What makes Phantom of the Rapra by Bushwick Bill notable?

Phantom of the Rapra is recognized for its exploration of mental health and personal trauma within the context of gangsta rap, pushing boundaries in lyrical content. The album has been influential in the underground hip-hop scene, especially regarding its candid discussions of struggles that resonate within marginalized communities. Released in 1995, Phantom of the Rapra marked Bushwick Bill's first solo venture following his work with the Geto Boys. At this point in his career, he was transitioning from group dynamics to establishing his unique voice in the hip-hop genre, showcasing personal narratives shaped by his experiences.

How many songs are on Phantom of the Rapra?

Phantom of the Rapra has 12 tracks, running approximately 44 minutes.

Phantom of the Rapra

Bushwick Bill · 1995

44 min · 12 tracks · gangsta rap

A gritty blend of Southern hip-hop and horrorcore that explores dark themes with raw, confessional lyrics.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Wha Cha Gonna Do? — This track combines aggressive beats with reflective lyrics, capturing Bushwick Bill's struggle against adversity while challenging listeners to confront their own challenges.
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Ex-Girlfriend — In this song, Bushwick Bill delves into personal relationships with a raw honesty that contrasts sharply with typical bravado often found in rap, making it a standout exploration of vulnerability.
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Mr. President — This politically charged track critiques societal issues and governmental failures, showcasing Bushwick Bill’s commitment to addressing broader social injustices through his music.

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 gritty themes with varied vocal styles, maintaining a strong identity within its genre.

What we noticed

The album opens with a spoken-word intro that sets a dark, atmospheric tone, followed by tracks that maintain a consistent mid-tempo pace.
Several tracks feature layered vocal deliveries, with Bushwick Bill alternating between aggressive verses and more introspective moments.
The last three tracks slow down the tempo significantly, creating a reflective conclusion to the album's themes of trauma and mental health.

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

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.

Tracklist

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

1 Phantom's Theme 1:06
2 Wha Cha Gonna Do? 4:08
3 Times Is Hard 4:17
4 Who's The Biggest 3:53
5 Ex-Girlfriend 4:53
6 Only God Knows 4:05
7 Already Dead 4:21
8 The Bushwicken 4:07
9 Subliminal Criminal 3:31
10 Inhale Exhale 3:58
11 Mr. President 4:30
12 Phantom's Reprise 1:13

What to play next

Listen next

No Surrender... No Retreat

1998

Go back to

Little Big Man

1992

Full Bushwick Bill discography Artists like Bushwick Bill

Southern hip-hop gangsta rap hardcore hip-hop

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata