Hypocrisy Is The Greatest Luxury

The message of this album is still pretty poignant even today, but where this album excels in message it stumbles with the beats, and so can't reach the higher heights it feels it could.

Well, I liked what I was able to listen to. There's four tracks that aren't available anywhere I can find. Anyway, I can't say the rapping is particularly good - he's mostly just talking over a beat. But what he's talking about remains relevant today in most cases. Good record, but not great.

This isn’t generally the style of music I’d go for, but wow it somehow really gets you to sit up and listen. I kept thinking (sadly) how crazy it is that the lyrics are still so applicable today, especially with what’s going on in the US currently. And this was from 34 years ago!

Jedna z tych rzadkich płyt, w których druga połowa jest lepsza od pierwszej. Trudno mi ją przez to ocenić. Końcówka to takie 7/10 a początek 6/10. Końcowo daję 6.5/10 równane w dół, bo chociaż doceniam flow i poczucie humoru to całość jednak robi dość średnie wrażenie.

I don’t remember so i will give 3 to be in the middle XD

Lyrics seem like can apply to the 2020's!

Fun! I've never heard of them before, or any of their songs.

Good lyrics, which is at odds with most other rap/hip hop music. The music let it down. The sampling wasn’t crisp enough. It sounded like an early rap/hip-hop album sadly.

like if public enemy had sicker beats but worse bars

In terms of lyrics and topic, I didn't mind it. Musically, it wasn't really something I enjoyed.

I'm frankly not sure what is going on here and it feels like I am listening to a sermon more than an album, but I can appreciate the vision. Whatever that may be.

Lots to like in this - great beats, socially conscious lyrics, laid-back delivery, but ended up feeling like a TED-talk that went on too long

This album is historical interesting with an interesting early 90s vibe too - so not just musically interesting, but also politically. Soon you'll notice the similarities to Gil-Scott Heron who was a better texter, spoken-word poet, but also singer, backed by better music. In that respect, I could appreciate this album, but can't rate it higher than average for me.

Better than expected.

I had never heard of this group. But I really do like this kind of Bay area, political, socially conscious hip hop. The vocals are very Public Enemy and the lyrics are still very hard hitting and relevant.

This instantly reminds me of Public Enemy knock-off, even as far as the main MC vocal goes - he does remind me of Chuck D. Television is the drug of the nation is the track which stood out the most. Good stuff, probably 3 stars, cause I would still prefer Public Enemy for this political hip-hop stuff

I like it when a rapper has a lot to say and that is for sure the case here. Unfortunately that alone does not make a great album. I appreciate the message and overall lyrics on these songs, but unfortunately the rapping leaves something to be desired. I don't think the rapper is the most skilled, he has a pretty deadpan delivery and slow flow which gets a bit grating, especially on the 5+ minutes songs. The production is pretty interesting as it has this minimal, mechanical feel that is pretty rare for hip hop but then again I don't feel like it elevates the album all that much. Despite the review sounding negative I do quite appreciate the album and even enjoy a chunk of it, but it can be tiring as a listen.

Not really my vibe sonically but meaningful and significant lyrically

Like it 3/5

It's pretty good. Certainly worth listening to once or twice. Public Enemy without the fun/crazy of Flav or the polished poetry of Chuck D. He's a little too on the nose, but I still do appreciate that he's making these songs for people that might not otherwise even think about these things. The music could be better, sure. But, nothing in these songs bothered me. Decent samples and beats throughout. Not life-changing, but nothing that makes me want to quicky skip any either. So, yeah. Worth hearing once or twice. I want to give a 3.6, but until we get a better scale (1-10?) we're stuck having to make choices like... It's getting a 3 from me because it's not something I'll come back to. Yes, worth listening to, but I don't see this getting into any rotations.

Great lyrics, beats left a little to be desired. I also think that the songs got a bit repetitive, but overall I was vibing with it

Good flow, good beats, good message, good album.

Clear vocals and good lyrics. Artistic though often dissonant sampling. Opening for RATM makes perfect sense

Eh

Ehh. I respect it, as hip hop with a message and something to say. Early era hip-hop is just really tough for me to get into, there's something a little corny about it until it really matured, soon after this in the early 90's.

Beats were good but it got really corny. The song Music and Politics is really bad but the production definitely saved this album

This was a fun listen. Was not familiar with MF’s militant hip hop side.

Some of this is pretty good, but the main guy is problematic and some of the music is just fine. Eh.

Getting preached to for about an hour, but 34 years later, he's completely dead on.

I like the commentary, something about it just feels.... hokey?

Solid. I felt like I did something good for humanity by listening to this. Don't know if it has any tracks worth throwing on a mixtape. Is it good? Yes, but it's not for everyone, more in your face than Public Enemy, but not as good. 3.25 / 5

Partly classic 90s hip hop before more complex rhyme patterns were introduced with a heavy dose of social/political criticism splashed in that both rings true today, but also laughably shows the album’s age given the current political climate. This is a good album for anyone who is into Public Enemy, Rage, The Coup, NWA, Mos Def, Talib Kwali, even Deltron 3030. This is a good album for say a vinyl library to give you some cred with the socialist liberals, to say I’m down with the cause, but beyond its virtue signaling value, this record isn’t really getting any spins. Did I enjoy it? Sure. Was there a single song I want to listen to again? Not really.

Pretty interesting stuff. Long-winded by the end. Sounds just like chuck d.

This was probably a groundbreaking conscious hip hop album that was designed to wake us up and expose the evils of government, media, and censorship. Well, it’s clear that the message of this album has fallen on deaf ears. We’re living in a time where society is more fractured than ever. Suicide rates are skyrocketing, substance abuse and addiction are rampant, and homelessness is at an all-time high. Whether it’s class, race, or gender, divisions are deeper than they’ve ever been. Everyone thinks they have the answers, yet fingers are constantly pointed, accusing others of being brainwashed by propaganda. The hatred in our society is so pervasive that we wouldn’t even recognize a real enemy threat because we’re too busy accusing each other of being the true threat to democracy. Despite its good intentions, its time has passed, leaving us in an even worse state with far greater problems.

Liked the beats, the rhythm, the message, little too over the top and repetitive, but good listen

I’m so torn with this album. A lot of the social commentary is so relevant even to the present day. He makes you listen to every word, but this also ends up revealing some huge weakness of this album. Almost every song has a chorus that is grating as he repeats the same lines over and over. On one song he half-ass sings them and it comes out as just annoying AF. The other issue here is that the beats on this album feel like a second thought, with oftentimes him not even lining up with his flow to the track it’s supposed to be set to. Due to the problems, he comes off as a second rate Chuck D instead of standing out on his own merits. I feel like this artist would have been great at slam poetry events, because a lot of this album feels like a poet who thought it would be an easy transition to rap. I wanted to like this more than I did sadly. 3.25 / 5

I shuddered at the thought of more American hip-hop but I was relieved to hear within the first track that this came from more from intellect than the chaos & vulgarity of the hood. It’s still very relevant today, especially INS Greencard. Not to mention that I’m a fan of Michael Franti’s solo work. It was a good listen, not quite a 4, but a high 3. I would listen again, which is very high praise for this genre.

First off, is 'Hypocrisy Is the Greatest Luxury?' I submit that it is not. I really love a jet ski. That seems like a great luxury. This is a long 90s hip hop album that is anti-capitalism (yay) but also repetitive (boo). It sounds like the soundtrack to a dystopian underground warehouse concert scene. As Newman noted, these tracks are too long yet they have a beat. The title track is oddly quick and upbeat. Top tracks: "Hypocrisy is the Greatest Luxury," "Television the Drug of the Nation," "Everyday Life has become a Health Risk"

The music is better than their name, and I realize that is probably damning with faint praise. The instrumental arrangements were pretty interesting with a cool mix of styles, and often funky bass lines. I preferred the moments when you get hooks or actual rapping rather than the sermonizing, but I know that misses the point of what they are doing.

I should like this, but I just cannot get into the album. The beats are interesting, and honestly fine, but never really that exciting. The lyrics are meaningful and personal, but just so on the nose that they lose the appeal.

Cool but I will probably never listen to this again.

Politically charged, but not subtle. Way too on the nose. For some reason this album reminds me of Banksy. Go figure

My man had some shit to say!

I liked the message, but the music didn't really capture me 3

Meh

2.9/5 Man I don't know. I want to rate this high because of the messages, but there's just so much undercooked stuff in here. The beats and samples are solid, so is how Franti's voice sounds, pretty striking. However: The mixing could be better cuz the rapper's voice is sometimes too inaudible. Rhymes barely exist in some of the songs and stretch too far out in others. While many of the presented themes carry an important or at least interesting message, it sounds repetitive, especially the choruses. And some of these things mixed together just sound annoying. 'Language of Violence' is probably my fav. I think this album is a good example of bringing the message across was more significant than the overall production & music quality, and that's fucking sad. If everything was solid, it could've easily gotten 4 stars, but I can't get myself to heave it up to the likes of Biggie or Eminem.

Zici ca Satanic Reverses e scris in 2025...

I don't know what level is above conscious rap but this is there. A younger me would have probably loved this, now I just find it depressing that much going on in the country hasn't changed much in 30 years.

It's like a chill Rage. Decent enough.

That was a thing

I'm all for art against injustice, and I enjoyed many of the musical styles they used. But oh my god, there is not even the slightest crumb of subtlety in the lyrics

Not great but good

Maybe this is just outside the range of what I can absorb and comprehend as a listener and as a human being.

I don't appreciate hip hop but the lyrics were well thought out.

3 because it feels relevant but this is also the 3rd day in a row from the same 2 year period so I am a bit burnt out

I dig this and it holds up, but Franti’s a bit dubious now no?

I think it's a decent hip-hop album. Nice jazzy beats with a bit of funk, good socially-conscious raps.

Very different feeling raping. Interesting messages and style just not something I’d put on regularly

I like a political Hiphop Album don't get me wrong. While this has some strong elements, i especially liked the jazz samples, it felt like "cheap" Public Enemy idk. I'd rather listen to them then this but overall okay album.

Its beats are its greatest strength, for sure. The samples, ambience and industrial beats are very well-done. Michael Franti's performance is a bit of a mixed bag, with some of his deliveries reminding me of the 'epic movie trailer' voice. Despite how great the instrumentals are, the songwriting isn't engaging enough for an album that's over an hour long. Some songs dragged on and the record loses some of its momentum after the midpoint. If I were to give a rating now, it'd probably be in the mid to high 70s, but a relisten or two could change that. Edit: Just finished a relisten, this grew on me. It's still longer than I would like, but it's not as slow and bloated as I thought. Franti's flow grew on me too, but I'm still not too fond of it.

Very activist - very 90s vibe. Definitely holds up against today's world.

I liked the soundscapes and the intensity, but the vocals were a bit samey song to song.

not my usual genre but the song titles go hard as fuck.

I've always liked this more than Spearhead. I would have liked to have seen where this could have gone. Maybe nowhere. Maybe somewhere very interesting. But now that I've listened to the whole album in its entirety, it started to sound like I was being talked at, instead of being spoken to

It’s ok.

3 stars is huge for me for a hip hop album. They had something to say, and it still felt relevant all these years later. Glad I listened to this once, and the delivery style definitely made me listen!

Interesting stuff - political points to a great, kind of hypnotic beat … clearly articulated ( you can actually make out what’s being said!)

This is probably the most derivative album I have ever heard. If I wanted to listen to Public Enemy I would just listen to Public Enemy. These guys don't really add much to the sound and some of the songs really drag on. But overall it is good. High 3.

Hadn't heard of the group before. I liked the blunt message which alas is still spot on today. Probably wouldn't relisten often given it was an album where focus was super geared to the lyrics but I could appreciate what it was doing

There are a couple of tracks that are a bit of a saving grace for this album, but most of it is pretty meh and much too long.

Was a bit too long but lots of the tracks felt like they could have been in a THPS/Skate soundtrack, which was cool.

Can’t decide if this influenced Eric B and Rakim or the other way. Anyway was well done.

Television The Drug Of The Nation, a must listen, classic! There is a lot to like on this album, but by the end I felt exhausted from political lecturing. I get it, we're still screwed!

Not much fun and due to the spoken word style vocals all sounds quite similar

This was actually pretty interesting. Very political, maybe a bit heavy handed but still topical. Music was pretty good too.

loved the first song, the rest not so much

This was great! Sounds like something the teacher would make the class listen to in Dangerous Minds or any movie like that.

Interesting example of conscious rap, and the message aged unfortunately well. I find the lyrics a bit too on the nose though. Tracks to Track: Satanic Reverses

Not my kind of music but, I appreciate the perspective of the lyrical content. The lyrics are relevant and dynamic and speak to human issues. The music itself underwhelming. I rate it 3.5

Я всегда нахожу это очень забавным, что вот такие, как этот, анти-капитализм/анти-медия/анти-всё альбомы выходят на мейджор лейблах. Но в данном случае это просто пиздануться какая бесконечная шутка, ведь он еще и называется "лицемерие". При всём при этом, дядечка замечен активистом до и после альбома, и как бы читает неплохо. Лучшая песня - Everyday Life Has Become a Health Risk.

This is cool and had no idea it existed. I feel like I'm listening to a video essay with incredible beats underneath.

It was great to hear Michael Franti in his element & not just as a guest featuring role. Quintessential socially-conscious hip-hop.

A bit like a series of lectures wrapped in beats. The beats themselves are hit or miss. Lyrics sometimes thought provoking, but at other times boring and not always particularly profound in my view. Songs often become repetitive with the theme really getting hammered home line after line and i find they are longer than they need to be. The vocal style, militant poet, just doesnt really do it for me unfortunately. Favourite track - Television The Drug Of The Nation. 6/10

Ik sprak van monniken en beatjes, en raad eens waar de volgende plaat mee begint? Dus meer hiphop en gekke geluidjes, en vooral weer een boel gekwek. Naja, er zit tempo in en de man maakt zich niet al te kwaad, dan zitten we het wel uit hoor. 'Music and politics' is zelfs een in dit genre zeldzaam staaltje zelfreflectie. Jammer dat het album wat langdradig is.

The rap is nice and the overarching theme is pretty cool.

I used to borrow this CD off my boss quite often but only really listened to Television (which is superb!) and few other tracks. I can see why now, it’s just so depressing and serious, probably because it’s all true!

This could have been written last week. It's still so depressingly current.

"Hiphoprisy" is kind of an awkward fit, even if it's obvious what the intent is. Similarly, this has the slightly awkward-feeling flow of hip-hop from the early days. It's still cool, the samples work and the beats propel, but it does have the feel of a political speech that was adjusted slightly to become spoken word, rather than something that was built from the ground up to be music first. None of that is to say that this is an unpleasant listen. Michael Franti has a recognizable voice, a compelling take and serviceable skills as an MC. I'd never heard this album before and I'm glad that I did. Not as good as Public Enemy or the Roots but still a good listen. 3/5

-i was expecting some extremely bland, middle-of-the-road hip hop here. and while it was definitely nothing mind-blowing, there were a few songs and ideas i enjoyed much more than i thought i would -there are some great usages of electronic beats on here. i’m glad i didn’t end up disliking it -Favorites are Famous And Dandy (Like Amos ‘N’ Andy) and Socio-Genetic Experiment

6/10

Was okay. There were a lot of good points being made, but some of the flow was lacking. Probably not one I'll listen to again, but nothing I disliked.

Cross between Public Enemy and Gil Scott-Heron, but not as impactful or enjoyable. Yes to the socio-political rhymes, but the delivery and production are lacking.

I felt I have heard this type of eclectic hip hop album done in a better way many other times. Public enemy rip off

Ice T and Chuck D vibes. Very political and poetic. Lots of important messages, but the delivery becomes a bit too much for an hour's worth. Better when he intersperses with a little more of the comedy and the variety of vocal delivery.

Bomb squad production and that kind of half poem/half lyric style that Chuck D pulled from Gil Scott Heron. Also like Chuck D is the heavily didactic presentation of the subject matter. I think where it falls down is that Public Enemy could kind of spread it out among a few talents whereas here Franti has to do all the lecturing. The single, Television, The Drug of a Nation seems a bit quaint in 2025 as I'm bombarded by social media. The promised industrial bits start with The Winter of the Long Hot Summer - an eight minute long song without a lot going on. Franti struggles to stay on the beat. The production does get a bit better in the second half with some early 90s dub track in Socio-Genetic Experiment and INS Greencard A-19 191 500 being an interesting exploration of a government phone queue (!). Financial Leprosy has a great slinky dirty bassline. Despite this Its just Public Enemy with more steps. Franti doesn't have the same presence as Chuck D and while I don't think its a bad album I do think its a bit redundant for this list.

Cool album rap, avec des beats retros. Samples des fois un peu rough/datés. Triste qu'il manque des chansons sur spotify.

Cool beats, j'aime l'aspect industriel qui est parfois présent. Moins un fan des lyrics qui sont très on the nose, ca manque un peu de poésie.

Man, this took me back. To the year I graduated high school. To when so much rap and hip hop was rooted in activism, in changing a rapidly deteriorating world. And yet, all the themes and issues explored in this album are more problematic than ever. It really serves as a potent reminder of how little this country changes and how self-destructive Americans are. Even when we identify and understand the evil, we embrace it rather than destroy it. Really enjoyed "Music and Politics," maybe the most personal song on the album and a call for constant vigilance. We can't sleep on those parts of society that would kill us. Yet sleep we have.

Turns out I like 'political rap'. Whatever it is about this style - more commentary than grit or anger, I think, I prefer it and enjoy it. At one point the rhythm of the lyrics reminded of Rage Against the Machine and then I read that these guys opened for RATM at one point! Definitely complimentary styles. Also reminds me a bit of 90s acid jazz/acid house in terms of flow and rhythm tracks. Overall, I quite enjoyed it and probably never would have found it if not for this list!

Great lyrics. A bit long

I like the very aware political lyrics. INS Greencard could’ve been written yesterday. However the beats are kinda mid and production isn’t very impressive.

satanic reverses hell yeah

co prawda wracamy do trojek ale szczerze pod bozia bylo to niezle doswiadczenie

Good. Public Enemy style rap, socially engaged righteously angry.

Classic!

It's OK. I've always liked Michael Franti...but I've also always thought he was a bit tedious. I listened to Spearhead a bit when I was young, but although this predates that, the Michael Franti I know is all here. He's a good storyteller, if a little heavy-handed. If you want a history lesson, or if you want to be outraged at the state of the country, this is the album for you. Honestly, it's staggeringly sad that this album could have been written today. INS Greencard A-19 191 500 is the most timely 30-year old song I could imagine. Overall it's a decent album that's probably a little longer than it should be. I like it, but he has a unique voice that gets to be a bit same-y after awhile.

Found this interesting more so than liking it

I liked it! I've never heard the album or artist before. it was a little same-y throughout, and I didn't think he was saying anything revolutionary but I was pleasantly surprised.

Artistically this is a 4, but musically this is often stuck somewhere between a 2 and a 3. Cool album, but not something I enjoy musically.

Not something I’d ever listen to again, but it had some great beats. Shoutout to Michael Franti

Decent

Solid.

first song was amazing but then i feel like it went downhill

Heavy, stressful lyrics, a bit of a chore to get through, but he seems well-meaning. The music was sometimes repetitive with some nice jazzy bits. Idk, feels like a 2.5, but rounding up because the politics he’s discussing are still relevant.

Good groove and good lyrics, but it felt a little long as it went on. Nevertheless, this was a cool thing to find on this list - I had never heard of it.

Politically charged talk/rap about the issues in the world. Funny how prevalent many of the things he said still are today. Feels like slam poetry a bit but I enjoyed it

Never heard of this one. Interesting, but probably not a repeat listen for me.

the whole rap and hip-hop with a message genre is conflicting for me. Yeah, the themes are important and its a great way to make your voice heard for those who cant speak. But man, it gets tiring. Also I think his peers did a better job, its got some good beats and its poignant when it needs to be, but I'm not sure it needed to make this list with Public Enemy also being here.

Based on the artist name, album title and cover art this sounded exactly how I expected it to. It’s not bad, there’s some hard hitting writing and some of his rhymes are pretty dope but we’ve already got Public Enemy and Jeru the Damaja albums on this list… do we really need another album covering basically the same ground without adding anything new?

Generally mediocre with a few moments of brilliance. I like the message, but the execution isn't great.

Too boring to really pay attention to, too much going on to have it as nice background music.

Overall: 6/10 Pretty good for the most part. I enjoy how jazzy the beats can get and the social commentary in the lyrics. A lot of the songs remind me (and most you, I'm sure) of Public Enemy, which can never be a bad thing. However, the beats can get a little boring at times and the lyrics, while I enjoy how they're used, can be a little cringey and preachy. It's easy to recommend it just for people to make their own opinions about it, but I'd say it was interesting at the most. Fav Song: Satanic Reverses Least Fav Song: Music and Politics

I get it, he's angry, and he wants you to know why, cos you'll surely be angry too. Well I am, but the lyrics are very preachy and I am overwhelmed and eventually numb with the constant flow of statements and 'clever ' lyrics. A good idea, lacking in the execution. Plus I just don't think I like Michael Franti, either in his angry young man or wise and loving man aspects. Morrissey is a wanker. Three stars. He means well.

Political/socially charged hip hop. Dude sounds like Public Enemy by times. Surprisingly not too bad. For once, a hip hop group that isn't obsessed with singing about their cocks! Favorite songs: Television the Drug of the Nation, Satanic Reverses Least favorite songs: INS Greencard A-19 191 500 3/5

Liked the songs. A lot of the instrumentals are a bit too out there for me.

No es un mal álbum, pero me resultó demasiado repetitivo musicalmente. Entiendo que es hip hop, y que las bases que sustentan el rap suelen ser loops. Pero en este caso la repetición pesa porque los recursos que utilizan son casi los mismos en todos los tracks. Los timbres de los sonidos, la voz hablada de algún discurso de radio o televisión para iniciar un track, y además la larga duración de los mismos, hacen que se vuelva un disco aburrido. Me pareció positivo el recurso del estribillo, que aparece para darle cierta cohesión a la letra. Sí me gustó mucho el contenido político y social, las letras son interesantes. El único track sobresaliente en mi opinión personal es "Music And Politics", más que nada porque probaron algo diferente. Un track que solo se vale de guitarra y bajo sobre el cual el cantante rapea, e incluso tiene un estribillo más melódico. Hubiese preferido que todo el álbum fuese más bien así. Por lo menos sería menos genérico y aburrido. El trabajo de Gil Scott Heron me parece una demostración valida en cuanto a cómo generar mejor interés y variedad musical teniendo letras de intenso contenido sociopolítico. Sin embargo reitero, no me pareció un mal álbum.

Thought Michael Franti was just a one hit wonder with that awful song from like 2007, so this was compelling. Overall I liked this. As much as I agree with the politics here, it does come across as sanctimonious sometimes, but at its best there's some great socially conscious lyrics. It's too damn long, but I did enjoy that Dead Kennedys tribute/remix. Altogether a cool 90s hip hop project I'm glad to have heard, depressing that the US is way more fucking bleak than described in 1992

Alternative Hip-Hop.

It's an okay album, but some of the raps have not aged well.

he sounds like will smith clean rapping in that one family guy cutaway gag. kind of terrible but like in a cool way. i admire the creativity with some of these instrumentals. he spitting but god he's terrible rapper, the flow is god awful. i'd rather just hear him do just straight up political commentary instead tbh this has aged very very well tbh

lots of words.. very literated/ lyrically sophisticated rap

This album opens with lyrics about the Illegal aliens, stripping of civil rights, tightening control on all fronts from government, deteriorating global relationships, and the Panama Canal. These guys were on the money on most every front. This album was written in the dial up era. For all they got right, they had no idea how much things were going to slide from the 90's onward. It was actually a little chilling listening to this in 2025.

It's just ok

my pockets so empty I can feel my testicles.. fitto fitto. compatto. manifesto. creativo. fissato.

tries to tackle literally every societal issue. and i mean EVERY one

Hiphop ... men gillar det softa och nattradio-flowet. Svårt att fokusera på texterna. Trea.

very important album

The commentary was good and probably more topical than it has ever been but it was extremely repetitive. Some of the songs would have a catch phrase/line and would just say it over and over for like 5 minutes. 5/10

Very interesting album. I enjoyed it.

this album makes me upset like what do you mean we’ve been dealing with the same issues for 20+ years and haven’t made any progress, in fact the issues may have gotten worse. like these lyrics could so easily apply to what’s happening today

3 but I can see how it could be a 5

While I really like and support its political and cultural nature, I don’t think I’d probably revisit this because it doesn’t really stand out over any other hip hop of the era etc.

Was excited to be hit with 90's hip hop, this being politically charged with the group just producing this album. Starts strong and is consistently good, but there's not a lot of range, the songs blur together.

Reminds me a lot of public enemy but i believe i prefer the dj and hooks to public enemy. I feel like Michael Franti has a much more informed pointed message than public enemy, more akin to gil scot heron. I do love the music and dj of this, but the message definitely is more the focus of this project.

Cool overall. Good message for the most part, but the music is inevitably a little dated.

Some decent flows but feels a bit heavy handed

Man, that dude is serious!

It has all the things I like in HipHop. Great lyrics, music to support the message, loose basslines. And still, it never grabs me by the throat.

The music is nothing special but the lyrics are worth hearing. 3 stars or C+.

Day 24 - I was not very into Hip Hop in the 90s - this was an exception back then - I liked that it was mainly political. However, at some point I traded in the CD... On this re-listen - It fits my current mood. 3/5 #Musicsky #albumsky

Never heard of this before. Lots of the messaging still applies today. Not particularly enjoyable to listen to, but powerful.

Its sad that everything that was said is still relevant today. Some things clearly don't change and its gut wrenching. Music wise, great lyrics. Liked the first half of the album the most but to the end it felt dragging a bit. Could've been shorter but still a great album tho. Clearly underrated. (3.5/5.0)

2.7 3x catch up 3/31/25

Clearly much influenced by Gil Scott-Heron and none the worse for that. Possibly the best hiphop I've heard so far, which admittedly isn't saying much, but if you really must listen to rap, start here. Makes me wonder why the real Gil Scott-Heron only makes one appearance on this list...

Feels more like political spoken word than rap. Not very relevant politics either so there is not that much value to it anymore, the style is also quite dated, but fine nonetheless . I do like "Television the Drug of the Nation" it's a good track.

Classic old school hip-hop. Great sound and very socially conscious. Lyrically it has purpose and musically it has entertainment value. Great experimentally quality.

Good hiphop that’s as culturally significant today then when it was released. 3.3

Extremely preachy, but also very smooth

As far as hip hop goes, I'm not a big fan as I don't generally consider that music. However, I must admit in this case, the lyrics kept me listening to the whole album. Not bad.

Lyrics are very on the nose. Beats are not the best, even for 1992. 3/5

I always liked Michael Franti with Spearhead. I did not know about this album. A little too militant for my taste but the beats and guitars were good.

i mean yeah but only if it wasn't an hour long that felt way more for some reason

Pretty cool I guess. Sounds like public enemy

How little things have changed

Thought provoking lyrics. Some great jazzy beats. But it’s missing notable hooks (that Amos and Andy one is pretty bad to be honest), and there were some head scratch moments like when he’s talking about pooping in his dog dish? Franti also doesn’t really have a flow per se, it’s kind of just spoken word. Interesting listen either way.

Love the message, beats are fire, flows are dated.

3.5

This was interesting because on paper I should've loved this but for some reason it didn't quite hit. Felt a bit old man shouts at cloud in the lyrics. Musically it was good but I wasn't convinced overall.

I had never heard of this band or album, but yeah it's real good.

This album helped me gain a lot of respect for Michael Franti, who right now strikes me as more of a pop icon than anything. His roots as an activist shine bright here. He is either politically prescient, or we have just been dealing with the same bullshit for the past 30 years. Methinks it’s the latter. At any rate, Franti and co. Find grooves that complement the tirades. There is some heavy 90s hip hop turntable dust on this sound, but it’s not too bad.

This is what rap can be - a well-articulated message without the MC being a dickhead. Arrangements and beats are a bit simple, but not boring Best: Socio-genetic experiment, Television,

This album was actually quite powerful. While made at a different time and for a different target audience, I do believe some of the songs on here still hold up today in the messages they were trying to deliver. I felt that “Television the Drug of the Nation” still has applicable messages in today’s society, speaking to what it must’ve been like when this album was first created. While I appreciated what they were attempting to do in this album, I wouldn’t listen to any of the songs again. I will say that I think it is a beautiful reminder of how music, as an art form, can be an outlet for anything and for anyone.

Some clever songwriting that touches on political issues that are still happening today. Overall, I liked this but probably wouldn't revisit it. I think it's mostly due to the record lacking in some production areas, and I tend to prefer either angrier or higher energy vocals in rap.

Liked this more than i thought i would. Like a slightly less dated version of P.E.

Dark conscious rap with hard beats and political lyrics.

The kind of hip hop album that is cool to hear once, but I can’t ever imagine revisiting this as there is almost no flow what so ever in the rapping, but instead monotone story telling and a long line of statements following one by one.

Feels like a less refined Public Enemy

This was actually not too bad!

I like his voice and the beats. Sounds like Public Enemy. Last few songs are weird. 3.5

Boh, molto particolare.

I have a complicated history with hip hop. So while I don’t think this is essential it might be. I’d rather listen to public enemy or run dmc. 2.5

hip hop with deep cynical lyrics

En positiv overraskelse, jeg synes produktionerne lød rigtig godt. Ikke fan af rapperen, han lød som en parodi af Public Enemy. Tung og akademisk energi, ingen af Chuck Ds energi

Really got into it on first listen but was never able to find the spark again on relistens. Musically it's less interesting than lyrically

For 1992 this is quite hard hitting. Seems more to do with the highly intelligent lyrics as the music is quite generic and bland.

Hypocrisy Is the Greatest Luxury is the debut album by The Disposable Heroes of Hiphoprisy, originally released in 1992. I'd like to think I'm pretty educated on 90s alternative hip-hop, but I've never heard of these guys before. This reminds me a lot of Public Enemy. The instrumentals and subject matter are very similar. Hell, even the MC sounds a lot like Chuck D! This album really lacks in the songwriting/themes. I'm always down for some political rap but there are just so many groups who do it better than this. Some of these lyrics tend to fall into the "we live in a society" vibe (but not always). I can tell this group was really inspired by artists like Gil Scott-Heron. Not bad overall.

Too long

There are some (unintentionally) laugh out loud lyrics here - so earnest! I like the overall sound of it quite a bit, but it did feel a bit like being bludgeoned.

Important, but ultimately too samey to be a 4. I love audiobooks and jazz, just not at the same time

Very political, brilliant in spots, especially Television the Drug of the Nation. I also like the jazzy vibe in Music and Politics I also like that it's a more introspective song which is a welcome interlude as the political sloganeering can become heavy handed and monotonous. One strange thing my streaming service Tidal, indicated 4 songs as "unavailable". Which is OK because as with too many rap albums it's too long. 3 stars

Old style hip hop album, the rapper doesn't go fast but goes well with the music. And I think the lyrics are cool but I didn't read it so I can't judge

A little too bonk on the head with the messages. But it was fine. Beats were okay.

It's nice to hear some social conscious themed rap instead of the the usual self-gratifying material that's so popular. I still didn't feel connected with the music, but his voice and the songs had a certain sophistication and it was easier to listen to and better than I expected.

This was something. Social and cultural criticism is packed with good hip-hop music. Some 30 years later, many issues are still present.

Interesting record, but it's not something I would want to listen to very often.

I appreciate social justice Hip-hop, and the lyrics in every song have a deep meaning, but this album needed a better producer for it to be a top-tier album. Favorite Song: "Satanic Reverses"

Felt a bit dated on the hip hop side and also a bit rigid compared to a lot of its contemporaries - but it is a welcome, albeit a bit naive, political stance - a point of view ever diminishing in the political discourse in the past few years - so enjoyed it for mostly that reason - but it’s probably not something I’ll ever seek back.

I’d give it four stars in its era, but three for being very dated now. Difficult for even very good social and political commentary to maintain relevance over long periods of time.

2.54

This is so close to being Public Enemy without it being Public Enemy. A lot of vegetables here.

There's a lot of talent here going to waste. Dated even for 20 years ago. I fully support the message but it's delivered so clumsily. Disappointing 6/10

Cool

It's ok

I don't for a minute believe that this guy uses sex to avoid talking about things.

in 2024 this feels kinda goofy in it's earnest delivery. like this guy HAS a point, but in a land of "ur algorithm is ruining your brain and society" hearing "tv is ruining out brains and society" is like...yeah man we know. I think this is the first sample of a phone tree i've ever heard and i do kind of like that there's a record of that in this. 2.5

+1 star for Music and Politics, which I really liked

It can be really hard to listen to this style of hip-hop because of the sound perspective of how not-dense the music and rhythm is compared to newer music, and the years in between can make it feel really corny when maybe it wasn't at the time. All that said, I find it hard not to like music that's just like "the FDA doesn't give a shit about us" and "modern entertainment is build on minstrelsy" at least a little bit, because it's nice sometimes, to hear someone roast the shit out of our power structures. I think it over-reaches at points, and I think "hiphoprisy" is clever a few times until you overdo it.

Not my thing but ok

Reminds me of what Rage Against the Machine tries to do. Focusing on societal issues that are important and needs to be discussed. But this falls shorts in some ways. The lyrics are good and tackle important topics but are so straightforward with no symbolism. The beats weren't bad, but had a high school and unpolished vibe. I could also see how they can be polarizing, by talking about the hypocrisy and issues within the culture that is the typical rap audience. Overall I can see some glimmers of good and influential in the album.

Interesting social commentary. This was back in the 90's when you could be mad at television.

I didn’t rate this at the time because I was stuck between 3 and 4 stars. I like this style of hip hop and generally enjoyed the album; the lyrics are thoughtful and sharp, if also a bit heavy-handed and repetitive. It’s the repetitiveness that ultimately knocked it down to 3* - a week later, I still find bits stuck in my head (“Famous and Dandy,” “Hypocrisy is the Greatest Luxury”) in an annoying and intrusive way. Other than that, though, pretty good.

Es un tanto agotador, pero me sorprendió lo musical que resulta a pesar de que claramente las letras son lo importante.

Lyrically it's outstanding Musically decent Touch too long High 3 low 4

This was not really my genre, but I enjoyed it nonetheless. I really liked the dude's voice and his message was strong but interesting and not annoying. I particularly enjoyed the more musical tracks (eg. Music and Politics) where it showed that there was some actual musical talent being showcased as well as the poignant lyrics and rapping ability. Three stars.

There's some bright spots on this album but I wouldn't call it an all-time great. The first track has great meter/lyricism and the message overall is one that resonates today, but overall it does nothing special to separate itself from the other socially conscious rap of the early 90s

It was interesting to hear early Michael Franti, but this wasn’t my favorite overall. Franti sings “national security’s at an all time high” in 1991. I’m all for government and social criticism in music, but it’s a bit alarmist: I wonder what Michael thinks about our current state of affairs in the U.S. (or wait until he hears about the 1860’s). Musically it’s interesting, but maybe hasn’t aged well or stand out above other hip hop albums of that era. I’m glad I listened, but not my favorite in the list.

Good if a bit all over the place

I've got a bit of time for politically conscious hip hop, given the amount of absolute shite exists out there within the wider hip hop umbrella. Not totally my thing but hope it struck a chord hard with some people. Last track was the only one worth saving down, rest seemed a bit slow without any real hooks anywhere. 2.5*

2 brilliant tracks. 2 ok tracks. The rest is filler

I quite enjoyed this one, it was well crafted and held notable commentary of the times.

Liked how industrial this sounds. Unsure I’ll listen to it again but nothing much to complain about 3.2

This was a weird one. It sounds like Ice T became super political and woke in international politics. Was weird to hear him singing about the future of Hong Kong becoming an official part of China which it now is and is struggling under their authoritarian ways. I can see why this never really worked the way that Rage Against the Machine does. I think justified angry rapping is a hard line to walk. Rapping is more fun when it is party music. If it is angry, it should be about the streets. Maybe this isn't angry rapping maybe it is more lecture rapping. "Music and Politics" jumped at me due to the jazzy track and weird repetitive lyrics. "If ever I would stop thinking about music and politics I would tell you that I pooped in my own dog dish." Take that great political minds of our times!

No Shit! Another Hip-Hop album? That must be the third time in the week! But that's ok cause this one is good too.

Up my street for 20 minutes. It had turned out of my street by the time it reached its 63rd minute. My street is not that long people!

Lots of “I’m 14 and this is deep” mixed with genuinely insightful lyrics

An interesting integration of jazz and bebop beats on some of the tracks offsets otherwise mediocre hip hop. One thing for sure though, the album does hold the record for longest combined title and group name in history.

I really really enjoyed it. 3.5

Really enjoyed the political commentary, it did feel unique and I am surprised they aren’t more appreciated in the hip-hop world. 7.5/10

Ihan jees poliittista tykittelyy! 3/5

Good album.

Good to hear again - a couple of outstanding tracks

The lack of great production sets this album back.

Here we witness an early Michael Franti before his days of sunshine and acoustic beach anthems, and he isn't pleased with the world. The hip hop itself was great for the time, and his lyrics are poignant while apparently a harbinger of the world to come. I'm sure he is not pleased with how things progressed, but I'm glad we got this album that should have had more traction.

Hip hop focused on social justice

Okay plade.

Loved the bass groove behind the tracks. This is VERY political but I felt the raps were a bit too blunt/on the nose without the cleverness or artistry of other rappers - it felt more like essays/poetry being spoken over a hip hop beat and I felt that detracted a bit. I think you can make your point bluntly while not making it feel like the audience is being lectured (e.g. Public Enemy). Fave Track: Language of Violence Rating: 3

A little overbearing - the tv song especially was a lot. But there is a lot of substance. Can’t say I’d listen again but not bad.

Enjoyed Michael Franti’s stuff with spearhead and I liked this too. This is darker than spearhead and a little more direct but I still enjoyed the grooves and the lyrics.

I don’t think this was a 4th of July coincidence. If you love Public Enemy but feel that the messaging is just too subtle do I have the album for you! It’s admirable that this group wants to discuss important social and political issues but I think they forget that for anyone to want to listen the music has to be good too. I will never listen to this again and understand why this group was lost to history even though Michael Franti himself learned the lesson and remade himself as a musician.

Feels like a more experimental public enemy, but can see why folk see it as a poor man’s public enemy. I’m on the fence with this album, but think it’s worth at least 1 listen.

Nice find.

There are some very relevant lyrics in the first track and really throughout the whole thing. It reminds me of Public Enemy with some of the avant garde sounds and conscious rap, but a little more musical. Despite some clearly dated beats, I think it still sounds pretty fresh and holds up very well. 3.8

god damn these flows are good but his lyrics are too interesting for me to enjoy, he talks about politics a lot and I usually just listen to songs for the instrumentals. similar to rage against the machine, love the beats but the lyrics i don’t care for much

I got this album when it came out after hearing the TV track. Wore thin quickly, as what appear to be clever rhymes and observations dull quickly with all the repetition. Each song seems to follow the same model, and the smugness no longer passes as a sense of humor. Suppose there’s a reason I haven’t listened to this in almost 30 years.

This was pretty good. Very clever and political lyrics, good beats, although none that particularly stood out.

Not bad... 2.5

Full album not available on Apple Music or Spotify due to region lock.

I’m not really into hip hop as it didn’t hit its stride until I was out of college and I never jumped in. But it was def easy to listen to and the lyrics are solid and relevant..

The first half kind of sounds like a watered down Public Enemy, not really a bad thing. Like the message.

Never heard of this...listened twice. At first I thought it was a cheap Public Enemy knockoff. Then I listened again, and thought it was pretty good.

feels a lot more like poetry read over music than a lot of rap, unfortunately I'm not the biggest fan of poetry. musically it gets pretty repetitive but there are some nice moments, and i do appreciate the well expressed political sentiments (which i am of course biased towards) but sonically there's just not that much to write home about

Great instrumentals, sometimes good vocal rhythm, lyrics get cheesy and lazy sometimes

It was ok

This was quite sick. Bit of an underrated gem

I only new Michael Franti from Spearhead being on the bill at jamband festivals and had no idea he had a early incarnation as a Boots Riley/the Coup style conscious political rapper. Very much an artifact of early 90s post-coldwar left cultural production, the main concerns are war (in a kind of generic sense), consumption, media/TV, corporate power structures, the war on drugs, militarism. Musically, it's pretty straight over the plate early 90s hip hop production - drum machine beats, jazz and rock samples, some turntable scratching - the tracks are busy but not lushly produced. This is self-identified brocolli hip hop you listen to because it's good for you - impactful in terms of the merging of content/form, but a document of its time, more like watching an old episode of the daily show than listenting to a timeless classic.

this is either one of the most politically prescient albums I've heard or nothing has changed in American politics in 30 years. the beats and rapping are alright, this is mostly a spoken word hip hop album so I felt like it was somewhat emotionally flat in spite of how charged the lyrics are. the industrial influence is cool.

El disco es bastante bueno, a pesar de ser el rap crudo de los 90s tiene unos arreglitos interesantes.

I prefer Spearhead. I want to like this more than I do but it goes on and on and my patience wears thin after a while

This is another great example of why this process is valuable. The name didn't mean anything to me when it popped up but I recognised the hit from it. I much prefer rap when it's lyrics have some agency rather than the bling/butches stuff that came after. It feels like the natural successor to Gil Scott Heron, but I'm not clued in enough to know who came after this. Towards the end, it did just make me want to listen to NWA though so it's not the most original thing but a good listen none the less.

Definitely substance over form. Has a bit of a beatnik style to it. I actually enjoyed this album, but it's pretty heavy and not very musical.

Nice trip down memory lane but an early example of that 90s thing of the CD tempting artists to make their albums a bit too long. There are two or three tracks in the second half that could have been cut.

Michael Franti has had an interesting musical career. His start in industrial hip hop led to Hiphoprisy and then later to a much more lighthearted reggae-inspired sound. But he never lost his dedication to explicitly political lyrics which advocate for civil rights, social justice, peace, and de-escalation. While his more recent reggae group Spearhead comes at these topics from a positive viewpoint, Hiphoprisy is more critical of the status quo. And I think most of what gets discussed on this album is specific to issues of the early 1990s while remaining extremely relevant for the problems of today, and the lack of solutions from decades past.

Interesting lyrical rap about politics, violence, and hatred for yourself and others. Not the best to listen to sonically. Now, what was said on the album has been said many times, but I’ll assume for its time it was revolutionary. Maybe that‘a the wrong term for it. An okay listen. Standouts: Television The Drug Of The Nation, Language Of Violence, and Financial Leprosy.

It’s like Public Enemy with that goof Flava Flav.

The beauty of hip-hop as a genre is the amount of avenues it can create. Production wise, it is as blank slate as music can get, and can be influenced and mixed with so many other sounds. And really, of all music genres, it takes the least to get started in. There is less equipment needed to jump start a rap career than something like rock or jazz. But at the same time, the actual creative process requires more creativity than most genres of music. Anybody can pick up a guitar and learn to play. But not everybody can become Jimi Hendrix overnight. Anybody can pick up a pen and start writing lyrics and ideas. But not everybody can become Kendrick Lamar overnight. I think that is the antithesis of where this record succeeds and fails. Immediately, from the cover, to the title of the songs and album itself, it is apparent what kind of record this is. And if you have any experience with Public Enemy, the moment you turn on the first song, you immediately feel the influence. I don’t want to be mean, but this album wants to be Public Enemy so badly it kind of blindsides everything else. In some places, it falls short of even reaching that level, and lacks any of the character that the duo had which made them so popular. But in other places, Michael Franti, who is the main one behind the scenes here, and the only voice you will hear, actually flexes his abilities. His flows are weird, and the beats are equally as strange to match. This is by all means a politically charged album. Maybe even as blatantly so as something like Public Enemy. Except there is an issue. Michael doesn’t pull it off as cleanly. It’s not necessarily that anything he’s saying isn’t still true. Because there are plenty of topics he brings up that still have relevance today. It’s just all been said before by other people. And said more convincingly and effectively. You can’t just come out and be like “television is bad for people” and expect it to hit the same. This is the only album they ever released, and really the only noteworthy release of Michael’s career. And I sort of understand why. Rating: 6/10

Lyrics were a bit repetitive at times and very heavy on social commentary. But entertaining underlying tracks and mix.

Many good beats and there's a great groove to a few of the tracks. I also like the message in the songs, even though from time to time they're delivered in a way that they could be a political TV ad, which takes away from the overall impression. Also, during the middle of the album many tracks became a little boring. Cool that they've included a Dead Kennedys cover! Best songs: Satanic Reverses, Everyday Life..., Financial Leprosy and Water Pistol Man

Had no idea Michael Franti did anything besides not wear shoes.

Well meaning, with a few good moments, but as someone in my late 40s, a lot of the "truth bombs" just come off as obvious. Maybe if I was younger.

Smart, socially conscious lyrics, with a creative use of samples. The album has good intentions and hits the mark musically for the most part, but it lacks lyrical nuance or real emotional fire. Several tracks not available on Spotify, but can be found on YouTube. Fave Songs: Satanic Reverses; California über alles; Television, the Drug of the Nation; Hypocrisy Is the Greatest Luxury

I’m a fan of Franti’s later stuff with Spearhead, particularly his first few albums with that band. Like all his early stuff this album has a strong message, but the poetry doesn’t all hit for me. The TV song is the clear highlight, it sounds a bit like a modern Gil Scott Heron powerful and poised. Much of the rest sounds like a bad imitation of Chuck D. It doesn’t quite take a side between the rhythm and poetry style of Saul Williams and hip hop lyricism, so feels muddled. While this album is interesting it clearly isn’t as influential, polished or as good a listen as contemporary conscious hip hop classics like KRS-One’s Return of the Boom Bap. Still I’m not mad I heard it

забавные и своевременные (Палестина? Калифорния убер аллес?), но переслушивать я это конечно не буду

Mwah

This is a good time capsule of a guy recognizing some problems, and then all of those problems getting so, so much worse over the following years. And I’m sure people figured he was just being uptight, too! Some musically likeable stuff to me as well, if not the most memorable.

Audio volume issues on Deezer really hampered my enjoyment. Enjoyable album, reminds me of House of Pain. Do prefer other rap acts of the time to this however.

I started this all prepared to not like it, but surprisingly I started to tolerate it pretty fast. I've made it through track 5 without cutting it off, in spite of the wife's screams, curses and launching projectiles in my general direction. This might be my favorite hip hop album. I'm certainly no expert on the genre though.

Interesting lyrics, I enjoyed the verses. Don’t love the hooks, but was unfamiliar with this album. I like it.

Rap with too much political content. 3/5 only since what he raps is more true than not.

Impressed with the songcraft and subject matter, and how relevant the topics remain for today’s world, but it kinda reminded me of a lesser Public Enemy. What was missing though was Chuck D’s captivating charisma, Flava’s (often under-appreciated) comedy relief, and probably most importantly, the Bomb Squad’s innovations in production. A+ for the writing though; just missing some of those other elements.

At first, I felt this album was a poor copy of Public Enemy but after the third track I realized it was more Gil Scott Heron than Chuck D. It's really an interesting album of conscientious rap. Production is dated and likely lost to time at this point. I'm uncertain if I'd rate this as a must hear but it was interesting nonetheless

I think this is a pretty good album - it reminds me of the Last Poets brought to the 1990s and the vocals remind me a bit of Gil Scott Heron. As with many hip hop albums, there's a tendency of the tracks to sound pretty same-y, to my ears at least, and I think the subject matter of the tracks comes over a bit dated now.

Doesn’t age well

Brilliant work and ahead of its time, but I didn't care for the reductive rhymes like "dandy" / "Amos n' Andy". Only half the album was available on Spotify. 7/10

This album doesn't pull any punches right out of the gate. I wasn't familiar with this group prior to today, but just looking at the song titles told me what I needed to know. This album isn't "pleasant" to listen to, but it isn't supposed to be. Michael Franti is very up-front and clear with his delivery about a variety of societal issues throughout the album. His delivery honestly reminds me of the likes of Ice-T and Chuck D from that era. One FYI, Spotify omits four songs from the album on their platform for some reason (some pretty big ones too).

Not fair to describe them as a cut-price Public Enemy. But… Two thoughts. 1. Hip Hop was a very broad church (if not wholly ecumenical (at least, other than in the fervid imagination of the moral right)) back in the day. Space for everyone. (2) Many of the themes that the lyrics explore are cut-and-paste relevant 35 years on. Go figure…

This was surprisingly good! Loved it.

Decent socially conscious rap from Michael Franti

not bad

I only recognised one song from back in the day. Television. None of the rest really registered with me.

I liked this more than anticipated. Satanic reverses was the standout for me. Wild that this came out in 1991 and these are all still huge topics of discussion.

Suffers from being made in the early 90s like myself. Not much subtlety in the lyrics, it's straight into it. But I think that's the point

Clever, jazzy, perhaps a bit pretentious. Bordering on a different kind of art form. I enjoyed it and feels unique and interesting enough to be on this list.

hard-hitting lyrics and funky beats. wish I knew of Satanic Reverses back at school before my history exams

Lyrics like an intro to political science lecture, but it sounds like he really means it. Flow is so-so. Catchy at some points.

Satanic Reverses is great. The rest of it is a bit unrelenting, but I really love the mixed genres. Not all of the songs were available to me on Amazon, including California Uber Alles, which is unfortunate - I remember that song from when it came out.

Who knew spoken word could be so powerful? Probably everyone. But I’ve never listened to spoken word like this. It’s also probably the most meaningful hip hop album I’ve yet heard. Even if some of the messages are ones I’ve already heard so many times (“TV: the drug of the masses”), I imagine they were even more impactful in its time. Four songs in, and they’re all about the same in terms of quality. Famous and Dandy is my favourite so far, followed by Language of Violence. So far it’s not really an album I would listen to frequently, which will probably cost it a couple points. But it’s still on track to be a 3-4 star album. Into the last 3 songs now. Less into it now, but the music’s still good. Maybe I’m just not paying enough attention to the lyrics anymore. Music and Politics was a lot more stripped down, which I liked. I think I’ll give this one… a 7. Feels a bit high, but I can’t give it anything lower. Probably wouldn’t listen to it again, though. Top 3: 1. Famous And Dandy (Like Amos ‘N’ Andy) 2. Music And Politics 3. Language Of Violence

Si tu te concentre sur le sampling c’est quand même de la bonne zique

Absolutely no subtlety in the messaging on this album, and I understand why they chose to be so blunt. Not beating around the bush at all. I appreciate the artistic choice, even if it makes for some rather boring beats. This one gets a strong 4 for really hammering in the message about discourse with America and not getting pretty with it. Unfortunately from a musical perspective I see it more in the 2 range because frankly, it is boring beats and vocals. I understand that messaging/politics is a cornerstone of music, but I also like to bop to my tunes. I'll average these takes out to a 3.

For some reason I can't get all the songs through Apple Music, but I think I've heard enough to give it what I think. Love this dudes voice. Some of the instrumentals get very repetitive but also helps to be able to listen to what they're trying to say, which I would argue is more important in the context of this album. Soft 3

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