Released 20 years ago
Special Herbs: The Box Set Vol. 0–9
MF DOOM · 2006
188 min · 81 tracks · alternative hip-hop
A collage of eclectic instrumental beats that blend haunting samples with intricate layers, immersing listeners in a sonic herbal garden.
Top tracks — play these first
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Who Me? (instrumental) — This track exemplifies DOOM's ability to create a compelling atmosphere using minimalistic elements, offering a rich backdrop for introspective lyricism.
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Plumskinzz (instrumental) — The complex layering of samples and unconventional rhythms in this piece showcases DOOM's innovative production techniques that define his sound.
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Garbage Day #3 (instrumental) — With its distinctive groove and off-kilter melodies, this track epitomizes the experimental nature of DOOM's work, pushing boundaries in hip-hop instrumentation.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalThis box set showcases MF DOOM's unique production style and thematic consistency, making it a standout in instrumental hip-hop.
What we noticed
- The album consists of 81 tracks, each named after a different herb or plant, creating a thematic cohesion throughout.
- Many tracks feature layered samples with varying textures, often incorporating haunting melodies and intricate drum patterns.
- The production style is characterized by a lo-fi aesthetic, with an emphasis on atmospheric soundscapes that invite repeated listens.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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8/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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9/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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
- intricate instrumental landscapes to explore
- wave-like pacing for focus
- short tracks for quick enjoyment
- for background creativity
- ideal for late-night inspiration
Maybe skip if you
- seekers of vocal-driven tracks
- prefer straightforward, single-focused albums
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 2006, Special Herbs: The Box Set Vol. 0–9 consolidates MF DOOM's reputation as a pioneering figure in underground hip-hop. This compilation follows his acclaimed album, Madvillainy, which he released the previous year, further establishing his unique style and production prowess as a solo artist.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Aesop Rock· Madlib· El-P
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
Disc 1
- 1 Saffron 2:02
- 2 Blood Root 2:05
- 3 Pennroyal 2:08
- 4 Safed Muesli 2:07
- 5 Vinca Rosea 1:59
- 6 Arrow Root 2:08
- 7 Star Anis 2:12
- 8 Lavender Buds 2:11
- 9 Valerian Root 2:08
- 10 Burdock Root 2:03
- 11 Zatar 2:03
- 12 Lemon Grass 2:03
- 13 White Willow Bark 2:04
- 14 Licorice 2:16
- 15 Vervain 1:52
- 16 Fenugreek 2:00
- 17 Four Thieves Vinegar 2:01
- 18 Orange Blossom 1:56
- 19 Sarsparilla 2:02
- 21 Sumac Berries 2:03
- 22 Galangal Root 2:03
- 23 Coffin Nails 1:57
- 24 FO Ti 2:28
- 25 Podina 2:02
- 26 Coriander 2:00
- 27 Spikenard 2:07
- 28 Kava 1:53
- 29 Camphor 1:49
- 30 Untitled (Meditation) 2:13
- 31 Shallots 2:02
- 32 Conquefoil 1:46
- 33 Emblica Officinalis 2:13
- 34 High John 2:20
- 35 Coltsfoot Leaf 2:05
- 36 Charnsuka 2:21
Disc 2
- 1 Hyssop 2:02
- 2 Jasmine Blossoms 2:05
- 3 Mandrake 2:15
- 4 Orris Root 1:59
- 5 Monosodium Glutamate 2:10
- 6 Agrimony 2:10
- 7 Black Snake Root 2:10
- 8 Devil’s Shoestring 2:13
- 9 Passion Flower 2:21
- 10 Red #40 2:03
- 11 Arabic Gum 1:58
- 12 Horehound 2:11
- 13 Wormwood 1:46
- 14 Yellow Dock 2:16
- 15 Nettle Leaves 2:08
- 16 Mugwort 2:32
- 17 Dragon’s Blood 2:08
- 18 Datura Stramonium 2:05
- 19 Cedar 2:11
- 20 Mullein 2:00
- 21 Bergamont 2:03
- 22 Myrtle Leaf 2:02
- 23 Buckeyes 2:12
- 24 Coca Leaf 2:03
- 25 Benzoin Gum 2:03
- 26 Calamus 2:02
- 27 All Spice 2:03
- 28 Dragon’s Blood Resin 1:44
- 29 Lovage 2:11
- 30 Elder Blossoms 2:08
- 31 Eucalyptus 2:08
- 32 Styrax Gum 2:09
- 33 Myrrh 2:02
- 34 Patchouly Leaves 2:08
- 35 Crysanthemum Flowers 2:04
- 36 Peach Extract 2:17
Disc 3
- 1 Who Me? (instrumental) 3:34
- 2 Plumskinzz (instrumental) 4:49
- 3 Humrush (instrumental) 3:23
- 4 Garbage Day #3 (instrumental) 3:29
- 5 Constipated Monkey (instrumental) 2:54
- 6 Contact Blitt (instrumental) 2:32
- 7 What a Nigga Know? (instrumental) 3:32
- 8 Get-U-Now (instrumental) 5:10
- 9 Smokin’ That Shit! (instrumental) 4:37
- 10 It Sounded Like a Roc! (instrumental) 4:49
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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