Top tracks — play these first
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Least Favorite Rapper — This track exemplifies Busdriver's incisive lyricism and self-reflective humor, critiquing the rap industry while showcasing his unique delivery.
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Handfuls of Sky — The song stands out for its surreal imagery and introspection, combining personal narrative with broader existential themes in an inventive structure.
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Unsafe Sextet / Gilded Hearts of Booklovers — This track encapsulates the album's experimental ethos, blending genres and featuring intricate wordplay that demands attentive listening.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album's eclectic production and rapid lyrical delivery create a unique listening experience, though its cohesion is somewhat uneven.
What we noticed
- The album features a rapid-fire delivery of lyrics that often shifts in tone and perspective, creating a dynamic narrative flow.
- Production varies significantly between tracks, with some employing unconventional samples and structures that challenge traditional hip-hop forms.
- Several tracks incorporate abrupt tempo changes and genre-blending elements, such as jazz and electronic influences, enhancing the experimental feel.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- 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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5/10
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
- dynamic journey with unexpected shifts
- abstract wordplay for curious minds
- for concentrated listening
- peaks and valleys of energy
Maybe skip if you
- seeking straightforward, catchy tunes
- prefer consistent pacing throughout
Where this album fits
- Career context
- By the release of Jhelli Beam in 2009, Busdriver was already known for his unique style, following his critically acclaimed album, Fear of a Black Tangent. This album marked a continuation of his artistic evolution, showcasing his ability to fuse complex lyricism with innovative beats while further solidifying his place in the underground hip-hop scene.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Aesop Rock· MF DOOM· Shabazz Palaces
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Split Seconds (Between Nannies and Swamis) 4:16
- 2 Me-Time (With the Pulmonary Palimpsest) 2:36
- 3 Handfuls of Sky 5:08
- 4 Scoliosis Jones 2:36
- 5 Least Favorite Rapper 3:23
- 6 Quebec and Back 4:07
- 7 Do the Wop 3:02
- 8 World Agape 2:16
- 9 Manchuria 3:48
- 10 Unsafe Sextet / Gilded Hearts of Booklovers 5:11
- 11 Happy Insider 3:29
- 12 I've Always Known 2:37
- 13 Fishy Face 5:09
- 14 Sorry. Fuckers 3:03
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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