What makes The Boy Vs. the Cynic by John Reuben notable?

The Boy Vs. the Cynic received positive reviews for its thoughtful exploration of themes such as self-identity and societal critique, establishing Reuben as a unique voice in the Christian hip-hop genre. It helped broaden the scope of hip-hop narratives during a time when many artists focused primarily on surface-level themes. At the time of its release in 2005, John Reuben was building on his previous albums, having gained attention with his sophomore effort, 'Professional Rapper.' This album marked a significant point in his evolution as an artist, showcasing a more mature sound and lyrical depth while still retaining his signature playful approach to hip-hop.

How many songs are on The Boy Vs. the Cynic?

The Boy Vs. the Cynic has 12 tracks, running approximately 42 minutes.

The Boy Vs. the Cynic

John Reuben · 2005

42 min · 12 tracks · hip-hop

A blend of playful hip-hop beats and introspective lyrics that navigate personal struggles against societal expectations.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Follow Your Leader — This track stands out for its critique of blind followership, using clever wordplay to challenge listeners' perspectives on authority and belief systems.
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There's Only Forgiveness — In this poignant song, Reuben examines the complexities of forgiveness, blending personal anecdotes with broader reflections that resonate deeply with listeners.
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The Boy vs. The Cynic — The title track encapsulates the album's central conflict between idealism and skepticism, showcasing Reuben's lyrical dexterity and emotional range.

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

What About Them?

A pivotal moment where the lyrics shift from personal reflection to addressing societal issues directly.

This transition emphasizes the collective responsibility we share towards societal change, adding weight to Reuben's introspective narrative.

Tracklist

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

1 Out of Control 3:50
2 Nuisance 3:37
3 Chapter I 2:49
4 Follow Your Leader 3:10
5 Sales Pitch 3:45
6 Sunshine 3:21
7 So Glad 3:12
8 What About Them? 3:49
9 There's Only Forgiveness 4:07
10 All I Have 3:54
11 Cooperate 3:30
12 The Boy vs. The Cynic 3:47

What to play next

Listen next

Word of Mouth

2007

Go back to

So in Hindsight the Professional Rapper Isn't There Yet

2004

Full John Reuben discography Artists like John Reuben

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Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata