The Symphony cover

The Symphony

Marley Marl · 1988

19 min · 4 tracks · hip-hop

A groundbreaking fusion of hip-hop beats and symphonic elements that redefined genre boundaries in late '80s rap.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    The Symphony (remix) — This remix showcases Marley Marl's unique ability to integrate classical instrumentation with cutting-edge beats, making it a defining moment in hip-hop production.
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    Wack Itt (extended version) — The extended version emphasizes clever lyricism and intricate flows from the featured artists, representing the playful competitive spirit of late '80s hip-hop.
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    The Symphony (radio version) — This radio version demonstrates the commercial appeal of Marl's production while retaining the integrity of the original track, broadening its reach.

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • The Symphony (remix)

    In a pivotal verse, one rapper directly addresses their competitors with sharp wordplay, showcasing lyrical dexterity amidst a rich backdrop.

    This moment highlights the competitive nature of hip-hop at the time, where direct challenges were common and showcased individual artistry.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 The Symphony (remix) 6:43
  • 2 The Symphony (radio version) 4:08
  • 3 The Symphony (Marley's Symphony Scratch) 3:00
  • 4 Wack Itt (extended version) 6:04

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata