9/23/25 Rating Change: 80->85
The soundtrack of the main villain of a bad trip. Beat work is consistently unique and keeps you guessing what twisted sounds will meet your ears next. Lil Ugly Mane's lyricism and rhymes match the evil feel of his beats. Serious Shit, Bitch I'm Lugubrious, No Slack in my Mack, and Wishmaster are really strong showings, where Lookin 4 Tha Suckin and Mona Lisa fall a ways behind in quality.
The Memphis Rap Bohemian Rhapsody for lack of a better term. Hypnotizing instrumentals and really well constructed bars. Lil Ugly Mane is unapologetically himself here and I am all for it.
Sometimes you just have an album that really resonates with you by the world of sound it creates. This album has been in my life for years now and it never once has been anything other than brilliant.
Above all else, just a really fun listen. A lot of neat ideas here and while their influences may be pretty clear, it doesn't take away from enjoyable flows and clever rhymes and references. A good effort to bring old school rap into the modern era.
5/7/26 90 -> 95. I've softened on 'Swing On This' and that was my main gripe with this album so naturally a raise in score felt necessary.
A little project jam packed of eerie acoustic guitars and beautiful singing by Layne solo and harmonizing with Jerry. Also features some really good rhythm section work for the bass and drums and some nice additions like the strings in "I Stay Away" and the harmonica in "Don't Follow". And then..."Swing on ... read more
The first half has some really strong songs in the title track, sleepwalking and edit the sad parts. The second half featuring the live performances was less enjoyable for me. I understand the appeal of the more raw sound that comes with live performances but I generally prefer a bit more refinement. You can definitely see the stepping stones to their best work coming from here.
One of the strongest contenders for album of the 80s and one of the best records ever. Unlike a lot of 80s music, this record ages extremely well thanks to Prince's unmistakable singing and masterful guitar work backed up by immaculate instrumentation.
10/9/25 Rating Change 86->87
I originally approached this as "the follow up with Bulls on Parade on it" but I have to say there's some other really good songs on here and it's an overall solid album that keeps the momentum and sentiment of their debut album going.
5/5/26: 93->95
Incredible album. DJ Premier cements himself as one of the best beat makers ever and Guru uses his "King of the Monotone" flow to craft some truly amazing rhymes. "You Know My Steez" might be one of the best album opening tracks ever. The features are the biggest source of variance on here with some leaving a little bit to be desired and some absolutely knocking it out of the park. An essential album for Boom Bap, 90s Hip Hop, and anyone interested in ... read more
10/9/25-Rating Changes 83->87
The soundtrack of theater kids who grew up to think they have better taste in music than anyone else, but like in a good way. Genre blending is absolutely nuts on here and it really paints a picture of the unlikeable douchebag Geordie tells the story of here. Holy, Holy, Terra and As If Waltz are the absolute standouts but definitely overall solid.
3/4/26: 98 ->96
WOW. If you were looking for an invitation to not let a language barrier get in the way of some amazing music, here it is. This album sounds INCREDIBLE. So many diverse sounds that seem to fit together like they were always meant to be. I went in without any real expectations and left in love.
9/16/25-94->97
A breakup album that feels somehow entirely unique in its composition but also incredibly relatable to anyone has experienced something similar in their own lives. Beats are immaculate and Tyler's raps and singing are on point. The peak of modern soul that is unmistakably Tyler.
Like, holy fuck. In the absolute bottom tier of music that isn't trying to be bad on purpose, if not the actual worst song ever.
To me this is their second peak that reaches the same heights as White Pony, everything sounds so heavy and gorgeous in the perfect balance.
Starts really strong and while it does keep some musically interesting ideas throughout the whole project, it ends significantly weaker. The singles are catchy and fun but the other tracks aren't particularly memorable. Found myself phasing out during the second half for the most part.
4/16/26: 100->99 Still incredible obviously but not to quite the same level as others in the 100 section
Something I can only describe as a Willy Wonk Boat Tunnel scene composed of jazz. A true mountain of music I may be happy to climb again some day but not after quite some time. Giving it a perfect score because I'm not sure what else to give it.
Really enjoyable flows and instrumentation throughout the project. Really follows an arc of sound from the beginning of the album to the end.