Lions and Liars
Sho Baraka · 2010
79 min · 21 tracks · Christian hip-hop
A compelling fusion of introspective lyricism and vibrant beats that challenge societal norms and advocate for personal growth.
Top tracks — play these first
-
→
Lion's Anthem — This track serves as a powerful declaration of strength and identity, highlighting Baraka's ability to blend personal conviction with broader cultural themes.
-
→
I'm Black (A Word From Tom Ason) — In this short but impactful piece, Baraka confronts racial identity directly, creating a poignant commentary on the complexities of being black in America today.
-
→
Feel So Alone — The emotional depth of this track showcases Baraka's vulnerability as he navigates feelings of isolation and the search for belonging amidst societal pressures.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album combines introspective themes with varied guest contributions, though its pacing and cohesion fluctuate.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a spoken intro that sets a thematic tone, followed by an energetic track that establishes the album's rhythmic foundation.
- Several tracks feature guest verses that provide contrasting perspectives, enhancing the lyrical depth and variety throughout the record.
- The last three tracks slow down the tempo significantly, creating a reflective conclusion that contrasts with the earlier intensity.
- Composition 25% of the score
-
7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
-
6/10
- Durability 25% of the score
-
6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
-
6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
-
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
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
- thought-provoking lyrical exploration
- varied pacing throughout album
- anthemic moments for empowerment
- reflective themes of identity
- engaging narratives in each track
Maybe skip if you
- dislike introspective lyrical content
- prefer short, standalone tracks
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released on January 1, 2010, 'Lions and Liars' marked Sho Baraka's third studio album, following his well-received project 'The Cure' in 2009. At this point in his career, Baraka was solidifying his presence in the Christian hip-hop scene, known for addressing complex social issues with a thoughtful and artistic approach.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Extinction (intro) 3:44
- 2 Lion's Anthem 3:51
- 3 Famous 3:03
- 4 Shut Us Down 3:33
- 5 We Can Be More 3:12
- 6 Mercy on Me 5:04
- 7 I'm Black (A Word From Tom Ason) 0:57
- 8 My Life (Nice Aim) 4:01
- 9 Me, Myself and I 3:18
- 10 Liar's Anthem 4:14
- 11 BOYS!!! (A Word From Propaganda) 1:29
- 12 Revolutionary Died 3:08
- 13 Oh Well 3:51
- 14 The Rising 4:15
- 15 I.T.W.N.O.I. 3:55
- 16 Half of Me 5:20
- 17 4ever Is 2morrow 4:30
- 18 Word 3:43
- 19 Kobe Bryant on 'em 4:43
- 20 Feel So Alone 5:09
- 21 I See the Lord (remix) 4:27
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.