Top tracks — play these first
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So Crooked — This track serves as an anthem that encapsulates Crooked I's unique style, blending boastful lyricism with reflections on his journey in the rap game.
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Haters — A defiant response to criticism, this track highlights Crooked I's resilience and sharp wordplay, resonating deeply with fans facing their own adversities.
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West Coast — Celebrating the culture and lifestyle of the West Coast, this track captures the essence of regional pride while showcasing Crooked I's fluid delivery and intricate rhymes.
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Hood Star — The title track distills the album's themes of authenticity and ambition, offering a personal glimpse into Crooked I's identity as an artist rooted in his community.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong lyrical content and thematic consistency, though it lacks some polish in production.
What we noticed
- The album features a consistent use of hard-hitting beats that underpin the majority of tracks, creating a gritty atmosphere.
- Crooked I employs intricate rhyme schemes and multi-syllabic flows throughout, particularly evident in tracks like 'So Crooked' and 'Haters'.
- Several tracks incorporate skits or interludes that provide context to the themes of street life and resilience.
- The last three tracks slow down the tempo, allowing for more introspective lyrics that contrast with the earlier aggressive tone.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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6/10
- 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
- gritty street life narratives
- hard-hitting beats for motivation
- party anthems for gatherings
- unapologetic lyrics for confidence
Maybe skip if you
- prefer soft, melodic sounds
- seek instant gratification tracks
Where this album fits
- Career context
- When Crooked I released 'Hood Star' in June 2010, he was solidifying his status in the West Coast hip-hop scene following years of underground acclaim. This album came after a series of mixtapes and collaborations, marking his first major project since signing with E1 Music, positioning him for broader recognition.
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Haters
Crooked I crafts a vivid narrative about overcoming obstacles while addressing detractors directly.
This direct engagement with critics not only asserts his confidence but also shifts from general commentary to a personal confrontation, enhancing the emotional weight.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Intro 2:07
- 2 So Crooked 4:14
- 3 Lil Youngsters 5:09
- 4 Fuck Em 2:41
- 5 Haters 4:15
- 6 Live at tha Row 4:00
- 7 Fuck Wit U 5:10
- 8 Go Hard 5:01
- 9 West Coast 4:39
- 10 House Party 4:36
- 11 So Damn Hood (remix) 4:24
- 12 Bitch 4:57
- 13 Cali Luv III 3:48
- 14 Hood Star 4:02
- 15 Me and My Dogg 4:10
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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