Quazarz vs. The Jealous Machines
Shabazz Palaces · 2017
42 min · 12 tracks
A cosmic blend of experimental beats and abstract lyricism that invites listeners into a surreal narrative universe.
Top tracks — play these first
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Effeminence — This track encapsulates the album's themes of identity and self-assertion through its rhythmic complexity and lyrical introspection, making it a standout for its bold expression.
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Self-Made Follownaire — Here, the artist critiques societal expectations and superficial success while showcasing clever wordplay and intricate flows, highlighting their unique storytelling approach.
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Love in the Time of Kanye — This song cleverly juxtaposes personal relationships against contemporary cultural references, offering a witty commentary on fame and authenticity within the music industry.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album's experimental approach and abstract themes create a unique listening experience that rewards repeated engagement.
What we noticed
- The album features a non-linear narrative structure, with tracks that often blend into one another without traditional verse-chorus forms.
- Abstract lyricism is prevalent throughout, with many songs incorporating surreal imagery and fragmented storytelling that invites multiple interpretations.
- Composition 25% of the score
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8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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8/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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9/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Significant within its genre. 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
- surreal narrative exploration
- short bursts of intrigue
- late night introspective vibes
- cosmic soundscapes for wandering
- playful experimentation with structure
Maybe skip if you
- prefer straightforward song formats
- seek instant gratification
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released on July 14, 2017, Quazarz vs. The Jealous Machines is Shabazz Palaces' third studio album, following their critically acclaimed LP, Lese Majesty. At this juncture, the group was solidifying their reputation as pioneers in the avant-garde hip-hop scene, following a series of innovative releases that challenged conventional genre boundaries.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Death Grips· Flying Lotus· Aesop Rock
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Welcome to Quazarz 3:48
- 2 Gorgeous Sleeper Cell 2:13
- 3 Self-Made Follownaire 4:14
- 4 Atlaantis 2:18
- 5 Effeminence 5:42
- 6 Julian’s Dream (Ode to a Bad) 4:12
- 7 30 Clip Extension 5:07
- 8 Love in the Time of Kanye 2:18
- 9 Sabonim in the Saab on ’em 2:23
- 10 The SS Quintessence 3:39
- 11 Late Night Phone Calls 3:25
- 12 Quazarz on 23rd 2:49
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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