Is Population Control a good place to start with Statik Selektah?

Yes, Population Control is recommended as a starting point for new Statik Selektah listeners. A vibrant mix of classic boom-bap beats and contemporary lyrical storytelling that captures the essence of modern hip-hop. Population Control marked Statik Selektah's fifth studio album, arriving at a time when he had solidified his reputation as a premier producer in hip-hop. Following the success of his 2010 release, 100 Proof (The Album), this record continued to showcase his ability to blend established artists with emerging talent, further enhancing his status in the genre.

Who is Population Control for?

Population Control works well if you're into dynamic journey with peaks, sharp lyricism and storytelling and vibrant energy for group settings.

How many songs are on Population Control?

Population Control has 19 tracks, running approximately 72 minutes.

Population Control

Statik Selektah · 2011

72 min · 19 tracks · hip-hop

A vibrant mix of classic boom-bap beats and contemporary lyrical storytelling that captures the essence of modern hip-hop.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Population Control Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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New York, New York — This track serves as an anthem celebrating the city’s unique culture and resilience, showcasing sharp verses from notable features that encapsulate the urban experience.
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Groupie Love — With its catchy hook and clever wordplay, this track offers a humorous take on the dynamics of fame and relationships in the music industry.
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Smoke On — This song stands out for its laid-back vibe and smooth transitions, allowing the featured artists to deliver introspective lyrics over a soulful beat.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

50 /100

Foothills

Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The album showcases solid production and diverse collaborations but lacks a cohesive flow throughout its length.

What we noticed

The album features a consistent boom-bap production style across its tracks, with layered samples and prominent drum patterns.
Each track typically features multiple guest artists, creating a varied vocal landscape that shifts from one song to the next.
Several tracks incorporate interludes or skits that provide context or commentary, breaking up the flow of the music.

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

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

dynamic journey with peaks
sharp lyricism and storytelling
vibrant energy for group settings
for evening drives
wave-like pacing for engagement

Maybe skip if you

prefer straightforward single tracks
seek instant gratification

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Fan Favorite — Well-received for its rich production and collaborations, appealing to dedicated fans.
Career context: Population Control marked Statik Selektah's fifth studio album, arriving at a time when he had solidified his reputation as a premier producer in hip-hop. Following the success of his 2010 release, 100 Proof (The Album), this record continued to showcase his ability to blend established artists with emerging talent, further enhancing his status in the genre.
Stylistic neighbors: DJ Premier· Pete Rock· 9th Wonder