Released 30 years ago
Psychoanalysis: What Is It?
Prince Paul · 1996
58 min · 18 tracks · contemporary R&B
A surreal journey through hip-hop's psyche, blending playful samples with introspective storytelling and offbeat humor.
Top tracks — play these first
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Beautiful Night (Manic Psychopath) — This track encapsulates the album’s whimsical yet dark narrative style, combining catchy hooks with introspective lyrics about mental struggles.
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Vexual Healing (Vacillation) — Merging comedic elements with serious undertones, this track showcases Prince Paul’s ability to blend humor and vulnerability in discussing intimacy.
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The World's a Stage (A Dramady) — Here, the artist reflects on life as performance art, using theatrical metaphors that highlight the absurdity of human existence and societal roles.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- quirky introspection with humor
- short tracks for varied pacing
- experimental soundscapes to explore
- headphone detail hunting required
- playful yet thought-provoking themes
Maybe skip if you
- prefer straightforward song structures
- seek traditional, cohesive narratives
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 1996, Psychoanalysis: What Is It? marked Prince Paul's first solo album after his work with De La Soul and Stetsasonic. At this point in his career, he was already celebrated for his innovative production style and unique approach to hip-hop, making this album a significant step in establishing his individual artistry.
- Stylistic neighbors
- DJ Shadow· J Dilla· A Tribe Called Quest
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Why Must You Hate Me 2:10
- 2 Beautiful Night (Manic Psychopath) 4:24
- 3 Open Your Month (Hypohalamus) 0:54
- 4 Introduction to Psychoanalysis (Schizophrenia) 1:52
- 5 You Make Me (A.K.C.) 4:44
- 6 Vexual Healing (Vacillation) 3:24
- 7 To Get a Gun 1:09
- 8 J.O.B. (Das What Dey Is!) 3:42
- 9 The World's a Stage (A Dramady) 3:19
- 10 Booty Clap 3:57
- 11 Drinks (Escapism) 3:30
- 12 Dimepieces 4:14
- 13 In Your Mind (Altered States) 3:19
- 14 2 B Blunt (A True Story) 3:51
- 15 Psycho Linguistics (Convergent Thought) 1:35
- 16 That's Entertainment!? (Aversive Conditioning) 3:40
- 17 Outroduction to Diagnosis Psychosis 4:39
- 18 Beautiful Night (Automator remix) 4:17
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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