Top tracks — play these first
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Bitches Brew (M. Davis) Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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Bitches Brew — This opening track sets the tone with its experimental soundscapes and intricate jazz influences, showcasing Madlib's ability to blend genres seamlessly.
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Umoja (Unity) — Incorporating rich instrumentation and a strong rhythmic backbone, this track exemplifies the album's overarching theme of community and togetherness through music.
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Vibes From the Tribes Suite (For Phil) — Spanning over eleven minutes, this track serves as a centerpiece of the album, weaving together various musical ideas while honoring the legacy of influential musicians.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album's intricate production and genre-blending make it stand out within the hip-hop landscape.
What we noticed
- The album features a diverse range of samples and live instrumentation, creating a rich tapestry of sound that blends jazz, hip-hop, and soul.
- Tracks often shift in tempo and mood, with some pieces incorporating extended instrumental sections that allow for improvisation.
- Several tracks include layered vocal contributions from various artists, enhancing the collaborative feel of 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
- dynamic journey with emotional peaks
- wave-like pacing for deep listening
- reflective moments on rainy days
- engaging background for creative tasks
- exploratory listening with eclectic vibes
Maybe skip if you
- seekers of instant gratification
- prefer straightforward song structures
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Critical Peak — Represents a significant moment in Madlib's artistic evolution and genre fusion.
- Themes
- jazz-infused hip-hop· cultural unity· eclectic soundscapes
- Career context
- Released in 2007, Yesterdays Universe represents a pivotal moment in Madlib's career as he continued to establish himself as a prolific producer and artist. Following his acclaimed work on albums like The Beat Konducta series and his collaboration with MF DOOM on Madvillainy, this album showcases Madlib's adventurous spirit in blending various musical styles into cohesive, innovative sounds.
- Stylistic neighbors
- J Dilla· MF DOOM· Flying Lotus
Tracklist
- 1 Bitches Brew (M. Davis) Start here 4:37
- 2 Umoja (Unity) 5:40
- 3 Slave Riot (D. Smith) 2:12
- 4 One for the Monica Lingas Band 5:36
- 5 Street Talkin’ 3:28
- 6 Marcus, Martin & Malcolm 3:24
- 7 Two for Strata East 0:41
- 8 She’s Gonna Stay 2:49
- 9 Cold Nights and Rainy Days 6:18
- 10 Free Son 4:45
- 11 Barumba (L.Eca, Bebeto) 3:47
- 12 Sunny C (California) 3:15
- 13 Mtume’s Song 4:29
- 14 Vibes From the Tribes Suite (For Phil) 11:53
- 15 Upa Neguinho 3:39
What to play next
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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