Is Miles Away a good place to start with Madlib?

Yes, Miles Away is recommended as a starting point for new Madlib listeners. A tribute-laden journey through jazz-infused hip-hop, melding intricate beats with soulful instrumental homage. By the time 'Miles Away' was released in 2010, Madlib had firmly established himself as a pioneering figure in underground hip-hop, especially following his acclaimed work on 'Madvillainy' in 2004. This album represents a further exploration of his deep love for jazz and its influences, showcasing his ability to blend genres while paying respect to musical legends.

Who is Miles Away for?

Miles Away works well if you're into meditative moments for reflection, wave-like pacing with peaks and appreciation for musical legends.

How many songs are on Miles Away?

Miles Away has 10 tracks, running approximately 59 minutes.

Miles Away

Madlib · 2010

59 min · 10 tracks · hip-hop

A tribute-laden journey through jazz-infused hip-hop, melding intricate beats with soulful instrumental homage.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Derf (For Derf Reklaw) Start here — This opening track sets the tone with its layered textures and complex rhythms, embodying the album's spirit of homage while demonstrating Madlib's signature style.
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Black Renaissance (For Harry Whitaker) — With its smooth groove and rich instrumentation, this track highlights Madlib’s ability to fuse hip-hop with jazz elements seamlessly, reflecting on cultural heritage.
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The Trane & The Pharoah (For John Coltrane & Pharoah Sanders) — This nearly ten-minute piece captures the essence of both Coltrane and Sanders through expansive improvisation, illustrating Madlib's deep respect for their contributions.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

75 /100

Alpine

Higher than 98% of albums we've rated

The album's rich production and thematic focus on jazz musicians create a unique listening experience in hip-hop.

What we noticed

Each track is named after a jazz musician, and the album features samples and influences from their work, creating a thematic cohesion.
The production employs intricate layering of beats and samples, often blending live instrumentation with digital elements.
Several tracks feature extended instrumental sections that allow for improvisation and exploration, rather than adhering strictly to verse-chorus structures.

Composition 25% of the score: 8/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 7/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 9/10

Influence 6/10

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

meditative moments for reflection
wave-like pacing with peaks
appreciation for musical legends
focused listening during relaxation

Maybe skip if you

seeking instant gratification
prefer upbeat, fast-paced tracks

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Fan Favorite — Beloved for its intricate jazz-infused hip-hop sound, appealing to dedicated listeners.
Themes: jazz-infused hip-hop· musical homage· improvisational spirit
Career context: By the time 'Miles Away' was released in 2010, Madlib had firmly established himself as a pioneering figure in underground hip-hop, especially following his acclaimed work on 'Madvillainy' in 2004. This album represents a further exploration of his deep love for jazz and its influences, showcasing his ability to blend genres while paying respect to musical legends.
Stylistic neighbors: J Dilla· MF DOOM· Flying Lotus