What makes State of the Arts by Afu-Ra notable?

The album received positive critical reception, showcasing Afu-Ra's lyrical prowess which resonated within the East Coast hip-hop community. It features collaborations with notable artists and producers, contributing to its standing as a significant release in the mid-2000s hip-hop landscape. Released in 2005, 'State of the Arts' marked Afu-Ra's third studio album, following his previous work 'Life Force Radio' from 2000. By this time, he had established a reputation as a skilled lyricist within the underground hip-hop scene, and this album aimed to solidify his status further.

How many songs are on State of the Arts?

State of the Arts has 18 tracks, running approximately 61 minutes.

State of the Arts

Afu-Ra · 2005

61 min · 18 tracks · East Coast hip-hop

Afu-Ra's verses meld intricate wordplay with hard-hitting beats, reflecting the raw energy of East Coast hip-hop.

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Top tracks — play these first

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God of Rap — This track exemplifies Afu-Ra's confident delivery and intricate lyricism, establishing his claim to the title while addressing the essence of rap culture.
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Why Cry — In 'Why Cry', Afu-Ra reflects on personal struggles, blending emotional depth with sharp storytelling that resonates deeply with listeners.
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Poisonous Taoist — This track showcases Afu-Ra's unique blend of martial arts themes and street consciousness, highlighting his distinctive narrative style and cultural influences.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

51 /100

Foothills

Higher than 34% of albums we've rated

Afu-Ra's intricate lyricism and narrative skits create a distinct experience within East Coast hip-hop.

What we noticed

The album features multiple skits interspersed between tracks, creating a narrative flow that connects the songs.
The production combines classic East Coast boom-bap beats with samples that evoke a gritty urban atmosphere.

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

Influence 4/10

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.

Tracklist

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

1 Intro 1:29
2 God of Rap 3:59
3 Power Skit #1 0:44
4 Pusha 4:52
5 Prankster 4:12
6 Livin Like Dat 3:26
7 Rumble 3:51
8 Power Skit #2 0:12
9 Why Cry 4:34
10 Ghetto Hell 3:44
11 Cry Baby 4:31
12 Dynamite 3:57
13 Sucka Free 3:58
14 Deal Wit It 4:47
15 BK Dance 4:18
16 Only U 4:18
17 Poisonous Taoist 4:03
18 Power Skit #3 0:30

What to play next

Listen next

Body of the Life Force Part 2

2012

Go back to

Perverted Monks

2004

Full Afu-Ra discography Artists like Afu-Ra

East Coast hip-hop

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata