Illegal Business?
Mac Mall · 1993
74 min · 16 tracks · gangsta rap
A gritty tapestry of West Coast beats layered with raw narratives reflecting street life and the complexities of urban existence.
Top tracks — play these first
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I Gots 2 Have It — This track encapsulates the essence of the album with its sharp lyrics about desire and survival, showcasing Mac Mall's storytelling prowess over a compelling beat.
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Da Bank Heist — Through vivid imagery and clever wordplay, this song explores themes of crime and consequence, making it a standout narrative piece that reflects the album's overall tone.
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Crack da 40 — This track combines a catchy hook with biting social commentary, illustrating both personal struggles and broader societal issues prevalent at the time.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases solid writing and production typical of early '90s gangsta rap but lacks standout moments for lasting impact.
What we noticed
- The album features a consistent use of slow to mid-tempo beats, creating a laid-back yet gritty atmosphere throughout.
- Each track typically follows a verse-chorus structure, with Mac Mall's delivery alternating between aggressive and reflective tones.
- Several tracks incorporate samples from funk and soul music, adding depth to the production while maintaining a raw edge.
- The lyrics focus heavily on street narratives, often employing vivid imagery and personal anecdotes that reflect urban life.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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6/10
- 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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7/10
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.
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Illegal Business?
The protagonist confronts their choices directly, questioning the morality of their actions amidst a backdrop of street culture.
This confrontation introduces a moral complexity often absent from gangsta rap, prompting listeners to engage with the implications of the lifestyle depicted.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Crest Side Playah 2:06
- 2 Sic Wit Tis 4:40
- 3 It’s All Good 4:45
- 4 I Gots 2 Have It 4:44
- 5 Cold Sweat 4:55
- 6 Nathan but Game 4:44
- 7 Versatile 4:19
- 8 Crack da 40 5:10
- 9 Da Bank Heist 4:42
- 10 Don’t Wanna See Me 5:06
- 11 Young n da Game 4:50
- 12 $$ on da Dank 4:36
- 13 My Opinion 4:04
- 14 Illegal Business? 5:39
- 15 Ghetto Theme 5:15
- 16 Pimp Shit 5:07
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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