Random Axe
Black Milk · 2011
41 min · 15 tracks · hip-hop
A dynamic fusion of gritty beats and sharp lyricism that showcases the collaborative prowess of underground hip-hop artists.
Top tracks — play these first
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Black Ops — This track features a hard-hitting beat paired with intricate wordplay, encapsulating the album's raw energy and lyrical prowess.
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Chewbacca — With its catchy hook and playful lyrics, this track showcases the chemistry among the artists while maintaining a distinctive sound.
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Everybody Nobody Somebody — This song stands out for its introspective lyrics that delve into identity and existence, highlighting the depth of the album beyond just bravado.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong collaborations and varied production, contributing to its standing in underground hip-hop.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album features tracks that maintain a high energy level with aggressive beats and rapid-fire verses.
- Several tracks incorporate varied instrumental samples, creating distinct sonic backdrops for each collaboration.
- The album closes with an outro that shifts in tone, providing a reflective contrast to the preceding intensity.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- 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
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
- gritty narratives of resilience
- wave-like pacing with surprises
- short bursts of intensity
- engaging lyrical sharpness
- for focused listening
Maybe skip if you
- prefer lengthy, slow tracks
- seek straightforward structures
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 2011, Random Axe marked a significant collaboration between Black Milk, Danny Brown, and Guilty Simpson during a period of rising recognition for Black Milk. This album followed his critically acclaimed work in solo projects and served as a testament to his production skills alongside his rap abilities.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Flying Lotus· Madlib· Kendrick Lamar
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Understand This
The verse shifts perspectives dramatically, allowing for a layered approach to personal struggles.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Zoo Drugs 0:49
- 2 Random Call 4:14
- 3 Black Ops 3:04
- 4 Chewbacca 4:06
- 5 The Hex 3:03
- 6 Understand This 2:17
- 7 Everybody Nobody Somebody 3:32
- 8 Jahphy Joe 3:43
- 9 The Karate Kid 1:02
- 10 Never Back Down 1:50
- 11 Monster Babies 4:05
- 12 Shirley C 3:26
- 13 Another One 3:17
- 14 4 in the Box 1:32
- 15 Outro Smoutro 1:27
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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