How a Black Man Feels
Schoolly D · 1991
45 min · 10 tracks · hip-hop
Raw and confrontational, blending gritty beats with sharp social commentary that cuts through the fabric of early 90s hip-hop.
Top tracks — play these first
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Die Nigger Die — This track stands out for its bold confrontation of racial slurs and societal injustices, encapsulating the anger and frustrations of marginalized communities.
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King of New York — With its assertive lyrics and confident delivery, this track serves as an anthem reflecting Schoolly D's pride in his cultural identity amid rising competition in the hip-hop landscape.
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How a Black Man Feels — The title track offers a poignant introspection on the experiences and struggles faced by black men, providing a personal narrative that resonates deeply throughout the album.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album's raw sound and thematic focus on race contribute to its distinctiveness within early 90s hip-hop.
What we noticed
- Tracks feature a consistent use of repetitive hooks and samples, creating a raw, gritty sound characteristic of early 90s hip-hop.
- Several tracks incorporate spoken word segments that enhance the narrative quality, allowing for deeper exploration of themes like race and identity.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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5/10
- 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
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
- gritty beats for late-night drives
- steady pacing for focused listening
- unfiltered honesty in lyrical content
- reflective moments of self-exploration
Maybe skip if you
- seeking upbeat party anthems
- prefer polished production styles
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 1991, How a Black Man Feels marked Schoolly D's third studio album, following his influential works that helped shape gangsta rap. At this point in his career, he was transitioning from underground success to a more prominent figure within the hip-hop scene, especially following the acclaimed release of 1989's Am I Black Enough for You?
- Stylistic neighbors
- Kool Keith· Ice-T· Geto Boys
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Run 4:12
- 2 Your Worst Nightmare 4:52
- 3 King of New York 4:35
- 4 Original Gangster 3:39
- 5 Die Nigger Die 4:56
- 6 Where'd You Get That Funk From 4:43
- 7 How a Black Man Feels 3:50
- 8 Just Another Killer 5:32
- 9 Peace to the Nation 4:45
- 10 Sometimes It's Got to Be That Way 4:40
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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