PRhyme 2 cover

PRhyme 2

Royce da 5'9" · 2018

53 min · 17 tracks · hip-hop

A seamless blend of sharp lyricism and soulful production that reflects the struggles and triumphs of contemporary life.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Black History Start here — This track stands out for its poignant commentary on racial injustice, delivered through Royce's incisive verses that challenge societal norms.
  • →
    Respect My Gun — With its aggressive delivery and hard-hitting beat, this track encapsulates the raw intensity that defines much of Royce's style while addressing themes of loyalty and survival.
  • →
    Everyday Struggle — In this introspective piece, Royce explores personal battles and societal pressures, showcasing his vulnerability without sacrificing lyrical prowess.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

65 /100
Treeline
Higher than 88% of albums we've rated

PRhyme 2 combines sharp lyricism with soulful production, maintaining a strong identity throughout its runtime.

What we noticed

  • The album features a consistent use of soulful samples and live instrumentation, creating a rich backdrop for the lyrics.
  • Several tracks incorporate skits that provide thematic interludes, breaking up the flow while adding context to the narrative.
  • The pacing varies, with some tracks maintaining a steady tempo while others shift dynamics to emphasize emotional weight.
Composition 25% of the score
8/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

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
7/10

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

  • steady pacing for focused listening
  • lyrical introspection and reflection
  • varied intensity throughout album
  • soulful production with depth

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer instant gratification tracks
  • seek purely upbeat energy

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Fan Favorite — Beloved by fans for its lyrical depth and production, but not the most accessible entry point.
Themes
racial injustice· Midwest resilience· personal battles
Career context
PRhyme 2 is Royce da 5'9"'s follow-up to his acclaimed 2014 project, PRhyme. By 2018, he had solidified his reputation as a formidable lyricist in hip-hop, collaborating with DJ Premier for this project to explore deeper themes of identity and resilience.
Stylistic neighbors
J. Cole· Big Sean· Kendrick Lamar

Tracklist

  • 1 Interlude 1 (Salute) 0:40
  • 2 Black History Start here 3:41
  • 3 1 of the Hardest 2:43
  • 4 Era 3:33
  • 5 Respect My Gun 3:11
  • 6 W.O.W. (With Out Warning) 3:29
  • 7 Sunflower Seeds 3:35
  • 8 Streets at Night 3:30
  • 9 Rock It 3:49
  • 10 Loved Ones 3:15
  • 11 My Calling 2:14
  • 12 Made Man 3:42
  • 13 Relationships (skit) 0:44
  • 14 Flirt 3:20
  • 15 Everyday Struggle 2:40
  • 16 Do Ya Thang 4:22
  • 17 Gotta Love It 4:38

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata