Paullelujah! cover

Paullelujah!

MC Paul Barman · 2002

44 min · 13 tracks · alternative hip-hop

Whimsical and cerebral, this album blends intricate wordplay with eclectic beats and unconventional themes.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Paullelujah — The title track encapsulates the album's playful yet profound nature, showcasing Barman's clever wordplay amidst an infectious beat.
  • →
    Cock Mobster — This track exemplifies Barman's irreverent humor and sharp social critique, blending absurdity with pointed commentary on masculinity and culture.
  • →
    Talking Time Travel — Here, Barman merges science fiction themes with personal reflection, demonstrating his ability to weave complex narratives into his verses.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

55 /100
Foothills
Higher than 45% of albums we've rated

The album's unique blend of humor and intellect sets it apart in alternative hip-hop, though its cohesion is somewhat uneven.

What we noticed

  • Several tracks incorporate unconventional sound effects and samples, adding layers to the eclectic production.
  • Lyrically, the album often shifts between humorous anecdotes and serious social commentary, with intricate wordplay that demands attention.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
6/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • whimsical absurdity with sharp wit
  • short tracks for quick engagement
  • playful humor for lighthearted moments
  • social commentary with clever punchlines

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer serious and somber themes
  • avoid playful or absurd content

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 2002, Paullelujah! was MC Paul Barman's debut album, positioning him as a unique voice in alternative hip-hop. At this point in his career, he was beginning to carve out a niche that combined humor with social commentary, following years of honing his craft in the underground scene.
Stylistic neighbors
Aesop Rock· MF DOOM· Busdriver

Tracklist

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

  • 1 It's Here 0:42
  • 2 Paullelujah 3:07
  • 3 Cock Mobster 3:53
  • 4 Old Paul 4:16
  • 5 Bleeding Brain Grow 2:39
  • 6 N.O.W. 3:35
  • 7 Excuse You 3:11
  • 8 Vulture Shark Sculpture Park 4:05
  • 9 Anarchist Bookstore, Part 1 3:32
  • 10 Burping & Farting 1:55
  • 11 Talking Time Travel 4:27
  • 12 Anarchist Bookstore, Part 2 4:36
  • 13 A Somewhat New Medium 4:16

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata