Money, Power & Respect
DMX · 1998
10 min · 2 tracks · gangsta rap
A gritty anthem intertwining themes of ambition and survival with a driving beat and commanding vocal presence.
Top tracks — play these first
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Money, Power & Respect (radio mix) — This track serves as the centerpiece of the album, blending DMX's intense delivery with themes of ambition and loyalty that resonate throughout his career.
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Money, Power & Respect (instrumental) — The instrumental version allows listeners to appreciate the underlying production quality and how it complements DMX's aggressive lyricism without distraction.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The track showcases DMX's strong narrative style and impactful delivery, making it a notable entry in his discography.
What we noticed
- The track features a prominent, driving beat that maintains a consistent tempo throughout its duration.
- DMX's vocal delivery is aggressive and commanding, with a focus on narrative storytelling that emphasizes themes of ambition and survival.
- The radio mix includes layered backing vocals that enhance the main verses, creating a fuller sound.
- 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.
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — This single contributed to DMX's rise and solidified his place in hip-hop.
- Themes
- street ambition· East Coast grit· survival in poverty
- Career context
- By the time DMX released 'Money, Power & Respect' in 1998, he was solidifying his place in hip-hop following his debut album 'It's Dark and Hell Is Hot' in 1998. This track marked his emergence as a force within the East Coast hip-hop scene, showcasing his raw energy and lyrical prowess that would define his future work.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Money, Power & Respect (radio mix) 5:14
- 2 Money, Power & Respect (instrumental) 5:12
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Ready to Die
The Notorious B.I.G.
Shares themes of ambition and survival with a raw, gritty East Coast sound.
Illmatic
Nas
Explores street life struggles and aspirations through vivid storytelling and a hard-hitting production.
Reasonable Doubt
Jay-Z
Combines themes of hustle and street ambition with a commanding vocal presence and strong East Coast beats.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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