Hustler's P.O.M.E. cover

Released 20 years ago

Hustler's P.O.M.E.

Jim Jones · 2006

76 min · 20 tracks · hip-hop

A gritty exploration of street life, blending hard-hitting beats with introspective lyrics that reflect the hustle and ambition of urban survival.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    We Fly High — This track became synonymous with celebration, featuring a catchy hook that resonated widely and solidifying its status as a club favorite.
  • →
    So Harlem Start here — A vivid homage to Harlem, this track encapsulates the essence of Jones' roots while showcasing his storytelling ability within the hip-hop genre.
  • →
    Emotionless — Here, Jones delves into deeper emotional themes, contrasting the bravado often found in hip-hop with vulnerability and personal reflection.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

46 /100
Foothills
Higher than 10% of albums we've rated

The album features solid production and thematic consistency but lacks standout compositions that elevate it beyond its peers.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a spoken intro that sets a gritty tone, followed by tracks that maintain a consistent mid-tempo pace.
  • Several tracks feature layered vocal harmonies and call-and-response elements, particularly in the choruses, enhancing the communal feel of the music.
  • The last three tracks shift to more introspective themes, with slower beats and reflective lyrics, creating a contrast with the earlier energy.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
5/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
5/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • dynamic emotional journeys
  • long, immersive listening sessions
  • contemplative late-night vibes
  • wave-like pacing experiences

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — This album marked Jim Jones' rise to prominence post-Diplomats, achieving commercial success.
Themes
Harlem pride· street survival
Career context
Released in January 2006, Hustler's P.O.M.E. marked Jim Jones' first major album after his rise to prominence as a member of The Diplomats. Following the success of his previous work, this album solidified his status as a solo artist amidst a burgeoning East Coast hip-hop scene.
Stylistic neighbors
Cam'ron· Juelz Santana· 50 Cent

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Emotionless

    The writing shifts from braggadocio to an intimate exploration of personal struggles and feelings of isolation.

    This contrast deepens the narrative by breaking away from typical hip-hop bravado, revealing a more complex character beneath the surface.

Tracklist

  • 1 Intro 5:24
  • 2 So Harlem Start here 5:03
  • 3 Bright Lights, Big City 4:16
  • 4 Emotionless 4:46
  • 5 Reppin’ Time 4:24
  • 6 Pin the Tail 4:57
  • 7 Get It Poppin 4:01
  • 8 Mr Cool 0:09
  • 9 We Fly High 3:56
  • 10 Voicemail Skit 0:50
  • 11 Love of My Life 3:27
  • 12 Voicemail Skit 2 0:45
  • 13 Weatherman 4:42
  • 14 Don’t Push Me Away 4:50
  • 15 Pour Wax 4:20
  • 16 Freekey Zekey Skit 2:01
  • 17 Don’t Forget About Me 4:49
  • 18 I Know 4:59
  • 19 My Life 2:55
  • 20 Concrete Jungle 5:55

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata