Tape Two
Young Fathers · 2013
23 min · 9 tracks · hip-hop
A visceral blend of experimental beats and dynamic vocals that defy traditional hip-hop boundaries.
Top tracks — play these first
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I Heard — This opening track introduces the album's eclectic sound with its haunting melodies and layered vocal harmonies, establishing a compelling atmosphere.
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Mr. Martyr — The intense beat and passionate delivery create a powerful exploration of identity and societal pressures, highlighting the band's lyrical depth.
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Queen Is Dead — This track's driving rhythm and sharp lyrics challenge conventional narratives, demonstrating Young Fathers' bold artistic stance.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The EP showcases innovative compositions and production techniques that push hip-hop boundaries.
What we noticed
- The EP opens with a track that features layered vocal harmonies and unconventional rhythms, setting a distinct tone from the outset.
- Each track varies significantly in tempo and style, with some tracks incorporating elements of electronic music alongside traditional hip-hop beats.
- Several songs feature abrupt transitions and shifts in dynamics, challenging the listener's expectations of song structure.
- 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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7/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
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
- short bursts of intense energy
- playful experimentation with sounds
- bold contrasts and surprising twists
- late-night introspection with friends
Maybe skip if you
- prefer longer, cohesive albums
- seek traditional song structures
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in early 2013, Tape Two was Young Fathers' debut project after their formation in 2011. It followed a period of local acclaim and showcases their unique fusion of genres, setting the stage for their later success.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Shabazz Palaces· Death Grips· Run the Jewels
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 I Heard 3:42
- 2 Come to Life 2:45
- 3 Only Child 2:02
- 4 Queen Is Dead 2:42
- 5 Bones 0:51
- 6 Freefalling 2:07
- 7 Mr. Martyr 3:04
- 8 Way Down in the Hole 2:50
- 9 Ebony Sky 3:35
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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