What makes Hello Cruel World by Sole and the Skyrider Band notable?

The album received critical acclaim for its innovative blend of genres, marking a significant moment in the evolution of independent hip-hop. It was praised for its lyrical depth and thematic exploration of personal and societal issues, solidifying Sole's position as an influential artist within the genre. By 2011, Sole had already established himself as a prominent figure in the underground hip-hop scene. 'Hello Cruel World' served as his first album with the Skyrider Band, showcasing a shift toward a more collaborative sound following his solo work and various projects with other artists.

How many songs are on Hello Cruel World?

Hello Cruel World has 13 tracks, running approximately 52 minutes.

Hello Cruel World

Sole and the Skyrider Band · 2011

52 min · 13 tracks

An eclectic mix of experimental hip-hop and rock, merging introspective lyrics with dynamic instrumentation.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
Hello Cruel World — This title track encapsulates the album's themes of existential struggle and resilience, presenting a raw emotional core that resonates throughout the project.
→
We Will Not Be Moved — This track combines powerful social commentary with a defiant tone, making it a standout anthem for empowerment and resistance against oppression.
→
Home Ain't Shit — Offering a critique of materialism and false security, this track illustrates Sole's ability to weave personal narrative into broader societal critiques.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

58 /100

Treeline

Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The album's innovative genre blending and lyrical depth contribute to its distinctiveness and craft.

What we noticed

Lyrically, the album explores themes of personal struggle and societal critique, often using vivid imagery and metaphor.

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

Influence 4/10

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.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Napoleon 4:16
2 D.I.Y. 3:47
3 Hello Cruel World 4:28
4 Fire 2:51
5 Bad Captain Swag 5:01
6 We Will Not Be Moved 4:58
7 Possimism 3:14
8 Home Ain't Shit 4:18
9 Formal Designation 134340 3:46
10 Immortality 4:25
11 Progress Trap 3:54
12 Vaya Con el Diablo 4:15
13 Villon 3:44

What to play next

Go back to

Plastique

2009

Full Sole and the Skyrider Band discography Artists like Sole and the Skyrider Band

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata