What makes The Long March EP by Blue Scholars notable?

This EP received critical acclaim for its fresh take on hip-hop, particularly within the Asian American community. It gained attention for its socio-political themes and helped pave the way for a wave of artists who address similar issues through their music. The Long March EP marked Blue Scholars' debut release in 2005, establishing their presence in the hip-hop scene. This project introduced their unique sound and lyrical focus on social issues, setting the stage for their future works and solidifying their reputation within the genre.

How many songs are on The Long March EP?

The Long March EP has 9 tracks, running approximately 35 minutes.

The Long March EP

Blue Scholars · 2005

35 min · 9 tracks · hip-hop

A vibrant blend of socially conscious lyrics layered over infectious beats and rich, melodic instrumentation.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Cornerstone — Opening with a powerful statement about identity and struggle, this track sets the tone for the EP's exploration of cultural roots.
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The Long March — The title track encapsulates the EP's overarching theme of perseverance, blending poignant lyrics with a compelling rhythm that resonates deeply.
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Proletariat Blues — This track offers a critical perspective on socioeconomic struggles, showcasing the duo's ability to meld storytelling with engaging beats.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

53 /100

Foothills

Higher than 40% of albums we've rated

The EP showcases strong lyrical content and a unique sound, though its cohesion is slightly uneven.

What we noticed

The first three tracks feature a consistent mid-tempo groove, while the fourth track introduces a slower pace that shifts the energy.
Lyrical themes focus on social issues and personal narratives, with verses often layered over rich instrumental backdrops.
Several tracks incorporate live instrumentation alongside samples, creating a dynamic sound that blends traditional hip-hop with melodic elements.

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

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.

Tracklist

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

1 Cornerstone 4:36
2 The Long March 2:23
3 Southside Revival 4:56
4 Proletariat Blues 3:56
5 La Botella 4:22
6 Commencement Day 4:21
7 Wounded Eyes 3:36
8 Talk Story 3:46
9 Sagaba (remix) 3:55

What to play next

Listen next

Bayani

2007

Go back to

Blue Scholars

2004

Full Blue Scholars discography Artists like Blue Scholars

hip-hop

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata