Too High to Riot cover

Released 10 years ago

Too High to Riot

Bas · 2016

37 min · 12 tracks · hip-hop

A reflective blend of introspective lyrics and smooth production, weaving personal narratives with societal commentary.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Methylone — This track captures the essence of the album's exploration of escapism through its vivid storytelling and atmospheric production, making it a standout moment.
  • →
    Clouds Never Get Old — With its poignant reflection on growth and nostalgia, this song encapsulates the album's thematic core while showcasing Bas's lyrical prowess.
  • →
    Black Owned Business — This track serves as a powerful commentary on economic empowerment within the Black community, utilizing sharp lyrics that resonate with contemporary social issues.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

63 /100
Treeline
Higher than 74% of albums we've rated

The album combines introspective lyrics with smooth production, creating a cohesive listening experience.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a title track that sets a reflective tone, followed by a sequence of tracks that blend personal narratives with social commentary.
  • Several tracks feature layered vocal harmonies and smooth production, creating a cohesive sound throughout the record.
  • The pacing varies, with mid-tempo tracks interspersed with slower ballads, allowing for moments of introspection and reflection.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
8/10

running order, pacing, length

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

  • introspective moments of reflection
  • urban storytelling with mellow vibes
  • short tracks for quick engagement
  • thoughtful lyrics for deep listening

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking high-energy party tracks
  • prefer longer, immersive experiences

Where this album fits

Career context
When Bas released Too High to Riot in 2016, he was establishing himself as a prominent voice in the Dreamville label alongside J. Cole. This album followed his previous work, Last Winter, and showcased a maturation in his lyrical themes and production style, marking a significant step forward in his career.
Stylistic neighbors
JID· Saba· EarthGang

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Too High to Riot 2:42
  • 2 Methylone 2:42
  • 3 Dopamine 3:36
  • 4 Housewives 3:30
  • 5 Miles and Miles 1:39
  • 6 Live For 2:42
  • 7 Clouds Never Get Old 3:08
  • 8 Matches 3:44
  • 9 Night Job 3:14
  • 10 Ricochet 3:16
  • 11 Penthouse 4:01
  • 12 Black Owned Business 2:41

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata