Top tracks — play these first
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Liquid Courage — The title track sets the tone for the album, combining self-reflection with clever wordplay, encapsulating Wax's unique approach to storytelling.
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You Ain't Shit Man — This track features an infectious hook that contrasts with its biting lyrics, highlighting Wax's ability to balance humor with sharp social commentary.
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Sunday in the City — With its laid-back vibe and vivid imagery, this song captures the essence of urban life while showcasing Wax's lyrical dexterity.
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Music and Liquor — This song reflects on the duality of celebration and consequence, using intricate rhymes to explore personal themes within a party atmosphere.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases inventive lyricism and eclectic production, balancing humor and introspection effectively.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album features tracks with upbeat tempos and playful lyrics, while the second half shifts to more introspective themes and slower beats.
- Several tracks incorporate unconventional samples and eclectic instrumentation, creating a varied sonic landscape throughout.
- The lyrics often blend humor with personal storytelling, with multiple tracks featuring narrative elements that engage the listener.
- 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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7/10
- 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
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
- playful introspection with sharp wit
- short bursts of energetic tracks
- vibrant storytelling through eclectic beats
- late-night hangout vibes
- quick, engaging lyrical reflections
Maybe skip if you
- prefer long, immersive albums
- seek heavy emotional weight
Where this album fits
- Career context
- By the time Wax released Liquid Courage in 2008, he had already established himself as a notable figure in underground hip-hop through previous mixtapes. This album was his first full-length studio release and marked a significant evolution in his sound, showcasing a more polished production style compared to earlier works.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Saba· Isaiah Rashad· Mick Jenkins
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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You Ain't Shit Man
Wax shifts from playful banter to a serious critique of societal expectations without losing momentum.
The transition in tone mid-song emphasizes the depth of his observations, making the critique all the more impactful.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Liquid Courage 4:15
- 2 You Ain't Shit Man 3:51
- 3 What's Your Name? 3:15
- 4 Tongue Tied 1:32
- 5 The Adventures of Larry and Tina 5:00
- 6 Sunday in the City 4:01
- 7 Summer in the City 3:14
- 8 Solidify 4:24
- 9 Ridiculous 4:17
- 10 Tijuana 3:56
- 11 It's All Love 4:12
- 12 Last Resort 3:32
- 13 Music and Liquor 4:52
- 14 Air Timpani 4:20
- 15 Concerto del Muerto 3:02
- 16 Slaughterhouse 3:51
- 17 Help 3:29
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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