The Kolexxxion
DJ Premier · 2012
63 min · 17 tracks · hip-hop
A masterclass in boom bap, blending heavy beats with sharp lyricism and a gritty, urban atmosphere.
Top tracks — play these first
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My Thoughts — This opening track sets the tone for the album, featuring introspective lyrics over an iconic Premier beat that captures his signature style.
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Shake the Room — With its infectious energy and catchy hook, this track showcases Premier's knack for creating party anthems while retaining lyrical substance.
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P.A.I.N.E. — This standout track delves into personal struggles and societal issues, reflecting Premier's ability to weave storytelling into his production seamlessly.
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GrEaTnEsS — Featuring clever wordplay and a strong message about striving for excellence, this song encapsulates the album’s themes of ambition and resilience.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album effectively blends classic hip-hop elements with contemporary influences, maintaining a strong identity throughout.
What we noticed
- The album features a consistent boom bap sound, with heavy use of sampled loops and hard-hitting drum patterns throughout its 17 tracks.
- Several tracks incorporate interludes or skits that provide context or thematic continuity, enhancing the overall narrative of the album.
- 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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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
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 focused listening
- gritty beats for late-night vibes
- dynamic mixes for head-nodding sessions
- engaging storytelling across tracks
- consistent energy throughout the album
Maybe skip if you
- prefer instant gratification tracks
- seek melodic sing-alongs
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in early 2012, The Kolexxxion marks DJ Premier's first solo project after the disbanding of Gang Starr in 2006. By this time, Premier had established himself as a respected and influential figure in hip-hop, known for his signature production style and collaborations with numerous artists. This album further solidified his status as a pioneer while allowing him to explore new creative avenues as a solo artist.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Pete Rock· J Dilla· Gang Starr
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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P.A.I.N.E.
The verses shift from depicting personal hardship to broader social commentary without losing emotional weight.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 My Thoughts 4:04
- 2 Shake the Room 3:52
- 3 B.A.P. (Bumpy and Premier) 5:19
- 4 eVrEEbodEE 2:18
- 5 wEaRe aT WaR 3:26
- 6 P.A.I.N.E. 4:30
- 7 The Life 3:49
- 8 FYPAU 3:01
- 9 D'Lah 4:27
- 10 More Levels 4:50
- 11 GrEaTnEsS 2:47
- 12 EyEnEvErPuTmY4cUsAwAy 4:22
- 13 Turn Up the Mic (DJ Premier remix) 3:33
- 14 The Key 3:01
- 15 OwNit 2:37
- 16 The Gang Starr Bus 2:55
- 17 Word Iz Bond 4:10
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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