The Detroit Experiment cover

The Detroit Experiment

The Detroit Experiment · 2003

64 min · 14 tracks

A vibrant fusion of jazz, hip-hop, and funk that pays homage to Detroit's rich musical legacy.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Space Odyssey — The opening track sets a cosmic tone with its expansive soundscapes and intricate rhythms, establishing the album's adventurous spirit.
  • →
    There Is a God — This track combines powerful lyrics with soulful instrumentation, showcasing the album's ability to merge profound themes with engaging melodies.
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    Midnight at the Twenty Grand — Featuring a captivating groove, this track illustrates the late-night vibe of Detroit's music scene while integrating improvisational elements characteristic of jazz.
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    Think Twice — With its reflective lyrics and smooth flow, this track exemplifies the fusion of hip-hop storytelling and jazz-inspired arrangements present throughout the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

66 /100
Alpine
Higher than 89% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong genre fusion and innovative arrangements, making it distinct within its context.

What we noticed

  • Several tracks incorporate spoken word segments, creating a narrative flow that connects the musical pieces.
  • The final track is a reprise of an earlier song, providing a reflective closure to the album's themes.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
7/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • wave-like pacing with surprises
  • dynamic exploration of sound
  • engaging late-night listening experience
  • thoughtful moments for reflection

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer straightforward song structures
  • seek instant gratification tracks

Where this album fits

Career context
The Detroit Experiment marked the debut album of the collective led by musician and producer Amp Fiddler. Released in 2003, it was a significant entry point for many artists involved, showcasing their talents amidst a burgeoning interest in jazz-infused hip-hop during the early 2000s.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Space Odyssey 5:25
  • 2 Think Twice 6:18
  • 3 Revelation 7:45
  • 4 Baby Needs New Shoes 4:38
  • 5 There Is a God 5:50
  • 6 Church 5:27
  • 7 Enterluud 2:32
  • 8 Vernors 4:03
  • 9 Too High 4:28
  • 10 Highest 3:35
  • 11 Midnight at the Twenty Grand 6:58
  • 12 A Taste of Tribe 0:15
  • 13 The Way We Make Music 3:38
  • 14 Revelation (reprise) 3:20

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata