Melvin Flynt – Da Hustler
N.O.R.E. · 1999
70 min · 19 tracks · gangsta rap
A gritty exploration of street life, blending hard-hitting beats with raw narratives and sharp social commentary.
Top tracks — play these first
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Cocaine Business (Hysteria) — This track exemplifies N.O.R.E.'s storytelling prowess, exploring the highs and lows of drug dealing with vivid imagery and an infectious beat.
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Going Legit — Here, N.O.R.E. contrasts past struggles with aspirations for a better life, showcasing both vulnerability and resilience in a catchy hook.
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Oh No — With its hard-hitting production and compelling lyrics, this track serves as a powerful critique of societal issues, encapsulating the album's raw energy.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album features strong lyrical narratives and solid production, though its length affects overall cohesion.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a skit that sets a dark tone, followed by tracks that maintain a consistent mid-tempo pace, emphasizing lyrical delivery.
- Several tracks feature layered vocal harmonies and call-and-response elements, creating an engaging dialogue between N.O.R.E. and featured artists.
- The production includes heavy bass lines and samples from funk and soul, which are prominent in the choruses, giving the album a gritty yet melodic 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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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
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 narratives of street life
- catchy hooks for sing-alongs
- wave-like pacing with skits
- dynamic storytelling through tracks
Maybe skip if you
- prefer instant gratification tracks
- dislike interludes and skits
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in January 1999, Melvin Flynt – Da Hustler marked N.O.R.E.'s second studio album following his successful debut, I Am... N.O.R.E. The album came at a time when he was solidifying his place in the hip-hop scene, showcasing his unique blend of East Coast rap and reggaeton influences. This project followed significant collaborations that elevated his status within the genre.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Capone-N-Noreaga· Fat Joe· Jadakiss
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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First Day Home
The narrative shifts from past experiences to immediate realities upon returning home, capturing a sense of urgency and reflection.
The moment introduces a stark contrast between freedom and confinement, emphasizing the complexities of reintegration into society after incarceration.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Hospital/Funeral (intro) 3:43
- 2 Sometimes 5:04
- 3 Gangsta's Watch 3:55
- 4 Da Hustla 3:31
- 5 Cocaine Business (Hysteria) 4:13
- 6 The Pigeon (skit) 1:08
- 7 Blood Money, Part 3 3:49
- 8 Wethuggedout 4:54
- 9 Going Legit 3:53
- 10 Real or Fake Niggas 3:35
- 11 What the Fuck Is Up? 3:49
- 12 First Day Home 4:05
- 13 Da Tunnel (skit) 1:01
- 14 Hold Me Down 4:47
- 15 If U Want It 4:21
- 16 Oh No 4:32
- 17 Play That Shit 3:39
- 18 Flagrant Cops 4:29
- 19 Animal Thug Goes Hollywood (skit) 2:03
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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