The Dena Tape cover

The Dena Tape

Hodgy · 2010

22 tracks · alternative hip-hop

A vibrant mix of self-reflective lyricism and eclectic beats, capturing the essence of alternative West Coast hip-hop.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Blame It — This track features introspective lyrics that delve into themes of self-accountability and personal struggle, making it a standout representation of Hodgy's lyrical depth.
  • →
    Customized Greatly — With its catchy hook and playful wordplay, this track exemplifies Hodgy's ability to blend humor with serious subject matter, showcasing his versatility as an artist.
  • →
    Claustroflowbic — In this track, Hodgy's rapid-fire delivery captures feelings of anxiety and confinement, reflecting both personal turmoil and broader societal issues.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

50 /100
Foothills
Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The Dena Tape showcases varied production and unique lyrical styles, marking its place in alternative hip-hop.

What we noticed

  • The album features a wide range of beats, from lo-fi samples to more polished production, creating a varied sonic landscape.
  • Hodgy employs a stream-of-consciousness style in his lyrics, often shifting topics abruptly within verses.
  • Several tracks incorporate unconventional song structures, with some lacking traditional choruses and relying on repetitive hooks instead.
  • The sequencing includes interludes that serve as transitions between tracks, contributing to the overall flow of the album.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
5/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

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.

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Change It Up

    The narrative shifts from self-doubt to determination as he resolves to alter his path forward.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Tapetro
  • 2 Blame It
  • 3 Chris Sawyer
  • 4 Rolex
  • 5 Biscuits
  • 6 Change It Up
  • 7 Customized Greatly
  • 8 Ignorant Shit
  • 9 Claustroflowbic
  • 10 Memorex CDs
  • 11 Contrasting Swagg
  • 12 Speed Racer.
  • 13 Black Magic
  • 14 Work That Shit
  • 15 Pink Magic (feat. Casey Veggies)
  • 16 April Fools
  • 17 Cannon
  • 18 The Love
  • 19 Skinny Rapper
  • 20 Pink Leather Intestines
  • 21 Interlude
  • 22 Sorry

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata