Illegal Business? 2000
Mac Mall · 1999
70 min · 16 tracks · gangsta rap
A gritty exploration of street life and personal struggle delivered through sharp lyricism and infectious West Coast beats.
Top tracks — play these first
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When They Come for Me — This track sets the tone for the album with its confident delivery and introspective lyrics about facing adversity. It showcases Mac Mall's lyrical prowess and establishes his stance in the rap game.
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Rude Boy — Featuring an infectious beat, Rude Boy combines storytelling with a catchy hook, making it one of the standout tracks that reflects the playful yet serious nature of street life.
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White on White Violence (interlude) — This interlude serves as a poignant commentary on racial tensions and violence, breaking up the flow of the album to emphasize its thematic depth.
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Keys 2 the City — In this track, Mac Mall expresses ambition and determination amidst his surroundings, capturing the essence of striving for success despite challenges.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong lyrical narratives over solid West Coast beats, though it doesn't fully stand out in the genre.
What we noticed
- The album features a consistent use of heavy bass lines and syncopated rhythms typical of West Coast hip-hop, creating an infectious groove.
- Each track maintains a narrative focus, with lyrics that delve into personal experiences and street life, often employing vivid imagery.
- Several tracks incorporate interludes that serve as transitions, breaking up the flow while adding context to the themes explored in the songs.
- 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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6/10
- 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
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 When They Come for Me 5:47
- 2 Mohave 4:51
- 3 Don't Move 4:14
- 4 Rude Boy 5:14
- 5 Wide Open 4:17
- 6 Chicken Head & Hot Wings 7:17
- 7 Keys 2 the City 4:38
- 8 With Me or Against Me 5:34
- 9 Pussy Whipped 4:52
- 10 White on White Violence (interlude) 1:07
- 11 Free Reign 1:37
- 12 People Ever Ask You? 5:39
- 13 Clock Work 5:29
- 14 The Singer (interlude) 1:49
- 15 What's Ya Name? 3:53
- 16 Mac's Fashion 4:27
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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