What makes Smack My Bitch Up by Ultramagnetic MCs notable?

This album is notable for its experimental approach to hip-hop, influencing artists within the genre and receiving critical acclaim for its production quality. The title track sparked controversy due to its provocative name, leading to discussions about censorship in music and the role of provocative language in art. Released in 1998, Smack My Bitch Up was Ultramagnetic MCs' third studio album, following their influential 1993 debut Critical Beatdown. The album came during a period when the group was looking to assert their presence in the evolving hip-hop landscape, marked by their unique blend of humor and braggadocio.

How many songs are on Smack My Bitch Up?

Smack My Bitch Up has 13 tracks, running approximately 48 minutes.

Smack My Bitch Up

Ultramagnetic MCs · 1998

48 min · 13 tracks · hip-hop

Innovative hip-hop blends playful lyricism with eclectic samples and bold beats, creating a lively and engaging sonic atmosphere.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Smack My Bitch Up — The title track stands out as a bold statement piece that encapsulates the album's playful yet controversial spirit, pushing boundaries in both lyrics and sound.
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Mo Love's Original Poppa Large — This track features clever wordplay and showcases the group's characteristic humor while maintaining an infectious beat that captures their vibrant style.
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NBA Allstars — A standout for its extended runtime, this track allows for intricate lyrical flows and showcases the group's dynamic energy and freestyle prowess.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

58 /100

Treeline

Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The album blends playful lyricism with eclectic samples, showcasing innovation in hip-hop production.

What we noticed

The album opens with a brief intro that sets a playful tone before transitioning into tracks with varied tempos and complex rhythms.
The title track employs a heavy bassline and aggressive beats, creating a stark contrast to the more laid-back vibe of earlier songs.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

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.

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

Smack My Bitch Up

The closing lines shift from bravado to a moment of self-reflection, contrasting earlier confident assertions.

This transition serves to underline the complexities of identity within the persona created throughout the song.

Tracklist

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

1 Intro 0:34
2 Positive Beams 3:35
3 Mo Love's Original Poppa Large 4:11
4 Because You Are So Funny 2:47
5 TR Love the Superstar (freestyle) 2:41
6 NBA Allstars 10:07
7 Nervous 5:02
8 Talkin' Out Your Ass (remix) 5:11
9 Bonus Beats 1:20
10 Dog This Is for You 3:36
11 I Like Your Style (remix) 3:37
12 Smack My Bitch Up 4:08
13 Moe Love Is on the Mix 1:24

What to play next

Listen next

The Best Kept Secret

2007

Go back to

New York What Is Funky

1996

Full Ultramagnetic MCs discography Artists like Ultramagnetic MCs

hip-hop

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata