Self Explanatory
Classified · 2009
73 min · 22 tracks · hip-hop
A playful blend of introspective lyrics and catchy hooks, showcasing the diversity of Canadian hip-hop.
Top tracks — play these first
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Self Explanatory Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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Oh…Canada — This track serves as a nationalistic anthem, blending pride with humor, and reflects the artist's connection to his roots while reaching a wider audience.
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Get Out the Way — Showcasing a high-energy beat and assertive lyrics, this track emphasizes self-confidence and determination, encapsulating the album's empowering spirit.
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They Call This (Hip Hop) — This song critically examines the state of hip-hop culture and its evolution, demonstrating Classified's thoughtful approach to genre commentary within his work.
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Choose Your Own Adventure 1 — Utilizing an innovative format that invites listener participation, this track creatively engages the audience while highlighting Classified's unique storytelling style.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album's playful structure and mix of themes create an engaging but uneven listening experience.
What we noticed
- The album features six interludes titled 'Choose Your Own Adventure' that break up the flow of the main tracks, creating a narrative structure.
- The first half of the album maintains an upbeat tempo with tracks like 'Get Out the Way' and 'Up All Night', while the second half shifts to more introspective themes.
- Several tracks incorporate live instrumentation alongside traditional hip-hop beats, adding a layer of complexity to the sound.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
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
- catchy hooks for sing-alongs
- dynamic journey with interludes
- wave-like pacing for engagement
- playful exploration of storytelling
- short tracks for quick enjoyment
Maybe skip if you
- prefer lengthy, cohesive albums
- dislike playful lyrical content
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Fan Favorite — Beloved by fans for its introspective lyrics and catchy hooks, showcasing diversity.
- Themes
- Canadian identity· hip-hop evolution· self-confidence anthems
- Career context
- Self Explanatory was Classified's fifth studio album, released in 2009 following his breakthrough with 2006's Boy-Cott In the Industry. At this point, he had established himself as a prominent figure in Canadian hip-hop, known for his relatable storytelling and clever wordplay. The album solidified his position in the genre while further exploring themes of identity and personal growth.
Tracklist
- 1 Self Explanatory Start here 3:05
- 2 Get Out the Way 3:23
- 3 Choose Your Own Adventure 1 3:09
- 4 Up All Night 4:12
- 5 Quit While You’re Ahead 4:34
- 6 Inspiration 2:08
- 7 Choose Your Own Adventure 2 2:56
- 8 Anybody Listening 3:34
- 9 They Call This (Hip Hop) 4:15
- 10 Oh…Canada 3:22
- 11 Choose Your Own Adventure 3 4:05
- 12 Where Are You 3:23
- 13 Trouble 3:40
- 14 Used to Be 2:56
- 15 Breaking Up 4:11
- 16 One Track Mind 3:34
- 17 Choose Your Own Adventure 4 2:34
- 18 Things Are Looking Up 3:54
- 19 Still Got It 3:22
- 20 Loonie 3:36
- 21 Choose Your Own Adventure 5 2:43
- 22 Choose Your Own Adventure 6 1:12
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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