What makes House of Lords by Lords of the Underground notable?

The album received a positive reception within the underground scene and was noted for its traditional East Coast sound amidst a shift toward commercial styles in hip-hop. It helped reignite interest in the group, leading to performances that celebrated their legacy and influence on subsequent artists in the genre. By 2007, Lords of the Underground were returning with 'House of Lords' after a lengthy hiatus since their previous album, 'Keepers of the Funk' in 1999. This release marked their effort to reestablish themselves in an evolving hip-hop landscape, showcasing a renewed commitment to their roots and lyrical prowess.

How many songs are on House of Lords?

House of Lords has 16 tracks, running approximately 52 minutes.

House of Lords

Lords of the Underground · 2007

52 min · 16 tracks · East Coast hip-hop

A confident blend of sharp lyricism and vibrant beats that encapsulates the spirit of East Coast hip-hop in the late 2000s.

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Top tracks — play these first

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I Love Hip Hop — This track embodies the group's passion for hip-hop culture, featuring dynamic flows and clever wordplay that underline their dedication to the genre.
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Belly of the Beast — A standout cut that tackles societal issues with raw honesty, showcasing the group's ability to blend impactful lyrics with catchy hooks.
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What Is a MC — In this track, they reflect on the essence of being a rapper, combining introspective lyrics with a hard-hitting beat that resonates with both fans and aspiring artists.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

48 /100

Foothills

Higher than 19% of albums we've rated

The album showcases solid craftsmanship and traditional East Coast elements but lacks standout compositions.

What we noticed

The album opens with a brief intro that sets a confident tone, followed by a series of tracks that maintain a consistent mid-tempo pace.
Several tracks feature layered vocal harmonies and call-and-response patterns, typical of East Coast hip-hop.
The production employs classic sampling techniques, with prominent bass lines and crisp drum patterns throughout.
The last three tracks slow down the tempo, providing a reflective conclusion to the album.

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

Influence 3/10

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 Intro 0:44
2 I Love Hip Hop 3:14
3 Fab 3 3:22
4 English Mami 3:38
5 Yes Were Fresh 3:20
6 Belly of the Beast 3:53
7 Hum It Out 3:22
8 Slick Talk 3:25
9 Say My Name 3:54
10 No Pass 2:37
11 To Love Me 4:02
12 The Clinic 3:32
13 Certified 2:47
14 What Yall Wanna Know 3:26
15 What Is a MC 3:21
16 Remember Me 3:39

What to play next

Listen next

So Legendary

2025

Go back to

Resurrection

1999

Full Lords of the Underground discography Artists like Lords of the Underground

East Coast hip-hop

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata