Intelligent Hoodlum
Tragedy Khadafi · 1990
45 min · 12 tracks · hip-hop
A raw blend of gritty street narratives and sharp political commentary over classic boom-bap production.
Top tracks — play these first
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Arrest the President — This track stands out for its direct confrontation of political authority and systemic abuse, making it a powerful anthem for social justice.
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No Justice, No Peace — It encapsulates the album's ethos, blending personal struggle with collective outrage against societal injustices prevalent at the time.
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Black and Proud — A celebration of Black identity and resilience, this track highlights Tragedy's commitment to cultural pride amid adversity.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album combines sharp political commentary with engaging storytelling over classic beats, marking its place in hip-hop history.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a self-titled track that sets a gritty tone, followed by a consistent use of hard-hitting drums and bass throughout.
- Tracks like 'Arrest the President' feature layered vocal delivery, where Tragedy Khadafi alternates between rapid-fire verses and slower, more deliberate lines.
- Several tracks incorporate samples from jazz and funk records, adding depth to the boom-bap production style.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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6/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- 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
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 realism in lyrics
- sharp commentary on society
- energetic party vibes
- reflective moments of struggle
- engaging anthems for empowerment
Maybe skip if you
- prefer lighthearted themes
- seek immediate gratification
Where this album fits
- Career context
- When Tragedy Khadafi released Intelligent Hoodlum in 1990, he was emerging from his time with the group Criminal Minded and establishing himself as a solo artist. This debut album marked his first significant step into the East Coast hip-hop scene, showcasing his lyrical prowess and commitment to social issues.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Intelligent Hoodlum 5:05
- 2 Back to Reality 3:41
- 3 Trag Invasion 3:34
- 4 No Justice, No Peace 4:05
- 5 Party Animal 2:54
- 6 Black and Proud 3:56
- 7 Game Type 4:12
- 8 Microphone Check 4:03
- 9 Keep Striving 4:08
- 10 Party Pack 3:10
- 11 Arrest the President 4:21
- 12 Your Tragedy 2:34
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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