Run With Me 4:01
- 11 The Day Doesn’t Die 4:02
- 12 They Don’t Know 3:26
- 13 Step It Up 3:46
- 14 Desensitized 4:15
- 15 The Hangover 3:38
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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