The Marathon Continues cover

The Marathon Continues

Nipsey Hussle · 2011

47 min · 14 tracks · gangsta rap

Dynamic beats blend with introspective lyrics, capturing the hustle and aspirations of life in South Central Los Angeles.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Road to Riches — The opening track sets the tone for the entire mixtape with its motivational themes and strong lyrical focus on ambition and perseverance.
  • →
    Fly Crippin — This track showcases Nipsey's ability to merge catchy hooks with hard-hitting verses, reflecting both pride in his identity and the challenges he faces.
  • →
    Rose Clique — A standout collaboration that emphasizes loyalty and friendship, this track highlights Nipsey's connections within his community while delivering a powerful message about unity.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

64 /100
Treeline
Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

The album blends dynamic beats with introspective lyrics, showcasing Nipsey's storytelling prowess.

What we noticed

  • The album features a consistent use of layered vocal harmonies, with Nipsey often doubling his verses for emphasis.
  • Several tracks incorporate dynamic beat switches that shift the mood and energy mid-song, enhancing the storytelling.
  • The first half of the album maintains a high tempo, while the latter half introduces slower, more reflective tracks that delve into personal 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
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

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

  • gritty reflections on ambition
  • short tracks for quick engagement
  • motivational energy for workouts
  • narrative-driven street stories

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking smooth, polished sounds
  • prefer longer, cohesive albums

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 2011, The Marathon Continues is Nipsey Hussle's second mixtape, solidifying his reputation as a key figure in West Coast hip-hop. Following the success of his debut mixtape, Slauson Boy Volume 1, this project marked a significant step towards his eventual commercial breakthrough, showcasing his entrepreneurial spirit and authenticity.
Stylistic neighbors
Kendrick Lamar· J. Cole· Schoolboy Q

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Road to Riches 2:06
  • 2 Who Detatched Us 4:39
  • 3 Run a Lap 4:11
  • 4 Thas What Hoes Do 5:15
  • 5 Everythang 3:21
  • 6 Fly Crippin 3:45
  • 7 I Need That 2:46
  • 8 Forever on Some Fly Shit 2:43
  • 9 Tommy Gunz 3:07
  • 10 They Know 4:09
  • 11 Rose Clique 3:12
  • 12 10 Toes 2:08
  • 13 Tha Mansion 2:46
  • 14 Outro 3:30

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata