Loyalty Is Royalty
Masta Killa · 2017
43 min · 16 tracks · hip-hop
A reflective exploration of loyalty and personal growth woven through gritty beats and Masta Killa's intricate lyricism.
Top tracks — play these first
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Return of Thee Masta Kill — This track reintroduces Masta Killa’s unique lyrical style and establishes the album's thematic focus on loyalty and mastery in rap. Its confident delivery sets the tone for the rest of the project.
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Loyalty Is Royalty (R.I.F. - Rapping Is Fundamental) — Here, Masta Killa articulates the value of authenticity and dedication in the rap game, showcasing his commitment to genuine storytelling amidst catchy hooks.
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OGs Told Me — This track stands out for its reflective nature, where Masta Killa shares wisdom imparted by older figures in his life, blending personal narrative with broader life lessons.
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Tiger and the Mantice — In this song, Masta Killa utilizes vivid imagery to convey struggles and triumphs, illustrating his growth as an artist while maintaining his street credibility.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases Masta Killa's lyrical complexity but lacks strong cohesion in its sequencing.
What we noticed
- Masta Killa employs varied lyrical structures, often using internal rhymes and complex rhythms that reflect his growth as an artist.
- The pacing shifts notably after the skit, where the following tracks delve deeper into personal themes and storytelling.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- 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
Little footprint beyond its audience. 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 storytelling with depth
- reflective moments throughout journey
- dynamic flow with engaging transitions
- short tracks for focused listening
Maybe skip if you
- prefer instant gratification tracks
- seek consistent upbeat energy
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 2017, Loyalty Is Royalty marks Masta Killa's third studio album, coming nearly a decade after his previous release, Made in Brooklyn. At this point in his career, Masta Killa was solidifying his role as a respected voice within the Wu-Tang Clan, balancing solo artistry with group dynamics while drawing on his extensive experience in the hip-hop scene.
- Stylistic neighbors
- GZA· Inspectah Deck· Raekwon
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Intro 0:51
- 2 Return of Thee Masta Kill 3:21
- 3 Loyalty Is Royalty (R.I.F. - Rapping Is Fundamental) 2:37
- 4 Therapy 3:05
- 5 OGs Told Me 3:30
- 6 Wise Words by the RZA 1:38
- 7 Trouble 2:38
- 8 Skit 0:55
- 9 Down With Me 3:46
- 10 Tiger and the Mantice 2:41
- 11 Real People 2:52
- 12 Flex With Me 3:25
- 13 Calculated 4:42
- 14 Noodles, Pt. 1 3:28
- 15 Noodles, Pt. 2 2:11
- 16 Outro 1:47
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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