Released 10 years ago
Velvet Portraits
Terrace Martin · 2016
70 min · 14 tracks · hip-hop
A lush fusion of jazz-funk grooves and lyrical storytelling that immerses listeners in a rich sonic landscape.
Top tracks — play these first
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Velvet Portraits — The opening track sets the tone for the entire album, featuring smooth instrumentation and an introspective vibe that introduces listeners to Martin's artistic vision.
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With You — This track highlights Martin's lyrical depth, blending personal storytelling with a soulful melody, creating an emotional connection that resonates throughout the project.
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Mortal Man — Closing the album with an expansive composition, this track showcases Martin's ability to weave complex narratives within a musical tapestry, leaving a lasting impression.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album's blend of jazz and hip-hop creates a unique sound, supported by strong musicianship and thoughtful arrangements.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a title track that features layered instrumentation, blending smooth jazz elements with hip-hop beats.
- Several tracks incorporate live instrumentation, including saxophone and keyboards, creating a dynamic soundscape that evolves throughout the record.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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7/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- vibrant soundscapes for exploration
- patient grooves that unfold gently
- late-night reflective listening sessions
- moments of smooth, joyful rhythm
Maybe skip if you
- prefer fast-paced, energetic tracks
- seek immediate gratification in music
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Upon the release of Velvet Portraits in January 2016, Terrace Martin had already established himself as a notable figure in the hip-hop and jazz scenes, collaborating with artists like Kendrick Lamar. This album marked a significant moment in his career, showcasing his ability to blend genres while further solidifying his role as a producer and musician following his work on Lamar's critically acclaimed To Pimp a Butterfly.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Kamasi Washington· Robert Glasper· Thundercat
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Velvet Portraits 1:33
- 2 Valdez Off Crenshaw 4:31
- 3 Push 4:36
- 4 With You 4:08
- 5 Curly Martin 7:22
- 6 Never Enough 5:32
- 7 Turkey Taco 4:02
- 8 Patiently Waiting 7:01
- 9 Tribe Called West 2:34
- 10 Oakland 4:23
- 11 Bromali 3:37
- 12 Think of You 5:48
- 13 Reverse 3:07
- 14 Mortal Man 11:46
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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