The Professional cover

The Professional

DJ Clue · 1998

74 min · 22 tracks · contemporary R&B · hip-hop · East Coast hip-hop

A vibrant blend of gritty East Coast beats and sharp lyrical storytelling that defines late '90s hip hop.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • dynamic peaks and valleys
  • vibrant storytelling with grit
  • late-night drive energy
  • engaging skits for humor
  • anthems for group vibes

Maybe skip if you want

  • seeking soft, mellow sounds
  • prefer instant gratification tracks

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in early 1998, 'The Professional' marked DJ Clue's debut studio album after establishing himself as a prominent mixtape DJ. By this time, he had garnered significant attention through collaborations with artists like Nas and Jay-Z, positioning him as a key player in the East Coast hip-hop scene.
Stylistic neighbors
Nas· Kool Keith· Kool G Rap

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Intro 1:02
  • 2 Ruff Ryders Anthem (remix) 3:52
  • 3 It’s On 3:25
  • 4 Fantastic 4 5:09
  • 5 Queensfinest 3:26
  • 6 Exclusive New Shit 3:08
  • 7 Gangsta Shit 4:38
  • 8 Thugged Out Shit 3:54
  • 9 It’s My Thang ’99 3:00
  • 10 Mariah Carey (skit) 0:21
  • 11 Whatever You Want 4:06
  • 12 That’s the Way 4:31
  • 13 I Like Control 3:48
  • 14 Bitch Be a Ho 3:23
  • 15 If They Want It 4:02
  • 16 Pain in da Ass (skit) 0:28
  • 17 The Professional 3:39
  • 18 Brown Paper Bag Thoughts 3:15
  • 19 Cops & Robbers 3:26
  • 20 Made Men 2:41
  • 21 No Love 4:12
  • 22 Come On 4:31

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata