What does Retaliation sound like?

A raw and unfiltered exploration of street life, layered with hypnotic beats and Keak's distinctive growl. Rooted in gangsta rap and hardcore hip-hop. Start with "So Quik".

Is Retaliation a good place to start with Keak da Sneak?

Yes, Retaliation is recommended as a starting point for new Keak da Sneak listeners. A raw and unfiltered exploration of street life, layered with hypnotic beats and Keak's distinctive growl. Released in 2002, Retaliation was Keak da Sneak's third studio album, coming off the success of his previous work, depending on the underground acclaim from his earlier albums. This project marked a significant moment as he began to solidify his presence in the West Coast hip-hop scene, further establishing his unique sound.

Who is Retaliation for?

Retaliation works well if you're into steady flow with narrative depth, raw energy for late-night drives and peaks of intensity and reflection.

How many songs are on Retaliation?

Retaliation has 16 tracks, running approximately 63 minutes.

Retaliation

Keak da Sneak · 2002

63 min · 16 tracks · gangsta rap

A raw and unfiltered exploration of street life, layered with hypnotic beats and Keak's distinctive growl.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
Welcome to Oakland — This track serves as an anthem for the Bay Area, showcasing Keak's lyrical prowess and his ability to paint a vivid picture of his hometown's culture.
→
So Quik Start here — With its infectious beat and catchy hook, this track exemplifies Keak's signature style while highlighting themes of urgency and street life.
→
Get You Lit — This song encapsulates the party vibe associated with the hyphy movement, making it a staple in club rotations and defining the celebratory aspect of Keak's music.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

57 /100

Foothills

Higher than 48% of albums we've rated

Retaliation showcases Keak's unique vocal style over hypnotic beats, solidifying its place in the hyphy movement.

What we noticed

The album features a consistent use of heavy bass lines and minimalist beats, creating a hypnotic backdrop for Keak's vocal delivery.
Several tracks incorporate call-and-response elements, engaging listeners and enhancing the live performance feel.
The sequencing maintains a steady pace, with most tracks hovering around mid-tempo, allowing for a cohesive flow from start to finish.

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: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 8/10

Influence 6/10

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

steady flow with narrative depth
raw energy for late-night drives
peaks of intensity and reflection
immersive storytelling for focused listening

Maybe skip if you

prefer instant gratification tracks
seek melodic, soothing backgrounds

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — Marked a significant contribution to the hyphy movement, gaining wider recognition.
Themes: Oakland street culture· hyphy party scene· raw gangsta narratives
Career context: Released in 2002, Retaliation was Keak da Sneak's third studio album, coming off the success of his previous work, depending on the underground acclaim from his earlier albums. This project marked a significant moment as he began to solidify his presence in the West Coast hip-hop scene, further establishing his unique sound.
Stylistic neighbors: E-40· Too Short· Mac Dre