If There's a Hell Below cover

If There's a Hell Below

Black Milk · 2014

53 min · 12 tracks · hip-hop

An eclectic blend of reflective lyricism and innovative production that captures the gritty essence of contemporary hip-hop.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    What It’s Worth — This track stands out for its introspective lyrics that confront societal issues while showcasing Black Milk's unique flow and intricate production.
  • →
    Detroit’s New Dance Show — A tribute to Detroit's cultural roots, this track features a captivating beat and infectious energy that highlights Black Milk's ability to blend storytelling with rhythm.
  • →
    Scum — With sharp lyrics addressing personal struggles and societal critiques, this track exemplifies Black Milk's raw honesty and artistic authenticity.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

63 /100
Treeline
Higher than 74% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong production and lyrical complexity, though it has some unevenness in cohesion.

What we noticed

  • Several tracks incorporate samples from diverse genres, adding depth and variety to the production.
  • The album maintains a consistent thematic focus on personal and societal struggles, which ties the tracks together.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
7/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

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

  • steady pacing with emotional depth
  • introspective moments for reflection
  • urban life storytelling through sound
  • consistent flow with engaging peaks
  • for focused listening sessions

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking instant gratification tracks
  • prefer standalone singles over cohesion

Where this album fits

Career context
By 2014, Black Milk was on his fourth studio album, building on the success of his previous release, 'No Poison No Paradise.' This album showcases his evolution as both a rapper and producer, solidifying his reputation within the underground hip-hop scene.
Stylistic neighbors
Flying Lotus· Madlib· Kendrick Lamar

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Everyday Was 4:11
  • 2 What It’s Worth 4:45
  • 3 Leave the Bones Behind 4:25
  • 4 Quarter Water 4:58
  • 5 Hell Below 4:02
  • 6 Detroit’s New Dance Show 5:20
  • 7 Story and Her 6:11
  • 8 All Mighty 5:00
  • 9 Scum 3:55
  • 10 Gold Piece 4:16
  • 11 Grey for Summer 3:37
  • 12 Up & Out 2:40

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata