What makes New York What Is Funky by Ultramagnetic MCs notable?

'New York What Is Funky' is notable for its innovative production techniques and sharp lyricism, reflecting the underground hip-hop scene's dynamism. The album received positive critical reception, being highlighted in various publications for its unique sound and contribution to the genre, particularly during a time when mainstream hip-hop was gaining dominance. By 1996, Ultramagnetic MCs were navigating a transformative phase following their influential debut, 'Critical Beatdown' in 1988. 'New York What Is Funky' represents their return after a period of relative quiet, showcasing their continued evolution in lyrical dexterity and production experimentation. This album marked an effort to reassert their presence in a rapidly changing hip-hop landscape.

How many songs are on New York What Is Funky?

New York What Is Funky has 14 tracks, running approximately 49 minutes.

Released 30 years ago

New York What Is Funky

Ultramagnetic MCs · 1996

49 min · 14 tracks · hip-hop

A vibrant blend of playful lyricism and inventive beats that encapsulate the essence of mid-90s hip-hop.

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Top tracks — play these first

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New York What Is Funky — This title track encapsulates the album's spirit with its catchy hook and vibrant energy, serving as an anthem for urban life and hip-hop culture.
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Grip the Mic — An energetic opener that showcases Ultramagnetic MCs' distinctive flow and lyrical prowess, setting the tone for the rest of the album.
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I Ain't Takin No Shorts — This track features clever wordplay and engaging storytelling, illustrating the group's ability to blend humor with serious themes in hip-hop.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

58 /100

Treeline

Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The album blends inventive beats with varied lyrical styles, reflecting its mid-90s hip-hop roots.

What we noticed

Several tracks incorporate skits or interludes that break up the flow, adding a playful element to the overall structure.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 4/10

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.

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

I Ain't Takin No Shorts

The verses shift from playful banter to assertive declarations about street credibility and resilience.

This transition not only showcases versatility within the song but also emphasizes the duality often present in hip-hop narratives.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Grip the Mic 2:59
2 New York What Is Funky 4:14
3 Black Portions 4:10
4 [untitled] 0:25
5 Here I Go Again 4:14
6 I'm Fuckin Flippin 3:39
7 Biscuits and Eggs 4:50
8 Chuck Chillout 3:51
9 Poo Poo Wreckers 3:48
10 Catchin' Bodies 2:35
11 Tim Dog Live on Capitol Radio 2:25
12 Join the Party 2:51
13 I Like Your Style 4:14
14 I Ain't Takin No Shorts 5:06

What to play next

Listen next

Mo Love's Basement Tapes

1996

Go back to

The Basement Tapes 1984–1990

1994

Full Ultramagnetic MCs discography Artists like Ultramagnetic MCs

hip-hop

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata