Hold It Down
Das EFX · 1995
74 min · 20 tracks · East Coast hip-hop
A vibrant tapestry of intricate wordplay and booming beats that encapsulates the essence of mid-90s East Coast hip-hop.
Top tracks — play these first
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No Diggedy — This track showcases Das EFX's signature rapid-fire delivery and clever wordplay, perfectly encapsulating the playful yet assertive vibe of the album.
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Real Hip‐Hop (original version) — Serving as an anthem for authenticity in hip-hop, this track combines a catchy hook with incisive lyrics that critique the state of the genre in the mid-90s.
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Microphone Master — Demonstrating masterful lyrical dexterity, this track highlights the duo's technical skills while maintaining infectious energy that resonates throughout the album.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases intricate lyricism and strong production typical of its era, making it distinctive yet cohesive.
What we noticed
- The album features a consistent use of rapid-fire, multi-syllabic rhymes that create a dense lyrical texture across tracks.
- Each track typically employs a heavy bassline and layered samples, characteristic of mid-90s East Coast production.
- Several tracks incorporate call-and-response elements between the duo, enhancing their dynamic vocal interplay.
- 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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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Significant within its genre. 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
- dynamic emotional journeys
- long, immersive listening sessions
- wave-like pacing variations
- intricate lyrical exploration
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released on January 1, 1995, 'Hold It Down' was Das EFX's third studio album, following their breakthrough record 'Dead Serious' in 1992. By this time, the duo had established themselves as prominent figures in East Coast hip-hop, known for their unique lyrical style and complex flows. This album marked a continuation of their innovative sound, solidifying their place in the genre.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Black Moon· Artifacts· Redman
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Intro (Once Again) 1:08
- 2 No Diggedy 4:03
- 3 Knockin’ Niggaz Off 3:24
- 4 Here We Go 4:05
- 5 Real Hip‐Hop (original version) 4:09
- 6 Here It Is 4:59
- 7 Microphone Master 4:30
- 8 40 & A Blunt 3:17
- 9 Buck‐Buck 3:13
- 10 Intro 0:08
- 11 Can’t Have Nuttin’ 5:33
- 12 Alright 4:24
- 13 Hold It Down 4:48
- 14 Dedicated 3:46
- 15 Ready to Rock Rough Rhymes 4:35
- 16 Represent the Real 3:19
- 17 Comin’ Thru 3:30
- 18 Hardcore Rap Act 4:43
- 19 Bad News 2:20
- 20 Real Hip‐Hop (Pete Rock remix) 3:59
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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