Top tracks — play these first
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Dice Game Start here — This track features intricate rhythms and layered samples that exemplify Madlib's signature style, balancing playfulness with depth, making it a standout piece.
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Wanda Vidal — With its catchy hook and vibrant instrumentation, this track captures the essence of the album's funk influence while showcasing Madlib's inventive musicality.
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The Funky Side of Life — As the title track, it encapsulates the album's overall vibe with infectious grooves and an upbeat energy that draws listeners into Madlib's world.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases innovative sampling and varied structures, contributing to its distinct sound within alternative hip-hop.
What we noticed
- The album features a diverse range of samples, with each track incorporating multiple layers of instrumentation and vocal snippets.
- Several tracks, such as 'Wanda Vidal' and 'The Funky Side of Life', utilize unconventional song structures that eschew traditional verse-chorus formats.
- The pacing varies significantly, with some tracks like 'Dice Game' maintaining a steady groove while others like 'On the Hill' create a more ambient, reflective atmosphere.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady groove for dance sessions
- playful beats for social gatherings
- short tracks for quick enjoyment
- soulful vibes during sunny days
Maybe skip if you
- prefer long, introspective pieces
- seek intense emotional narratives
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Experimental — The album showcases a departure into eclectic and abstract sounds, highlighting Madlib's innovative style.
- Themes
- soulful grooves· playful sampling· musical exploration
- Career context
- Released in 2005, The Funky Side of Life marks a significant point in Madlib's career as he continued to establish himself as a prolific producer and artist. Following his acclaimed album, Champion Sound with J Dilla, this solo project further showcases his unique blend of hip-hop and jazz influences while solidifying his reputation within the underground scene.
- Stylistic neighbors
- J Dilla· MF DOOM· Flying Lotus
Tracklist
- 1 Directions 1:07
- 2 Dice Game Start here 3:42
- 3 Wanda Vidal 2:15
- 4 Forty Days 5:06
- 5 Play Car 3:15
- 6 A Divine Image 2:18
- 7 The Funky Side of Life 2:59
- 8 Theme for Ivory Black 3:32
- 9 The Horse 2:45
- 10 One for J.J. (Johnson) 2:21
- 11 On the Hill 3:18
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Donuts
J Dilla
Shares a playful sampling approach with a soulful, jazzy vibe that invites groove and exploration.
The Low End Theory
A Tribe Called Quest
Combines jazzy instrumentation and soulful beats, creating a vibrant atmosphere for hip-hop grooves.
Cosmogramma
Flying Lotus
Merges eclectic influences and experimental sounds with a playful yet intricate sonic palette.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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