Svengali
Cakes da Killa · 2022
29 min · 15 tracks · hip-hop
A vibrant blend of hip-hop and house that pulses with confident lyricism and infectious beats throughout its brief runtime.
Top tracks — play these first
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W4TN — This track features dynamic production that merges club beats with assertive lyrics about self-empowerment, making it a standout anthem for personal agency.
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Svengali — The title track encapsulates the album's themes of manipulation and control through its catchy hook and sharp wordplay, showcasing Cakes' lyrical prowess.
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Ball and Chain — In this track, Cakes da Killa delves into the complexities of relationships with a mix of vulnerability and bravado, underscoring their range as an artist.
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Think Harder — This song stands out for its introspective lyrics paired with danceable rhythms, encouraging listeners to reflect while also moving their feet.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album combines energetic beats with confident lyricism, showcasing a unique voice in hip-hop.
What we noticed
- The album opens with an instrumental overture that sets a vibrant tone, followed by tracks that maintain a consistent tempo and energy.
- Several tracks feature call-and-response vocal patterns, enhancing the interactive feel typical of dance music.
- The last three tracks gradually reduce in tempo, creating a reflective conclusion that contrasts with the earlier high-energy songs.
- 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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7/10
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
- pulsating energy for dance floors
- quick bursts of vibrant expression
- playful irreverence in every track
- short tracks for spontaneous listening
Maybe skip if you
- seekers of long narratives
- prefer slow, contemplative vibes
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Svengali is Cakes da Killa's sophomore album, following the critically acclaimed debut, Hedonism (2016). By 2022, the artist had established a unique voice within the LGBTQ+ hip-hop community and was building on their reputation for blending genres and challenging norms with this new release.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Mykki Blanco· Azealia Banks· Tinashe
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Overture 0:31
- 2 W4TN 2:41
- 3 Rabbit Hole 0:44
- 4 Svengali 2:59
- 5 Luv Me Nots 3:15
- 6 La Cocaina 1:20
- 7 Mirror Mirror 0:26
- 8 Drugs Du Jour 2:33
- 9 Gratitude 0:32
- 10 Ball and Chain 2:34
- 11 Sip of My Sip 3:18
- 12 Luv Me Nots (reprise) 2:23
- 13 Sub Song 1:23
- 14 Think Harder 3:08
- 15 Climax 1:35
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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