What makes Under the Influence by Rob Swift notable?

The album is significant for its role in popularizing turntablism within hip-hop, demonstrating the artistry of scratching as both a performance and compositional tool. It received positive reviews from critics, helping to bolster Swift's reputation and influence within the genre during a time when DJing was gaining renewed recognition. When 'Under the Influence' was released in 2003, Rob Swift was establishing himself as a leading figure in the turntablism scene following his work with the influential group The X-Ecutioners. This album followed his acclaimed debut, 'The Ablist', and showcased his growth as a solo artist, further refining his technique and artistic vision.

How many songs are on Under the Influence?

Under the Influence has 15 tracks, running approximately 45 minutes.

Under the Influence

Rob Swift · 2003

45 min · 15 tracks · hip-hop

A dynamic exploration of turntablism blending hip-hop rhythms with playful samples and inventive scratching techniques.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Soul Power — This track features an infectious groove that highlights Swift's skillful manipulation of samples, showcasing his distinct style while paying homage to funk influences.
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Scratch Attack 2 — A masterclass in turntablism, this track serves as a showcase for Swift's intricate scratching techniques and rhythmic precision, embodying the album's core ethos.
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The Hook and Sling — With its catchy hooks and energetic tempo, this track exemplifies Swift's ability to blend diverse musical elements seamlessly while highlighting his DJ prowess.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

58 /100

Treeline

Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The album effectively showcases turntablism but has varying cohesion in its track arrangement.

What we noticed

Several tracks incorporate playful samples from various genres, creating a dynamic and eclectic sound throughout the record.
The pacing varies significantly, with some tracks maintaining high energy while others slow down to highlight the scratching artistry.

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: 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 There's a Storm in the Gulf 0:34
2 Hip Drop 2:31
3 Humpty Bump 1:24
4 Can I Be Your Main Squeeze 0:49
5 Love Is Good 0:34
6 Soul Power 0:24
7 Mercy D 2:53
8 The Hook and Sling 3:54
9 One for the Treble 5:44
10 We're Gonna Need a Little Scratch (Fresh, Wild, Fly & Bold) 4:08
11 The Man Marley Marl 5:12
12 Scratch Attack 2 5:33
13 2,3 Break 3:52
14 Lenu 5:38
15 Rezos 2:07

What to play next

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Who Sampled This?

2003

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Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata