Road Tested cover

Road Tested

Sage Francis · 2005

67 min · 21 tracks · hip-hop · alternative hip-hop

A raw tapestry of spoken word and alternative hip-hop that challenges societal norms through vivid storytelling.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • dynamic flow with peaks
  • vivid storytelling exploration
  • thought-provoking spoken word pieces
  • wave-like pacing throughout
  • reflective moments of introspection

Maybe skip if you want

  • seeking instant gratification
  • prefer straightforward, upbeat tracks

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 2005, 'Road Tested' is a compilation album that follows Sage Francis's breakthrough with 'Personal Journals' (2002) and 'A Healthy Distrust' (2005). This collection showcases his evolution as a lyricist and performer, consolidating his reputation in the underground hip-hop scene. By this time, Francis had garnered a dedicated following, leveraging his eclectic style to address social issues.
Stylistic neighbors
Aesop Rock· Atmosphere· Brother Ali

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Holy Rollin' (SOS 05) 0:16
  • 2 Runaways (Gruvis Malt 03) 4:36
  • 3 Sign From God (Gimme Fund 04) 0:14
  • 4 Bang Bang Boogie / Climb Trees (Gruvis Malt 03) 3:20
  • 5 Broken Wings (Gruvis Malt 03) 4:24
  • 6 Specialist (Gruvis Malt 03) 4:02
  • 7 Kiddie Litter Spoken Word (04) 2:30
  • 8 Sea Lion Extended (SOS 05) 4:15
  • 9 Inherited Scars (Gruvis Malt 03) 3:54
  • 10 White Wedding (Gruvis Malt 03) 1:13
  • 11 Makeshift Patriot (Gruvis Malt 03) 4:51
  • 12 Majority Rule (Gruvis Malt 03) 2:36
  • 13 Rewrite / 50 Ways (Gruvis Malt 03) 4:56
  • 14 Crack Pipes / Product Placement (SOS 05) 3:31
  • 15 Dirty (Gruvis Malt 05) 2:28
  • 16 What's Your Name (Gruvis Malt 05) 1:38
  • 17 Underbite Ben Finds God Spoken Word (03) 4:19
  • 18 Cafe Girl / Capaccino (Gimme Fund 04) 4:06
  • 19 Slum Lord Intermission (03) 1:17
  • 20 Next Testament (Gimme Fund 04) 3:31
  • 21 Bridle Extended (SOS 05) 5:21

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata