Sickly Business
Sage Francis · 2004
78 min · 22 tracks · hip-hop
A raw and introspective blend of alternative hip-hop that confronts personal and societal issues with sharp lyricism.
Top tracks — play these first
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The Masters are Back (Non-Prophets) — This opening track sets the tone with its confident delivery and biting critique of the mainstream music industry, establishing Francis's unique voice right from the start.
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Alternatives to College — In just over half a minute, this track delivers a powerful commentary on societal expectations versus personal aspirations, highlighting Francis's ability to provoke thought within concise frameworks.
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Killing Muslims (George McKibbens) — This track confronts political violence with stark imagery and provocative lyrics, illustrating Francis's commitment to addressing controversial subjects head-on while challenging listeners' perspectives.
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My Girl Was a Groupie (Joe Beats) — With its engaging narrative style, this track explores themes of love and betrayal within the music scene, showcasing Francis's storytelling prowess and emotional depth.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- raw introspection on societal issues
- wave-like pacing with dynamic flow
- extended climax for deep reflection
- brief interludes for thoughtful pauses
- engaging narratives through varied lengths
Maybe skip if you
- seeking instant gratification
- prefer standalone radio hits
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in early 2004, Sickly Business marked Sage Francis's first full-length project after his well-received 2003 EP, A Healthy Distrust. This album solidified his position as a prominent voice in the underground hip-hop scene, showcasing his evolution as an artist unafraid to tackle complex themes through innovative storytelling.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Aesop Rock· Atmosphere· Brother Ali
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 The Masters are Back (Non-Prophets) 4:02
- 2 The Failure Disc 2 #6 (Bernard Dolan) 1:22
- 3 Love, Love, Love (Non-Prophets) 3:17
- 4 Stuck 4:32
- 5 Garden Gnomes 2:27
- 6 Killing Time (live on 90.3 WRIU) 2:46
- 7 Alternatives to College 0:37
- 8 Souvenier (Non-Prophets) 3:36
- 9 Threewrite (Non-Prophets) 4:36
- 10 Tree of Knowledge 2:04
- 11 1996 Verse (live on 90.3 WRIU) 1:30
- 12 Doomage 3:27
- 13 My Girl Was a Groupie (Joe Beats) 4:04
- 14 Lost Verse of the Mainstream (Non-Prophets) 1:42
- 15 My Head 3:37
- 16 Worlds of After Verse (live on 90.3 WRIU) 2:42
- 17 Jesus in a Bowl of Germs (Jared Paul) 3:24
- 18 Kiddie Litter 2:56
- 19 Killing Muslims (George McKibbens) 3:01
- 20 Sandpaper Gloves (AOI) 3:21
- 21 1995 Medley 14:59
- 22 Underbite Ben (live in Sioux Falls) 4:33
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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