What makes To Thine Own Self Be True by La Coka Nostra notable?

This album received attention for its bold lyrical content and unapologetic commentary on contemporary issues, appealing to both hardcore fans and new listeners alike. It demonstrated La Coka Nostra's ability to remain relevant in the hip-hop scene, achieving notable placements on various music charts and garnering a positive critical reception from niche publications focused on underground hip-hop. Released in 2016, To Thine Own Self Be True marked La Coka Nostra's third studio album, following their previous effort, A Brand You Can Trust. At this point, the group had solidified their place in underground hip-hop, showcasing a matured sound while retaining their hardcore roots. The album reflects the group's evolution as both artists and individuals within an ever-changing musical landscape.

How many songs are on To Thine Own Self Be True?

To Thine Own Self Be True has 12 tracks, running approximately 44 minutes.

Released 10 years ago

To Thine Own Self Be True

La Coka Nostra · 2016

44 min · 12 tracks · hardcore hip-hop

A raw blend of gritty beats and unfiltered lyrics that confront personal and societal struggles head-on.

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Top tracks — play these first

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I Need Help — This track captures the essence of personal struggle and vulnerability, featuring a haunting beat that complements the stark honesty of the lyrics.
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Waging War — With aggressive flows and powerful production, this track serves as a rallying cry against societal injustices, embodying the group's militant spirit.
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America — This song critiques American culture through pointed commentary, merging sharp rhymes with an urgent delivery that resonates with contemporary listeners.
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To Thine Own Self Be True — The title track encapsulates the album’s core message of authenticity, blending introspective lyrics with a compelling narrative structure.

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 combines raw beats and bold lyrics, offering a mix of aggression and reflection that resonates within its genre.

What we noticed

The album opens with a heavy, distorted beat that sets a confrontational tone, which is maintained through aggressive vocal deliveries across the first half.
Lyrical themes shift from personal struggles to societal critiques, with tracks like 'America' featuring pointed commentary on contemporary issues.
The pacing fluctuates, with several tracks maintaining a relentless energy while others slow down to allow for introspection, particularly in the latter half.
The final track features a more reflective tone, contrasting sharply with the preceding aggression and providing a sense of closure.

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 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.

Tracklist

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

1 Dark Day Road 2:46
2 I Need Help 3:38
3 Waging War 2:44
4 Murdered Tonight 3:09
5 Stay True 2:51
6 Blind 4:42
7 Crispy Innovators 4:06
8 Archie Bunker 3:42
9 High Times 4:12
10 America 4:01
11 Now Or Never 4:00
12 To Thine Own Self Be True 4:29

What to play next

Listen next

Fuck Tony Montana / Get Outta My Way

2017

Go back to

Masters of the Dark Arts

2012

Full La Coka Nostra discography Artists like La Coka Nostra

hardcore hip-hop

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata