Synth or Soul
Black Milk · 2013
22 min · 12 tracks · hip-hop
A fusion of electronic beats and soulful melodies creates a dynamic soundscape that is both introspective and vibrant.
Top tracks — play these first
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When the Sky Falls — This track stands out for its poignant lyrics and emotive delivery, encapsulating themes of vulnerability against a backdrop of layered production.
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Why Worry — The minimalist beat paired with reflective lyrics creates an intimate atmosphere, effectively conveying the struggle between ambition and anxiety.
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Wish a N'gga Would — This track exemplifies Black Milk's confident lyricism and sharp wit, making it a standout moment that showcases his ability to blend humor with serious themes.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The EP effectively combines electronic and soulful elements, demonstrating Black Milk's growth as an artist.
What we noticed
- The first half of the EP features tracks that blend electronic beats with soulful instrumentation, while the second half shifts towards more introspective themes and slower tempos.
- Several tracks incorporate live instrumentation alongside programmed beats, creating a layered sound that emphasizes both rhythm and melody.
- 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
- quick bursts of vibrant energy
- playful and irreverent moments
- short tracks for casual listening
- fragmented pacing for attention shifts
- soulful melodies with flair
Maybe skip if you
- prefer longer cohesive albums
- seek deep immersive experiences
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 2013, Synth or Soul marked Black Milk's fourth studio album, showcasing his evolution as a producer and lyricist. Following the critical acclaim of his previous album, Album of the Year (2010), this project further solidified his reputation within the hip-hop community as an innovative artist blending genres.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Flying Lotus· Madlib· Kendrick Lamar
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Computer Ugly Ugly 2:33
- 2 When the Sky Falls 2:05
- 3 600 1:23
- 4 Higgs Boson 1:23
- 5 Piano Moog 2:16
- 6 80's TV Show 2:06
- 7 Why Worry 1:49
- 8 Deep Breath Deep Bass 1:50
- 9 Heaven's Cry 1:13
- 10 Wish a N'gga Would 1:51
- 11 10 Luv 2:05
- 12 Drunk Tweets 1:51
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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