Released 10 years ago
Splendor & Misery
Clipping · 2016
37 min · 15 tracks · experimental hip-hop
A haunting exploration of dystopia, blending experimental hip-hop with sci-fi narratives and visceral soundscapes.
Top tracks — play these first
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All Black — This track stands out for its aggressive delivery and profound lyrics that grapple with identity and systemic oppression through a gripping narrative lens.
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True Believer — The song blends personal introspection with broader social commentary, showcasing Clipping's skill at merging intricate production with meaningful storytelling.
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Air ’Em Out — An intense examination of violence and survival, this track utilizes sharp lyricism paired with complex beats to deliver a powerful message on urban life.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album's innovative narrative and sound design push hip-hop boundaries, making it distinct and impactful.
What we noticed
- The album features a continuous narrative structure, with tracks flowing into one another, creating a cohesive story arc throughout.
- Interludes serve as both transitions and commentary, breaking up the flow of traditional song structures while deepening the narrative.
- The use of varied vocal delivery styles, from aggressive rapping to spoken word, adds dynamic contrast and emphasizes the emotional weight of the lyrics.
- Composition 25% of the score
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8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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9/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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7/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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9/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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8/10
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.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Long Way Away (intro) 1:05
- 2 The Breach 0:56
- 3 All Black 6:15
- 4 Interlude 01 (freestyle) 1:35
- 5 Wake Up 2:05
- 6 Long Way Away 1:30
- 7 Interlude 02 (numbers) 1:04
- 8 True Believer 3:44
- 9 Long Way Away (instrumental) 0:51
- 10 Air ’Em Out 3:50
- 11 Interlude 03 (freestyle) 1:09
- 12 Break the Glass 2:21
- 13 Story 5 3:04
- 14 Baby Don’t Sleep 3:07
- 15 A Better Place 4:25
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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