Strange Reign
Tech N9ne · 2017
69 min · 20 tracks · gangsta rap
A relentless fusion of intricate lyricism and aggressive beats that showcases the raw energy of Tech N9ne's unique style.
Top tracks — play these first
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Cold Piece of Work Start here — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its sharp wordplay and aggressive delivery, immediately immersing listeners in Tech N9ne's distinctive style.
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Is You the Police? — This track features a tense narrative exploring themes of authority and distrust, exemplifying Tech N9ne's ability to weave storytelling with socially conscious commentary.
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Let Go — In 'Let Go,' Tech N9ne delivers a more introspective side, balancing his typical bravado with vulnerability and personal reflection, adding depth to the album.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album balances aggressive energy with introspective moments, showcasing Tech N9ne's lyrical complexity.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album features high-energy tracks with aggressive beats, while the second half introduces more introspective themes and varied tempos.
- Many tracks utilize a call-and-response structure, allowing for dynamic interaction between Tech N9ne's verses and ad-libs.
- Several songs incorporate layered vocal harmonies and backing vocals that enhance the intensity of the delivery.
- 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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7/10
- 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 pacing for focused listening
- dynamic shifts in emotional tone
- exploration of personal struggles
- for road trip vibes
- engaging hooks with thoughtful verses
Maybe skip if you
- prefer instant gratification tracks
- seek standalone singles only
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Deep Cut — Solid entry in Tech N9ne's catalog that showcases his style without being a standout.
- Themes
- surveillance culture· personal resilience· Midwest hustle· authority challenges
- Career context
- Released on January 1, 2017, 'Strange Reign' arrives during Tech N9ne's established career as a pioneer in independent hip-hop. Following his previous album 'The Storm,' this work continues his trajectory of blending complex rhymes with diverse musical influences, solidifying his reputation as a versatile artist.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Krizz Kaliko· E-40· Twista
Tracklist
Disc 1
- 1 Cold Piece of Work Start here 4:35
- 2 Minimize 3:36
- 3 Brand New Hunnids 4:21
- 4 Let Go 3:33
- 5 Is You the Police? 4:08
- 6 Come Down 3:14
- 7 Let's Link 3:30
- 8 Price Is Going Up 4:56
- 9 Happen 3:19
- 10 Whatever You Want 3:19
- 11 Dangerous 3:25
- 12 Stick It in 3:27
- 13 Plenty 3:11
- 14 These Hands 4:06
- 15 Bad JuJu (Preview) 0:45
Disc 2
- 1 Quicksand 3:03
- 2 Off My Square 4:38
- 3 Settle Down 2:08
- 4 Lyin' 2:40
- 5 Face Down 3:31
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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