What makes Thirty Eight by Apollo Brown notable?

Thirty Eight received widespread acclaim for its cohesive production and lyrical depth, often being cited in discussions of notable underground hip-hop albums of 2014. Its success is underscored by chart placements on various hip-hop charts and its influence on contemporaneous artists seeking to blend traditional hip-hop aesthetics with modern themes. Released on January 1, 2014, Thirty Eight marked Apollo Brown's third studio album, following his critically acclaimed 2013 project with rapper Ras Kass, Blasphemy. At this point in his career, Brown was solidifying his reputation as a premier producer in the underground hip-hop scene, known for his distinctive sound characterized by rich samples and poignant storytelling.

Who is Thirty Eight for?

Thirty Eight works well if you're into gritty narratives of life's struggles, nostalgic beats for reflective moments and short tracks with impactful themes.

How many songs are on Thirty Eight?

Thirty Eight has 26 tracks, running approximately 65 minutes.

Thirty Eight

Apollo Brown · 2014

65 min · 26 tracks · hip-hop

A gritty exploration of life’s struggles layered over soulful, sample-driven beats that evoke nostalgia and resilience.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Cellophane — This track showcases Apollo Brown's signature soulful production alongside introspective lyrics that dive into vulnerability and self-reflection, making it a standout piece.
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Learn the Meaning — Blending sharp lyricism with an evocative beat, this song encapsulates the album's theme of personal growth and understanding life's challenges.
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Shotguns in Hell — The raw energy and impactful storytelling in this track highlight the stark realities faced by individuals in challenging environments, making it a powerful anthem.
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Weight in Gold — With its contemplative mood and intricate production, this track effectively conveys themes of burden and perseverance, resonating deeply within the album's narrative.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

59 /100

Treeline

Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The album's strong production and lyrical themes contribute to its solid standing in underground hip-hop.

What we noticed

The album features a consistent use of soulful samples that create a nostalgic atmosphere throughout its tracks.
Lyrical themes of struggle and resilience are prevalent, with many songs employing vivid storytelling techniques.
The first half of the album maintains a steady mid-tempo pace, while the second half introduces more varied rhythms and dynamics.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

gritty narratives of life's struggles
nostalgic beats for reflective moments
short tracks with impactful themes
moments of soulful resilience
late-night introspection on life

Maybe skip if you

prefer upbeat, fast-paced music
seek polished, mainstream production

Where this album fits

Career context: Released on January 1, 2014, Thirty Eight marked Apollo Brown's third studio album, following his critically acclaimed 2013 project with rapper Ras Kass, Blasphemy. At this point in his career, Brown was solidifying his reputation as a premier producer in the underground hip-hop scene, known for his distinctive sound characterized by rich samples and poignant storytelling.
Stylistic neighbors: Statik Selektah· Nujabes· Black Milk

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

Learn the Meaning

The shift from discussing external struggles to an internal monologue about self-worth reveals a moment of vulnerability.

This transition emphasizes personal introspection at a pivotal moment in the song, contrasting outward conflicts with inner emotional battles.