What makes The War Report by Capone-N-Noreaga notable?

Upon its release, The War Report received critical acclaim and commercial success, peaking at number 20 on the Billboard 200 chart. The album is often credited with influencing the sound and lyrical themes of subsequent underground hip-hop artists, solidifying its legacy within the genre. The War Report is Capone-N-Noreaga's debut album, released in 1997 when both artists were emerging from the New York rap scene. Following their initial collaborations and mixtape appearances, this project established them as key figures in hardcore hip-hop, setting a benchmark for East Coast rap's storytelling style.

How many songs are on The War Report?

The War Report has 20 tracks, running approximately 70 minutes.

The War Report

Capone-N-Noreaga · 1997

70 min · 20 tracks · gangsta rap

Raw street narratives blend with gritty beats, encapsulating the essence of late '90s East Coast hip-hop.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Bloody Money — This track's vivid depiction of street life and survival encapsulates the album's overarching themes of struggle and ambition. Its hard-hitting production and memorable chorus showcase the duo’s synergy and lyrical prowess.
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T.O.N.Y. (Top of New York) — A standout narrative piece that details the life and trials of a hustler, blending storytelling with a catchy hook that resonates with listeners. The track exemplifies the duo's ability to paint intricate pictures through their lyrics.
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Halfway Thugs — This song critiques those who dabble in street life without fully committing, delivering sharp commentary against pretenders. Its infectious beat paired with clever wordplay makes it a highlight of the album.

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 album's raw sound and narrative style reflect late '90s East Coast hip-hop, establishing its distinct place in the genre.

What we noticed

The album features a consistent use of hard-hitting, looped samples that create a gritty backdrop for the lyrics.
Tracks often include multiple verses from both artists, with call-and-response elements enhancing the dynamic between them.
Several songs incorporate skits and interludes that break up the flow, providing context to the narratives presented in the main tracks.

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 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.

Tracklist

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

1 Intro 1:33
2 Bloody Money 4:33
3 Driver's Seat 3:40
4 Stick You 4:43
5 Parole Violators 2:29
6 Iraq (See the World) 5:33
7 Live On Live Long 4:50
8 Neva Die Alone 3:27
9 T.O.N.Y. (Top of New York) 4:24
10 Channel 10 3:21
11 Capone Phone Home (interlude) 1:43
12 Stay Tuned (interlude) 3:17
13 Capone Bone 3:37
14 Halfway Thugs 3:13
15 L.A., L.A. (Kuwait mix by Marley Marl) 4:49
16 Capone-N-Noreaga Live (interlude) 2:43
17 Illegal Life 3:49
18 Black Gangstas 2:59
19 Closer 4:27
20 Capone Phone Home (outro) 1:33

What to play next

Listen next

The Reunion

2000

Full Capone-N-Noreaga discography Artists like Capone-N-Noreaga

East Coast hip-hop gangsta rap hardcore hip-hop

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata