Special Herbs, Vols. 9 & 0
MF DOOM · 2005
45 min · 13 tracks · alternative hip-hop
A captivating blend of abstract soundscapes and hypnotic beats, embodying the essence of underground hip-hop experimentation.
Top tracks — play these first
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Vinca Rosea — The track's ethereal sound captures the essence of DOOM’s ability to weave atmospheric elements into hip-hop, setting a meditative tone for the album.
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Burdock Root — With its layered textures and subtle complexities, this track exemplifies DOOM's knack for creating immersive soundscapes that invite deep listening.
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Passion Flower — Its rich sonic palette showcases DOOM’s signature production style while also hinting at the emotional depth found throughout the album.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalThe album showcases inventive instrumentals with varied structures, though its cohesion suffers from short track lengths.
What we noticed
- The album consists entirely of instrumental tracks, each built around a unique sample or loop that creates a distinct mood.
- 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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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- 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
- steady flow for focused listening
- atmospheric backdrop for creativity
- meditative vibes for introspection
- intricate beats for detail-oriented listeners
- short tracks for quick sessions
Maybe skip if you
- seeking high-energy party tracks
- prefer straightforward song structures
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 2005, Special Herbs, Vols. 9 & 0 marked MF DOOM's prolific output during a period of artistic maturity following his breakthrough with Madvillainy in 2004. At this point, he had solidified his status as an influential figure in alternative hip-hop, known for his intricate lyricism and unique production style.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Aesop Rock· Madlib· El-P
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Vinca Rosea 3:00
- 2 Burdock Root 3:32
- 3 Vervain 2:59
- 4 Bergamont 3:33
- 5 Podina 2:07
- 6 Untitled (Meditation) 3:56
- 7 Coltsfoot Leaf 3:41
- 8 Orris Root Powder 3:37
- 9 Passion Flower 4:04
- 10 Yellow Dock 4:22
- 11 Datura Stramonium 3:02
- 12 Coca Leaf 3:51
- 13 Peach Extract 4:07
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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