Top tracks — play these first
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Blow the Horns on 'em Start here — accessible entry with immediate hook
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Gamble on Ya Boy — This track stands out for its infectious hook and smooth flow, embodying the carefree spirit of the album while showcasing Madlib's knack for catchy melodies.
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Blinfold Test #10 (He Don't Play) — With its dynamic beat switches and playful lyricism, this track exemplifies Madlib's unique style of blending humor with intricate production techniques.
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I Want It Back — This song features reflective lyrics over a dreamy instrumental backdrop, highlighting Madlib's ability to balance introspection with his signature experimental sound.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Madlib's innovative sampling and eclectic style create a distinctive yet cohesive listening experience.
What we noticed
- The album features a wide range of sample sources, including jazz, funk, and soul, creating a diverse sonic landscape.
- Tracks often blend seamlessly into one another, with many pieces transitioning without a clear break, contributing to a continuous flow.
- Several tracks utilize unconventional structures, such as abrupt tempo changes and layered vocal snippets that challenge traditional song forms.
- 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
- wave-like pacing with surprises
- short tracks for quick enjoyment
- dynamic flow keeps engagement
- kaleidoscopic beats for exploration
- for late-night sessions
Maybe skip if you
- dislike experimental soundscapes
- prefer longer, cohesive albums
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Experimental — Innovative approach to sampling that departs from Madlib's earlier styles.
- Themes
- experimental hip-hop· kaleidoscopic sampling· underground groove
- Career context
- Released on January 1, 2008, 'WLIB AM: King of the Wigflip' is a significant entry in Madlib’s expansive discography, following his acclaimed collaboration with MF DOOM on 'Madvillainy' in 2004. At this point, Madlib was solidifying his reputation as a prolific producer and experimental artist, showcasing his versatility across various projects in hip-hop and jazz.
- Stylistic neighbors
- J Dilla· MF DOOM· Flying Lotus
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Gamble on Ya Boy
The narrator shifts from confident boasts to self-reflection about past choices within a playful narrative structure.
This shift not only adds depth to the character but also demonstrates how Madlib intertwines storytelling with playful bravado throughout the album.
Tracklist
- 1 The New Resident 1:33
- 2 Blow the Horns on 'em Start here 2:32
- 3 The Plan, Part 1 2:37
- 4 Tension 1:31
- 5 Gamble on Ya Boy 4:37
- 6 The Ox (805) 2:57
- 7 All Virtue 1:49
- 8 Blinfold Test #10 (He Don't Play) 3:54
- 9 The Thang-Thang 3:03
- 10 Heat 3:57
- 11 Smoke Break 1:58
- 12 The Plan (reprise) 0:39
- 13 Life 1:32
- 14 Parklight 1:44
- 15 Yo Yo Affair, Parts 1 & 2 4:01
- 16 I Want It Back 2:54
- 17 Disco Dance 1:51
- 18 What It Do 3:36
- 19 Take That Money 3:55
- 20 Drinks Up! 2:48
- 21 The Way That I Live 4:10
- 22 Ratrace 2:05
- 23 Go! 3:06
- 24 Stop 1:10
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Donuts
J Dilla
Shares a similar experimental sampling style with a focus on intricate, soulful beats.
Cosmogramma
Flying Lotus
Explores a kaleidoscopic blend of genres and innovative soundscapes akin to Madlib's approach.
Mm.. Food
MF DOOM
Combines quirky samples and underground vibes, echoing the experimental ethos of WLIB AM.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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