What makes The Crusader by Scribe notable?

The Crusader achieved significant commercial success, reaching number one on the New Zealand album charts and earning multiple awards, including Best Hip Hop Album at the New Zealand Music Awards. Its impact was profound, helping to elevate hip-hop's profile in New Zealand and inspiring a generation of artists. Released in January 2003, The Crusader marked Scribe's debut studio album. At this point in his career, he was establishing himself as a central figure in the New Zealand hip-hop scene, following the success of his earlier singles like Not Many.

How many songs are on The Crusader?

The Crusader has 13 tracks, running approximately 49 minutes.

The Crusader

Scribe · 2003

49 min · 13 tracks · hip-hop

Dynamic beats and clever wordplay intertwine, showcasing a unique blend of New Zealand hip-hop with infectious energy.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Not Many — This track became Scribe's breakout hit, characterized by its catchy hook and sharp lyrics that encapsulate the struggles and triumphs of urban life.
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Dreaming — With its introspective lyrics and melodic production, Dreaming showcases Scribe's lyrical depth and ability to resonate with listeners on a personal level.
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Stand Up — This track combines anthemic energy with motivational themes, making it a standout that encourages listeners to persevere through challenges.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

58 /100

Treeline

Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong writing and production but has some uneven pacing and cohesion issues.

What we noticed

The album opens with a high-energy track that sets a fast pace, which is maintained through the first half before shifting to more introspective themes in the latter tracks.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. 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.

Tracklist

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

1 Not Many 3:45
2 Been This Way 3:39
3 Dreaming 4:19
4 My Lady (P-Money mix) 3:59
5 Theme From The Crusader 2:34
6 Scribe Unltd. 3:48
7 Too Late 3:36
8 Stronger (feat. Tyna) 3:43
9 Stand Up 4:15
10 Not Many - The Remix! (feat. Savage & Con Psy) 3:47
11 So Nice (feat. Ladi 6) 4:47
12 My Lady (K.J.T. acoustic version) 3:41
13 Stop the Music (feat. P-Money) 3:15

What to play next

Listen next

Rhyme Book

2007

Full Scribe discography Artists like Scribe

hip-hop

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata