The Album cover

The Album

The Firm · 1997

53 min · 18 tracks · hip-hop

A slick convergence of East Coast hip-hop's bravado and West Coast's laid-back grooves, featuring tight lyrical exchanges.

Why this album works

The Album debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart, showcasing the commercial potential of hip-hop supergroups. Despite mixed critical reception, it has influenced subsequent collaborations in rap, demonstrating the viability of merging distinct styles and artists into a cohesive project.
Career context
Released in 1997, The Album marked the debut of The Firm, a supergroup formed from prominent artists Nas, Foxy Brown, AZ, and Nature. This project emerged during Nas's ascent following his acclaimed album 'It Was Written' in 1996, positioning The Firm as a powerhouse collaboration within the hip-hop scene.
Stylistic neighbors
Lil Wayne· Three 6 Mafia· UGK

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Intro 0:48
  • 2 Firm Fiasco 4:27
  • 3 Phone Tap (intro) 0:34
  • 4 Phone Tap Standout 3:46
  • 5 Executive Decision 3:42
  • 6 Firm Family 3:59
  • 7 Firm All Stars 3:20
  • 8 Fuck Somebody Else (intro) 1:24
  • 9 Fuck Somebody Else 4:17
  • 10 Hardcore 4:09
  • 11 Untouchable 1:10
  • 12 Five Minutes to Flush (intro) 0:47
  • 13 Five Minutes to Flush 4:43
  • 14 Desperados (intro) 0:32
  • 15 Desperados Standout 4:26
  • 16 Firm Biz Standout 3:23
  • 17 I’m Leaving 3:30
  • 18 Throw Your Guns 3:57

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata