Hypocrisy Is The Greatest Luxury

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

3.5 Nice version of California Uber Alles!

April 4, 2024 HL: "Satanic Reverses", "Language of Violence", “The Winter of the Long Hot Summer”, "California Über Alles" Nice of Apple to provide some of the album :/ I guess some samples weren't cleared or something? Well, this is my first time hearing the Heroes of Hiphoprisy. Digging through 15 year old YT videos to find every song is not an ideal way to listen to any album, but I think it was worth it to get the whole package. While it borders on jazz rap like A Tribe Called Quest, that sound is obfuscated by Public Enemy-like bursts of noise. Combine that with menace like "The Tower" from Ice-T's O.G. Original Gangster, and we have a surprisingly good combination. Oh, I forgot to mention, throw some Dead Kennedys and Gil Scott-Heron in there too, THEN you have a combination. Final song, "Water Pistol Man", sounds like an atmospheric video game from the late 90s

Knew nothing of this and am glad I found out.

Vad jag tycker om det här? Ja, man kan säga att det rimmar på majs.

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

Along with Public Enemy's *It Takes A Nation Of Millions To Hold Us Back* and *Fear Of A Black Planet*, *Hypocrisy Is The Greatest Luxury* has been my entry point into "conscious", militant rap during my formative teenage years. Therefore, this album will always hold a special place in my heart (and brains), even though stylistically speaking, it didn't *always* age gracefully. That said, Michael Franti's take on PE's Bomb Squad-produced sonic aesthetics still has its own merits and distinct flavours--a lot of them drawing from the "industrial" scene, actually--in keeping with Franti's lyrics drawing from the everyday static that America produced around the topics that "shook the nation" at the times. Franti's cold snarls about the latter very often hit the mark. And so does his music. Besides, you can't beat the incredible sequence of cuts that goes from "Television The Drug Of The Nation" to "Language Of Violence" to "The Winter Of The Long Hot Summer" to "Hipocrisy Is The Greatest Luxury". "Language Of Violence", in particular, is a master statement about internalized homophobia and how the use of certain words is always the starting point that leads to tragic ends for everyone involved in many harassment and abuse cases. A message that has lost none of its potency in 2024, and that actually foretold many needed societal changes, and the struggles that are still currently happening around them. The 15-year old boy that I was surely needed to listen to that song in 1992. Hence why the album it's from is "essential" to me (and should be for many other hip hop heads). I can't give a "real" 5 stars grade to this record because, as important as Franti's message against racist, corporate, and war-greedy "America" was, his vocal delivery admittedly might sound a bit stilted at times for today's ears--maybe because said message was admittedly more important than the artistic medium he used anyway. Musically, a couple of cuts might also be a little lengthy or lacking in welcome dynamics--especially on the second half. Yet I strongly advise everyone caring to know how The Disposable Heroes Of Hiphoprisy could actually be more versatile than they looked at first glance to explore this second half for at least three other gems. First for minimalistic jazzy outlier cut "Music And Politics", where Franti switches to an unexpected introspective and humourous mode to question his own political obsessions. Then for his awesome and bouncy "updated" cover of The Dead Kennedys' "California Über Alles"--roasting the sort of despicable figures that have pestered US politics for a long time now, very unfortunately, while also giving a heartfelt tribute to the old Bay Area punk scene. And finally, don't miss trippy, atmospheric closer "Water Pistol Man", its mesmerizing sample of Wally Badarou's "Leaving This Place", and Franti's last words of wisdom during its chorus. Sung, not rapped, here. Yet equally potent. Public Enemy's Chuck D once dubbed conscious rap "the Black CNN". But this album proves that during the early nineties, there was more than *one* channel to watch. And that they were *all* better than regular "television, the drug of the nation"... 4.5/5 for the purposes of this list of "essential record (rounded up to 5). Which translates to a 9.5/10 grade for more general purposes (5+4.5). Number of albums left to review: 242 Number of albums from the list I find relevant enough to be mandatory listens: 329 (including this one) Albums from the list I *might* include in mine later on: 194 Albums from the list I won't include in mine (many other records are more important to me): 242

Mwah

I wish this was better. I appreciate the attempt at conscious rap, but the lyrics leave nothing to the imagination. It's just so on the nose and literal. The beats are fine, but this doesn't rise above its contemporaries by any stretch. There are just so many better examples of what this is trying to sound like.

Some nice hip hop.

Major Gil Scott Heron vibes. And of course Chuck D. Ahead of its time on certain issues for being a rap album. Deeply political. Boomin beats.

Politisk Hip hop slår ju an alla strängar hos mig. Möjligen så mycket att jag inte kan bedöma kvaliteten. Men det är skitsamma för går ändå på känsla när jag lyssnar på musik. Så poesi, politik och rap vad kan gå fel. Television the drug of the nation! Herrejävlar vad bra den låten är. Socio-Genetic Experiment och California Uber Alles likaså. Det blir 5a.

Nej nej nej. Detta har inte åldrats bra. Låter mest som spoken word. Som en kristen pastor som ska rappa för att locka unga till kyrkan. -92 fanns det mycket bättre hiphop. Denna skivan kan knappast haft någon "impact" så jag förstås verkligen inte hur den får vara med på denna lista. Ville inte ens lyssna klart.... Låtarna låter likadana. Att texterna har nåt slags politiskt innehåll räcker inte. Ens lite.

Tycker mig ändå ha väldigt bra koll på hip-hop men hade aldrig hört talas om dessa. Av förklarliga skäl visade det sig. Det spelar ingen roll hur politiskt och socialt medvetet (bitvis töntigt också) budskapet är när leveransen är så undermålig. Usla ”rhyme skills” och dåligt flow (låter precis som när någon som inte kan rappa försöker rappa), energilös och okarismatisk leverans och överlag rätt trista och repetitiva kompostioner och beats.

Another album i used to listen to , now it feels like being told off by an angry lecturer who isn’t Chuck D. His heart is in the right place though , and I still like the production even if it is of it’s time .

I loved this after nit hearing in for over 30 years. Incisively cutting about the state of the USA in 1992 using socially aware lyrics to create music with a powerful political message. I can't stand rappers who brag and the Heroes never do. Most of the issues they pointed out have not changed or you just substitute one name for another - social media for TV for example, so its still.as cutting and still as relevant today. They continue the valuable line from Gil-Scott Heron through Public Enemy. Loved it x

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.

"Satanic Reverses" and "Television is the Drug of the Nation" are two examples of strong commentaries on social issues. The whole album is a clear statement on pervasive and seemingly timeless issues.

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.

I can appreciate the political drive behind the lyrics, but they favor message over music to an extreme. Nothing here that other groups (before and after) didn't do better.

Sadly dated, but see why it’s here.

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

Ilmeisesti tämä levy pitäisi nähdä edistyksellisenä sanoitusten kautta, mutta yhdellä kuuntelukerralla ei tähän puoleen tullut syvennyttyä. Biitit ja soundi keskinkertaista eikä säväyttänyt millään tasolla.

Semi laadukkaalla tasolla instrumentaalisti ja artistin ääni miellytti. Kuitenkin vaatis varmaan syvempää kuuntelua, että pääsis sisälle. Tällä kuuntelulla kakkonen

I like the instrumental grooves and Charlie hunters playing and lines are cool. I saw Michael Franti’s band spearhead at a festival years ago and it was good. I thought I was gonna like this more. The vocals are a bit slow paced and not very rhythmic or melodic enough for the rapping to be interesting. The pacing really started to drag for me after a song or too.

I hated this, his soapbox rambling is super annoying. Charlie hunters playing on here is sick but everything else I found really obnoxious

Reminds me of Will Smith. I appreciate socially conscious and thought-provoking music but he really needs to learn how to write a better hook.

Interesting

Garbage. I know in this day and age you are compelled to ram down our throats the so called “music” of the 12.7% of the population. Please stop.

Eh. This album exists and that's about it. These guys call themselves disposable, and they're absolutely correct. This album could be removed from the list and I wouldn't bat an eye. I wouldn't be surprised if this album wasn't in the most recent version of this book. The beats are pretty decent, I will say. They definitely work for what they were going for. The rapping itself is just kind of okay. Nothing crazy. It's mostly just talking. The writing is confusing at times. It's a bit repetitive and sometimes it just feels like buzzwords. While I do respect this album and I can see what these guys were going for, I just don't really care enough about the final product to warrant thinking about this album ever again. 2/5.

An early and rare example of mature rap. Subject matter societal; analytical and unsatisfied. Not mind-blowing but a relief to remember this kind of stuff exists

Another well done and depressing indictment of American culture from the early 90s. Even worse how not only things haven't gotten better but even worse especially considering one political parties descent into full blown fascist madness. We're probably doomed

Classic

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.

I like this. The production is very solid, adding industrial and live instrumentation in ways that do not really sound dated. Rono Tse's contribution sounds interesting : Angle Grinder, Tire Rims, Chains, Break Drums, Electronic Springs, Sheet Metal & Steel Drums. The lyrics are something. See David Bennuns takedown in the Quietus - he makes some fair points vis a vis on the nose, listing, and telling not showing, and sometimes there is hilariously dry narration. However there's some good word shit going on here. ie: bail out the banks, loan art to the churches - satanic reverses; methadone metronome etc. And longstanding theory of myself and my brother - all genres, but particularly hip hop are at their best when no one's to smart or clever for their own good. And theres some of that glorious ignorance here. Plus this Bennun guy has (d)evolved to some unsubtle takes on say - Israel/Palestine. Its like watching the soul drain out of Roger Ebert on his revisit of the graduate "actually "plastics" was great advice." Whereas I find it like revisiting RATM, which in my fat young republican days I would have thought went pretty hard, but was hopelessly naive. Now along with the disposable heroes, it is evident more and more on many things that they were just right.

Always nice hearing a hip hop album from San Francisco. A rare thing 4

It's too long. The beats and the flow sound dated. The message is still relevant for the most part over 30 years later. Favorite song: satanic reverses

Political rap that did not age well

I forgot all about this band. Michael Franti is always good. And I love his political songs. First song was prescient af. Lyrically, this album is clearly influenced by Gil Scott Heron. The world needs more unapologetically fabulous political music. Corporate radio really obliterated the genre. Independent broadcasters were monopolized and destroyed. It’s not the greatest album ever. But the work here is important, hard to find, and still totally relevant to modern society. That alone marks this as essential listening.

It’s not the greatest album ever. But the work here is important, hard to find, and still totally relevant to modern society. That alone marks this as essential listening.

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

Not for me

genuinely do not have the words. first time in this book i feel like i’ve found something really shaking and raw. want on vinyl, obviously. timeless in the saddest way.

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…

No idea how this had never crossed my path but I had never heard of this album before now. Was this written in 1992 or 2024? Sad that it is so relevant to the things we are dealing with today, and disappointing to see just how little progress we have made. If anything it shows that we've been stagnant or moving backwards for 30+ years. Love it.

This was surprisingly good! Loved it.

Not a fan

Decent socially conscious rap from Michael Franti

not bad

Punchy and political! I liked this a lot. It was an interesting listen and wasn't predictable at all.

This is excellent. I knew the track 'Television is the drug of the nation' already, not sure where from, but the whole album was great. I was listening at work but kept getting distracted wanting to listen to what this guy was saying. Really cool

The Bay Area's Michael Franti in his project prior to forming Spearhead. Title track unavailable via streaming - sample clearances?

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

I am surprised that I never listened to this one before now. It is really good.

Super lyrics and beat. I really liked it.

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.

I appreciate music for melody, harmonic progression, emotional expression, rhythm, and lyrics - pretty much in that order. This has zero melody and zero harmonic progression. In terms of emotional expression, the backing tracks are (literally) robotic and the sample collage lacks integrity. Vocally it comes across like a watered down Chuck D. And lyrically, it's like going back and reading 30 year old political Op-Eds. They may touch on themes that remain salient. But they were written very much as a comment on the moment.

One Album Band, HipHop definitively not my taste. I think, there are more influent artists for the 1001-List.

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

Nice beats, lyrics were forgettable in the context of a list of great albums, and it dragged. Won't revisit.

This was really good. I loved the lyrical themes of the album, the vocals, but also the beats. Strong 4/5.

Incredible sound and still salient prophetic lyrics.

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

He's saying stuff I agree with, in a pretty bland and boring way. He doesn't have the greatest voice either which doesn't help. Plus this thing is longggggg. It's fine.

Not my style, but I respect it. Favorite song - Satanic Reverses

The themes of this album feel as relevant today as they were 30 years ago. Music was good, I spent most of the time reflecting on how my opinions on these topics have changed. I was a lot less receptive to these ideas when I was younger. Socio-Genetic Experiment was too repetitive. A 3.5

Tv bad Play with sticks Read book

I found this quite listenable, compare to the majority of rap which I can't stand. But listenable doesn't equate to good by any means. Both rappers have somewhat pleasant voices, but the rapping itself is quite weak and the frequent attempts at other vocal styles are even weaker. While the lyrics are too edgy to really take serious. It does say a couple of things about the US that valid political criticism from 1992 is just as valid today.

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

Nah, took much work... like trying to solve an escape room before you're allowed to listen to it

„Language of Violence“ - Das Album lässt sich nicht besser umschreiben als mit diesem Songtitel. Grimmiger Rap mit HipHop und Jazz Elementen führten zum regelmäßigen Einsatz der Skip-Taste und dem großen Wunsch diese Platte nie wieder zu hören.

Can't shake the feeling it was just a poor man's Public Enemy, the guy even sounds a bit like Chuck D. Some decent production but it feels way too preachy, even if i don't disagree with any of the messaging.

Had never heard of this before, but was pleasantly surprised by it. The topics run the gamut from social to racial to economic. Musically, not the most interesting, but not bad either.

This is early 90s (1991) rap. I don’t like rap music.

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.

Sharp lyrics and ahead of its time

That album is filled with delicious 90s hip-hop. Scratching, sampling, fast pace, all the earmarks of an early hip-hop album. Truly a treat to listen to.

So surprising. This album was just fantastic from start to finish.

Hard to vote on this one.

No me gusta este tipo de música

Not what I typically enjoy, but damn if this wasn't damn good

meh

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

Didn't realize Michael Frantic had been kicking it for so long.

Famous and Dandy is a jam. Love the beat and sampling work throughout that almost sounds like UK industrial (like MC5 of the 90s) mixed with some slick jazz. Pointed lyrics about selling out to be famous; just copping an image rather than really understanding what you are. Television, the Drug of the Nation once again features some sweet instrumental work. Vocals remind a lot of a calmed down Chuck D. Neil Postman would approve of this message (recommend reading Amusing Ourselves to Death if you haven't already). Winter of the Long Hot Summer is a monotonous vocal damnation of the nation's response to a Middle Eastern situation (for which I have no direct knowledge). Still relevant to today's political stance and public reaction (just watch the Super Bowl while bombs fly). Talk about relevant again, Everyday Life Has Become a Health Risk opens with a sample about the amount of pollution Americans generate before launching into a commentary on nuclear bomb testing, hormone injected meat, and acid rain. Pretty sure this is referencing the Love Canal disaster internally with the Geiger infused concrete line. INS Greencard is an ominous instrumental with a vocal recording from a recorded phone prompt for reporting illegal aliens. Socio-Genetic Experiment features a sick dub-infused beat. Certainly a late album standout. I get some major Deltron mixed with Geto Boys vibes from the delivery. Music and Politics goes a whole other direction for a slick jazzy guitar instrumental over which he describes that if he ever stops talking about Music and Politics he would cease to be who he is. Sung sections make me think a bit of Blockhead. Beat on Financial Leprosy is pretty wild. Funky hints with a droning bass and industrial / off-center screech. I went in with no expectations and was completely blown away. This is some really interesting, "conscious" 90s rap that touches on a ton of topics du jour (a lot of which are still relevant to this day). Production and instrumentals are amazing throughout with a ton of variation. Certainly has a 90s flair about it, but in the best possible way. Weak point (imo) were the vocals, which were not nearly as didactic as the production and kind of ran together at times. This is a minor point to me; great album start to finish. Completely unexpected. 4.5 if I could give it. If I could access in full on Spotify this would absolutely be played on repeat. Rounding down only because I don't feel like I "have" to listen to it again right away.

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.

That was incredibly dark. When I listen to music I enjoy escaping the problems in the world, not be smashed in the ears by all of them. The music itself was kind of weird with the way he just talked it was almost like a style of poetry with a track behind it. Music and Politics was so out of left field compared to the rest of the songs that I thought the album ended. Definitely not my type of music at all.

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

Betri en ég bjóst við á fyrstu tónum.

Super cool vibes.

Not my genre of music but the lyrics kept me listening because of how relevant they still are - decades later. Sad but true.

Un álbum que, si bien se puede considerar importante en tanto a su mensaje político en la época en la que se estrenó, deja bastante que desear en tanto a la producción de sonido y el flow de su rap. Sufre, a la vez, de ser demasiado largo en momentos en que no necesita serlo y está lejos de ser uno de los discos más destacables del género. En mi opinión, no merece estar en esta lista.

No man, who put this on the list?

Bad album. Just throwing political ideas without being musically touching or intresting.

At first glance, seems a PE tribute band, or maybe GS Heron, or KRS One's slightly hipper (but not especially more talented) bro or cousin. At any rate, this is decent, earnest, eat-your-vegetables hip-hop – mostly crisp and effective, but awfully pedantic (way too many soundbytes from the news) and derivative, with a distinctly word-drunk-undergrad vibe. Again, not terrible, because vegetables are good for you, after all, but not exactly wildly entertaining, mind-blowing, etc.

Sounds like a Public Enemy ripoff.

Not sure why you would have a copy cat of public enemy make this list but I guess here it is. Another album probably not needed for this list. The lyricism is good but public enemy does it so much better with the right beats and messages. This one was not it. 4.5/10

Yes

Another time. I get it with the message. But it's so 90s. Pre-connection, pre-technology, it was just another thing. The beats aren't good, it's "underground" but there's no ground to be under in the same way anymore.

Meh - I’m a big fan of this period of hip hop. Started off okay if a bit too close to Public Enemy but got boring quickly

I did not know that Michael Franti had been in a hip hop group prior to Spearhead. I have never heard of these guys. It's like Gil Scot Heron and Public Enemy had a baby who was cursed with prophetic visions - this came out 22 years ago and I'm three songs in like damn ain't that the truth. Only 9 of the songs are currently available on Spotify or Tidal - not sure why.

Strange Rap but quite good

I think it's weirdly preachy? I want to like it more, because I am a fan of stuff like this, but it just doesn't work for me like RATM or Public Enemy does.

rap with message

Very reminiscent to the style and era. I miss the days when rap didn't have sex, guns, and money in every lyric. My favorite part of this album was the suggested songs Spotify played for me after it.

Not my cup of tea.

Super ‘90s

Pretty good.

Not bad.

This is the comprehensible, well produced, incredibly intelligent polotical Hip Hop I wanted! The only drawback is the main interest is the lyrics, not the music, and as a result it can start to get monotonous if you're not paying attention, but still this is what I want hip hop to be.

The sentiment is good but execution not.

very cool, maybe the best 90s rap album from this list so far. unfortunately a couple songs were unable to be listened to on spotify which sucks

I liked when rap espoused a philosophy of social justice.

Great lyrics

More 90's hip hop! I would put this album a little lower than the others we got, but I still liked it. Some of the songs weren't available on apple either so I'll assume those were the best songs. I did keep Satanic Reverses.

Never heard of this group/artist, but I like what I'm hearing. Vocally, reminded me a bit of one of the rappers in Jurassic 5, though it's not the same guy. This album is obviously very conscious, very politically charged. I could see people clowning something like this today, but for the early '90s, it's pretty impressive. Unfortunately, on Apple Music, I think four songs are "unavailable in my region," no idea why. But of those that I could listen to, there were a handful I enjoyed. Cool album, probably never would've heard this if not for the list. Favorite tracks: Satanic Reverses, Music and Politics, Financial Leprosy. Album art: Honestly, it's very '90s, but it's also very cool. You've got the vocalist/rapper on the left side giving us the thousand-yard stare, then a collage of some images: a tank, a man with a chainsaw trying to saw the barrell off the tank, a shot of the US Federal Reserve, and a blimp overhead that seems to be labeled with different currency symbols? Great conspiracy imagery stuff, and I do like the group logo in the corner. 3.5/5

It was good, enjoyed the beats and music. Lyrics were heavily anti-establishment

Starts well; gets boring quickly. Others have done this sort of thing much better.

Consider myself lectured.

do you remember when this was all we had to worry about aw bless

I'm a fan of Hip-Hop and Rap but it's hard to listen to a whole album of this kind of political rap. At some point you just say to yourself "I get it, everything sucks" and then you spend the rest of your day depressed while you watch TV.

This is such a fantastic album.

I really dug this. Didn't know about Michael Franti's pre- spearhead work, old school and excellent

we live in a bad society and we are all trapped blah blah blah stfu

I really didn't like this album. The almost abstract repetitive jazz-infused hip-hop/rap didn't really work for me and I found it more grating than satisfying or power in overthrowing the system. The songs felt overly long and I couldn't wait for this album to be over.

It was pretty good. It reminded me a lot of Public Enemy but it fell short compared to them. Socially conscious rap but it did go on a little too long. There were a couple of songs that were different styles but not as good. Overall I enjoyed it. Better than a 3 not really a 4. I will round down.

This is pretty much just off-brand Public Enemy.

High 3.5. Starts off incredible. Tails a bit eventually; lyrics pretty consistently excellent, but not as much musical variety as I’d like and Franti isn’t *always* the most convincing. Still, he’s uniformly great, and this was an awesome listen. 3.5/5

1. zatanic reverzez - 1 2. famouz and dandy - 1 3. televizion - 1 4. language of violence - 0 5. health rizk - 0 6. green card - 1 7. genetic ezperiment - 0 8.muzic and politicz - 0 9. financial leprozy - 1 10. uber allez - 11. uuater piztol man -

Decent hip hop album Earyly to the game

dad approves.

Spoken poetry is cool and all but….

Long winded but I liked it

Political hip-hop. I liked it. Strong message with a great beat.

I didn't really start actively seeking out rap and hip hop from the nineties until a few years ago, so I've never heard of this album or artist before. Rap was pretty much forbidden when I was a kid, so it's something that I've been trying to make up for as an adult. I've really gotten into Public Enemy the last several years; I love their socially conscious lyrics, and I also really enjoy Chuck D's rapping. As a lot of other reviews have pointed out, this album is about as close as you can get to Public Enemy without actually listening to a Public Enemy album. Michael Franti's voice is incredibly similar to Chuck D's, although his flow and rhymes frankly aren't nearly as good. The lyrics on this album are incredibly reminiscent of Public Enemy as well. The lyrics offer poignant criticisms of policing, the government's handling of AIDS, Operation Desert Storm, poverty and broader economics, and the stalling and sometimes backwards movement of civil rights. I was born in 1985, so while I was acutely aware of some of the things going on in this country when this album came out, I always find it fascinating to look at those issues now as an adult. I was raised in a conservative household, so these types of criticisms of America in the late eighties and early nineties didn't reach my ears until maybe eight years ago or so. I really appreciate being able to listen to music like this to see what life was like for people of color during a time that a lot of middle class white people tend to idealize as being harmonious and prosperous. Also, it's wild for me to imagine a republican governor in California after Reagan, because of I've always thought of California as being very liberal during most of my lifetime. However, I enjoyed the cover of "California Uber Alles," and it's criticisms of former governor Pete Wilson. As much as I liked some of the lyrics on this album, overall, it's pretty middle of the road for me. The musical hooks weren't that great, and they really didn't add much to the overall sound of the album. Lyrically, the hooks tended to be pretty repetitive, and sometimes the lyrical choices felt kind of odd, like the hook in "Everyday Life Has Become A Health Risk." Still, I think this album earns its place on this list, for what it contributes to early nineties hip hop.

3.8 - enjoyed this but definitely felt too similar do an album

Ooooof Satanic Reverses goes hard. The production on this is terrific. 2:55 into Famous and Dandy, love the soothing synths that slide in. I really am digging the production on this one. This is like hip hop Gil Scott-Heron. This was fantastic, perhaps my favourite discovery of the 1001 yet. Fave Tracks: Satanic Reverses, Famous and Dandy (Like Amos and Andy), California Uber Alles 4.9/5

Just way too preachy.

As subtle as a brick lyrically, and more like spoken word imho. The beats bored me senseless too

A striking, politically charged hip hop album covering a broad range of issues in a combative but accessible early 90s hip hop style. This is what you may get if you crossed Public Enemy with De La Soul, and is perhaps what a hip hop MSP would sound like. I really liked it. What a shame that most of the issues highlighted in 1992 are just the same more than 30 years later. Given his views on the way Television was damaging the intellectual health of the nation, Michael Franti (vocals and production) must be aghast at the impact of social media. Rating: 4/5 Playlist track: Satanic Reverses Date listened: 20/12/23

Not my cup of tea but it did have some cool beats and some interesting lyrics. A bit jazzy at times. 2

Sort of the rap equivalent of when on twitter two people manage to stay nice to each other during a disagreement, and then some third dipshit chimes in “wow a calm rational discussion? on the hellsite???” By which I think I mean the corniness of the project, while not a fault, isn’t on its own really cause for praise, either

3.6/5 Best track: Television the Drug of the Nation

very cool that this is michael franti, very political in a good way

Wow. When the first song hits it's like you are hearing Ice T for the first time and it surprised me to hear it for the first time. My best guess is I was out of the country when this dropped and missed it the first time around for that reason. Overall, the lyrical style and the beats as well as the overall (albeit important) social themes get fairly redundant. It's a common complaint about rap/hip hop, but I would say overall I'm much more open to this genre than many. Point being, I felt it truly was redundant even for the genre. Glad I heard it, not sure I'd be up for it again any time soon.

"I'm the Governor Pete Wilson, you know, the baddest governor to ever grab a mic and go boom, give me a budget and watch me hack it..." That was the line ... I was totally clueless to political rock until this came out and it wasn't until I listed to this album, that I understood better what Jello Biafra had been attempting to do with his music. I didn't love this album. In fact, the regurgitated edit of California Uber Alles was really the only song that I enjoyed. I love that musicians use tools as a way to scream at authority and make a statement or start a rallying cry for something... but at some point the music has got to be intriguing, interesting and at least hold the interest of an audience. If you're going to sculpt values and instill passion, at least let me enjoy the music. Michael Franti, has long been an outspoken critic on social justice issues, war and plenty of other things. He's got plenty to say about community, culture, homelessness and democracy. But most of it is too difficult (for me at least) to comprehend when he's put it to music.

While I've heard of (but not heard) Michael Franti and Spearhead, I had no idea Franti started his career in a hip hop group. Franti's voice and flow is deep and rich - reminiscent of Chuck D, and the beats and instrumentation fit in well with the emerging alternative hip hop of the late 80s and early 90s with a little bit of trip hop mixed in. But "Hypocrisy Is The Greatest Luxury" is about the message. And those messages are pointed and wide-ranging. Franti digs deeper than the typical hip hop social commentary, delving into the environment, immigration, and other issues. The variety of topics helps, but the tendency towards very repetitive spoken word in some tracks could be improved with more of Franti's incisive lyrics. The Disposable Heroes of Hiphoprisy evolved Gil Scott-Heron's spoken word for the hip hop era, but despite the potential in the concept, vocals, and beats, "Hypocrisy Is The Greatest Luxury" ultimately falls a bit short.

Well that was a lot more intense than I was expecting. It was like a hip hop version of rage against the machine. The beats felt old but the lyrics were still relevant. I have never heard of this group but they made me sit up and pay attention.

3.5. I liked this.

I am intrigued by the lyrical subjects, but I can’t get past the vocal delivery. It feels unmusical and robotic.

never heard this one back in the day, some good beats and political messages, but overall not a banger

We've had rappers cover socio-political issues on the list before, but never as thoroughly, pointedly or articulately as this. That deserves praise, as does the slightly awkward pun in the group's name. I guess I'm a still a bit of a layman when it comes to early 90s hip-hop, but I enjoyed this more than, say, the Public Enemy albums I've heard so far. Can't help but feel reputation (or lack thereof) has played a part in their respective rankings on here. My only real complaint is a common one: individual tracks and the album as a whole are longer than they need to be. If they'd culled a few of the weaker numbers it would be a straight 4 stars, but I'll probably still round up as a 'nice discovery / hidden treasure that deserves more love' bonus. 3.5

Good shit, sounds like Chuck D a lot

The only hip-hop band I've seen live (on a bill with Nick Cave, Iggy Pop, Sonic Youth), and they were great on stage. 3 stars for me, I like that this is a band playing live instruments - everything flows. Cover of California Uber Alles is great. Very preachy, but Michael Franti has things he wants to say.

2/5 it was somewhat interesting but didn't last

חרא

Oddly sounded nice, but the lyrics made it fall, i didn't like it

A bit heavy handed, but interesting beats. The Dead Kennedys cover is neat. .

First timer and really enjoyed! Not only catchy but thought provoking lyrics that have me excited to listen to again.

Huh, I've only known Franti for his work with Spearhead, his upbeat beach party sounding tunes. I had no idea he had a Public Enemy sounding history. Fun stuff.

Surprisingly, I liked this. I accidentally had shuffle turned on and so "Music and Politics" was the first track I heard. I felt like it was a good intro this album; it set the stage for self-aware, observant lyrics. I do agree with some of the reviews that say the songs themselves were a little repetitive. "Famous and Dandy" was getting a little tired by the end, like Amos and Andy. I don't know if I'd listen to this again but it was nice to hear rap I actually liked.

Better than I expected! Unfortunately it was still topical 20 years later.

For many years I have said I like old school hip hop. But then, having come across a good number of hip hop albums during this project and not liking any of them, I started thinking I was wrong, and actually I only liked a handful of tracks rather than the genre. This album vindicated my original thought. This is a good album. Catchy, political, angry, articulate, and simply enjoyable - I really enjoyed this. It's not quite 5 stars, but this is definitely going to end up in rotation for me.

Hypocrisy Is The Greatest Luxury is so firmly situated within its time, place and mindset, it feels unkind to dislodge it from there and review it now. To approach it as an album, instead of as a historical artefact, feels inappropriate. Some pieces of art can be described as timeless; this not one of them. The bits which cut through the decades most are those which remain relevant: lamentations about the two-party political system in the US, about the glut of acronyms, about euphemistic language. The frank lyrics of Music and Politics also stick out. Frankness must be met frankness. What am I writing these reviews for? Who am I peacocking to? Am I? Why did I listen this album and then wring words together to describe the experience it has evoked within me? Is this a good enough ending?

I could not get past the first three songs. This is like a schizophrenic nightmare of hiphop; random sounds combined with a generic beat, awful instrument playing, sub-par rapping and lyrics that are a caricature of meaningful. Atrocious.

3/5. More a spoken word-poetry with some heavy beats behind it, but fun to listen to none-the-less. I enjoyed this, and the TV song was fun. Love straightforward feelings about politics in songs. Favorite line was about the news using oxymoronic language like "military intelligence." Love it. Some of the lyrics definitely aged, and some did not at all. Overall, pretty good.

Está bien encontrar rap con buen mensaje de esta época. Hay partes con rimas internas muy guapas y partes que directamente son habladas. Además hay cierta variedad en las canciones. Resta puntos porque los beats y los flows en general son malillos, y aunque el mensaje es bueno, tampoco es muy profundo u original.

I enjoyed most of this. It's very Public Enemy and Rage Against the Machine.. Again, most CD era stuff is too long. This didn't have 4 songs on Spotify and was still long. Most of the choruses seemed to be repeated an excessive amount of times, stretching these songs into 6-7 minutes long. I think they needed someone to help with editing these tracks.

Actually pretty good. Better than expected

Rating: 6/10 Best songs: California uber alles

This was awesome. I’m not a hip hop fan, but I thought this was great. I love the production/instrumentation, and the lyrical flow is great. I also love the political critiques.

Wow POLITICS. TOO MUCH

it was okay, interesting in parts.

Was okay, can't really say any of the songs I listened to were musically captivating..It is spoken word/ poetry with a beat to it.

Odpuściłem po dwóch piosenkach

I discovered this group recently when I was traveling Cross country. At first listen, I did not like it , but I listened to it a few more times & found the Groove Iresistable. Few Artists can combine Classic Rock riffs with Progressive Melodies like this band. I hope to see them Live soon. Every serious Music collector should own a copy of this LP.

This is weird because it feels like Chuck D got warped into a group that is just slightly different than Public Enemy. I don't mind this though, it has enough variation in it at points to be an easy enough listen, even if some of the topics feel very, VERY 90s. I'd be curious to see what happened after this album for this group, as I see high potential, but they unfortunately only made this, and I can't be bothered to check the lead guy's solo stuff.

Literally never heard of this artist before, but this was great. Really intelligent and evocative lyrics, excellent instrumentals. Favourite tracks: Satanic Reverses, Television The Drug Of The Nation, Hypocrisy Is The Greatest Luxury, Water Pistol Man

I agree with a lot of what he had to say.... depressingly topical considering this album is 30 years old. But musically it got old really quickly

Not a fun album to listen to, but of course that’s the point-the Disposable Heroes are here to push a socially conscious message, and that’s fine. It would be nice if the beats weren’t so monotonous, though.

Rapzao, legal

Really enjoyable concept, political rap album

- Some of the songs weren't on Spotify, L - Politically charged rap, doesn't really do it for me - Music and Politics was a vibey song - 2.5

- attacks social issue after social issue - pretty cool voice - I enjoyed to hear what he would say next, don’t think I’d ever go back to it tho

Fine to have on in the background whilst you’re on an exercise bike. Not fine any other time

no politics please

When you teacher does an informative rap to be down with the kids

It was familiar yet I do no it remember actively listening to it previously.

This is a seminal album. As a teen, the idea of social and political commentary as part of music was there, but not to this palpable level.

I enjoyed this quite a lot - very topical commentary on the environment, society, the media. Funky beats and a strong, rhythmic flow. If anything, though, I found it all rather depressing. Need a bit more joy in my music.

Couldn't get the whole album, but liked what I heard. Good rhymes, pretty simple musically but interesting to listen to.

Of all the albums I've listened to so far, I think this one has been the biggest surprise for me. I had never heard of this group before, but this album is fantastic. It's an absolute masterclass in political hip hop. There isn't one weak song on here. "Satanic Reverses," "Famous and Dandy (Like Amos N Andy)," "Television the Drug of the Nation," and "California Uber Alles" are my personal favorites, especially the lyric "the only cola I support would be a union c.o.l.a." in "Television..." I would not have listened to this without this album challenge, and I'm so glad I was introduced to this group.

I dug it.

Dense with political lyrics I'm going to have to look up to confirm I know what all the artist is talking about, there are good beats here and sometimes witty rhyming. There's enough here that I may listen to it again.

It was a little (maybe a lot) heavy-handed, but it wasn't bad.

This was a nice surprise. I had never heard of them before. The socio-political commentary holds up for me because of the raw emotionality the lead singer brings. I like the realness, and the lyrics were often impressive. Loved “Music and Politics”.

I pride myself on being socially aware. I strive to be the cognizant of the struggles and the pains of those with different socio-economic backgrounds than me. Now I understand what is it like being trapped in a car with me after I find an opportunity to "educate" those around me. Major, major buzzkill. This is a very important, time capsule, record that is a testament to its moment and a sad reminder of how little progress has been made. Because of that I couldn't give it one star.

Fantastic. Like Gil Scott Heron but with 90’s style production. Really clever lyrics. Might be the best surprise of this project so far.

Superb. Socially driven.

I couldn’t listen to the whole thing as there were 4 blocked out songs on both Apple Music and Spotify. I think this album is lyrically heavy, but I listened at a time I couldn’t take time to listen to the lyrics. I think if I had the rating could be far higher

I lost an hour of my life just to be told that phones and TV and whole world is bad and deceptive. With half-rap, half-declamation... Maybe one, out of the thirteen songs, had anything close to an interesting beat. The rest is pretty bad. Man... 1.5/5.

Dragged on

I feel like the arrival of Wikipedia really stole this band's thunder. Tried to listen to this one on a run but felt like I should be taking notes. I learnt a lot, but I came to rock.

Political and raw

This album grabbed me in the first track, but didn't manage to hold me as well as it could have. Like many reviewers have said, this sounds like a Public Enemy imitation. Michael Franti sort of speak sings throughout the album in a very measured way to get his points across. His message is a good one, and It's strange to listen to this album 21 years later knowing that the problems he's highlighting are all still pressing issues in our society. However, there's not a lot of nuance to his lyrics and it comes off more like a lecture than a song. The music is fine, nothing groundbreaking though whoever is making the beats is very familiar with the electronic music trends of the time which is interesting to hear in a hip hop context. I wanted to like this album more than I did, especially with its relevant messages, but it just ran too long and was just too on the nose.

I was surprised and disappointed in this album. It’s from 1992 yet it could have been released today. The subject matter hasn’t changed. Could have done with a little less misogyny but hey, that’s just in general ammirite?? I think I heard a section which may have influenced Goldie Lookin’ Chain, which is always nice.

Stressful but good beats. Lots of complaining

Damnfinestuff. 5stars.

Public Enemy Lite. 2.5 stars.

Pretty good 3.5 stars

If you want to get me to listen to hip-hop of any kind, having a solid message behind the music is key. This had that, so I was down for it.

Pretty good

2.5

This was incredibly rad and I hadn't heard this album before.

"Hypocrisy Is The Greatest Luxury" by The Disposable Heroes of Hiphoprisy is a politically charged and thought-provoking album that's a product of its time. Released in 1992, it's a fusion of hip-hop and spoken word that tackles social and political issues head-on. Tracks like "Television, The Drug of the Nation" and "Language of Violence" confront topics such as media manipulation and societal hypocrisy with unapologetic lyrics. The album's production incorporates industrial and experimental elements, adding an unconventional edge. However, the album's dense and often confrontational style may not resonate with all listeners. Its sound and themes are very much rooted in the early '90s alternative scene, which might limit its accessibility to a broader audience. "Hypocrisy Is The Greatest Luxury" is a noteworthy work for its social commentary and willingness to tackle difficult subjects, but its limited appeal and sometimes abrasive style warrant a 2.5/5 rating.

It was fine. See why they never took off.

probably pretty cool for the times (90's) reminds me of some FLA and RATM tracks only got into a few tracks, the rest aren't really doing it even if the lyrics are meaningful: satanic reverses famous and dandy everyday life has become a health risk financial leprosy

Really like the beats, but not all the lyrics hold up even though. Cringy words delivering a message. 3/5

Is dit mijn grootste verrassing onder de hiphopplaten? De teksten zijn zeer scherp maatschappijkritisch, en erg intelligent geschreven. Het tempo van de beats ligt iets trager, waardoor de lyrics niet door de song gejaagd woorden, maar in een soort van vertelstijl naar boven komen.

3/5. I never give rap albums any love as it’s not my kind of music, but this album was awesome. Like a more rap heavy Rage Against the Machine!

Really wants to be Public Enemy, but missing the production value. This has the production of something found on soundcloud if made today. Like the message of the songs, just wish it was musically better and Franti's vocals flowed better. Crazy to think where he is now, making music akin to the Wiggles for adults. 3/5 Probably wouldn't listen again

By no means bad, but I wasn't crazy about the industrial sounds or the spoken word style vocals after more than a couple of tracks. The lyrics were interesting bit a bit too in-your-face. I wonder what he makes of contemporary culture and politics?!

90s hip hop with socio-economic political lyrics. Good to hear from an unknown to me artist.

Not terrible, but it did feel a bit preachy, even at the time. And somehow the anger kind of restrained, but that may just be the production. It all sounds too polished for he lyrical content, in a way that PE never did / do. I like the intent, but not always the result. It did start to all feel like the same mood throughout after a while.

I struggle sometimes with the production for conscience hip hop. It often gets overlooked in favour of the message. Not here. The beats are as smooth as the delivery and the lyrics. Television The Drug of the Nation remains powerful and relevant.

Not for me, next

AJ: the fuck? Cat: I appreciate the message, I’m just not in the mood. Guess I’m part of the problem. Michael Franti produced this!!

Really not my style personally, but I actually did enjoy it more than I expected to. It seemed thoughtful and some of it was interesting. I did find myself pretty bored by the end though. I think for me it was a 2.5. I'm rounding up because I think it was alright compared against other similar albums, I'm just not a fan of the genre. Now a few minutes after listening I'm already very much second guessing that decision and feel like rating it a 2. I guess the parts I liked were forgettable for me.

I think this album has some of the most intelligent and thoughtful lyrics of any hip hop album I’ve heard, so I appreciate that. Musically, this album sounded pretty cool but I got fairly fatigued of it by the end.

Franti's powerful debut is a smack in the face for complacency and a call for activism in the face of overwhelming societal, political and governmental pressures. Whilst it is refreshing to hear a rapper rap about whatever he damn well pleases and whilst the messages are important and worth listening to, the beats and music aren't quite compelling enough for repeat listening. Certainly a unique album and a significant one.

All the 'songs' sound the same. Not like songs

I didn't find this album particularly interesting.

It's somewhat prophetical and really forward-thinking with some of its notions. But at the same time the flow is kinda boring and has a boomer song, that doesn't grasp the media and focuses only on "the tv" It's a mixed bag, i guess.

Not a foot put wrong here – not musically (many interesting beats) or morally (these cats are on the right side for sure) – but maybe too earnest and pedantic (and overreliant on newsy audio cuts). One enjoys and it still has some punch, but feels too close to PE in tone and Gil Scott Heron (like direct impression too close). Franti's best work lay ahead.

I've heard of Michael Franti, but not this particular project of his. I don't quite believe it earns its place on this list, as there are several other albums who deal with the same themes much more successfully. Every song here goes on too long, the instrumentals aren't particularly interesting, and Mike isn't as technically proficient as many of his contemporaries...the whole thing just sounds lacking. I'm all for socially conscious rap, but there are far better options out there.

Class

Great listen, fantastic lyrics that show a genuine conviction to the cause

Not a rap fan

I just about laughed aloud reading about Franti's projects pre- and post-: The Disposable Heroes aren't easy to typecast, but the lyrics fit way too easily into the Bay Area alt narrative. Sonically and thematically, though, the group birthed something special in '92. The production bridges classic hip-hop with still-pretty-niche industrial ventures, and the MC's predictions are as historical as anything factual captured on record. Intellectual spookiness here feels like high praise, and anything cheesy is just as charming.

Although the musings are at times superficial, Michael Franti's vocals are mesmerizing and the themes seemingly more relevant today than in 1992.

Franti’s lyrics are still relevant today and there are some solid beats to support his iconic spoken vocal style. But I still find it extremely exhausting sitting through more than an hour of it. It’s not really bad. It’s just way too much.

When originally released I enjoyed the clever novelty of "TV" and punk musical references in "California". Beats are ok, music is a little industrial, voice is strong (not quite Chuck D, but similar) but socially conscious lecturing irritates after 30 minutes! Pity that Franti doesn't sing more as he has a slight Gil Scot Heron style on "Music and Politics", the one song where he breaks away from rapping. Kudos for trying to educate America.

Flawless, one of the best hip hop albums I have heard. Flow, lyrics, musical accompaniment, everything is great. Definitely a new favourite!

I don't think I had heard this back in the day which is saying something. Great stuff.

This was really fun to listen to. Didn't know shit about the band and wow, the lyrics are political, the beats are good, flows are good. It's like the logical continuation of bands like public enemy and nwa but more interesting imho. 7/10

I haven't listen to this album in a long while and I enjoyed the album when it came up. Funny I enjoyed the very borrowed Chuck D delivery then but now for some reason it sounds more like a cheap ripoff. Still some great tracks on this album such as Language of Violence. I probably would have rated this higher back in the 90's but today it's a 3 star.

Pretty good socially focused rap record. Samples add interesting background/texture. Do anything different that other similar rappers at the time weren’t doing. I dunno.

I lost interest in it about halfway. The cover of California Uber Alles was strange.

Couple of songs I liked okay, and I a bit sad that so much of the social commentary hasn’t changed in 30 years. But what is it with these hour+ albums? They’re too long unless they’re brilliant and this one isn’t. Probably would been a 3 star if they edited it a bit.

A thing.

I wouldn’t listen to it again. Not my style. My praise however does lie in regards to its lyrical content. Biting. In touch with the times. Perhaps a lot of the lyrics ring true even today.

It’s like Tool meets R&B, but the music isn’t very good. I appreciate his elevated intelligence. However, this gets stale quick with its attempt to be a pedantic review of current world culture and a critique of America. Perhaps it spoke to some, but I didn’t groove to it.

This is not my genre. But it's better than a few other things we've been forced to listen to lately.

Really good

While I know this is a valuable message, this is just exhausting. The beats are fine, but like.... it really feels like slam poetry. Great lyrically, but I didn't enjoy the listening experience.

Pales against Public Enemy, would like some harder edged production but the lyrics are strong throughout

Political rap that is just too on the nose, pretty boring. Lengthy songs that felt as though they were beating you over the head with a specific message with no nuance.

Given the quality of Michael Franti's current output, I will admit that this was better than expected. I think there are some cool beats here, but the way too on-the-nose lyricism and way too long songs do start to drag after awhile. 2.5/5

Convincing voice. Like this a lot

3.5

Television, the Drug of the Nation is by far the best tune on the album, whilst not awful it is repetitive

eh.

That was better than I thought it was going to be.

Something funny: I didn’t realize the pun in the band name until I told my dad the album today and he asked about the pronunciation (I was saying Hiphoprisy, as in ph pronounced as f). Anyway, this album is extremely bleak. It makes some good points, and the best songs kind of tend to be the ones I can get on with more; for example, I prefer ‘Language of Violence’ to ‘Television The Drug Of The Nation’. The beats are nice; kind of similar to Public Enemy, but they have more exotic elements, which is good. In conclusion, a good rap album I wouldn’t have listened to otherwise.

Its like a podcast with a little flow

Okay yeah, some of the lyrics are kind of cringey, but I like his delivery, reminds me of Gil Scott-Heron (not a particularly favorable comparison), but I'm not necessarily *not* down. the TV song made me feel like I'm listening to a street preacher outside a government building. Similar vibes. If it wasn't to rap, it'd be 200% more cringey. But it is a good-sounding album, it passes the test. I just lost interest after hearing yet another on-the-nose lyric. 2/5

Loved the trip-hop vibes of ‘winter’

4+?

A pretty decent album, I definitely enjoyed it but I'm leaning low. I don't think it really deviates from the 90s rap formula in enough ways for it to have real staying power for me. 3.5 rounded down.

Music is ok but less keen on the vocals.

Pretty sure I heard this album in the past, but only recognised California Uber Alles. Clear Public Enemy influence, but musically not as interesting and seems to primarily focus on the political messaging.

I pretty much cannot stand this intrusive preaching, although there are nice musical moments.

Hier heb ik helemaal niks mee. Continu een wijzend vingertje want alles is slecht. Vervelende herrie-beats, matige productie, ontzettend 90's, vermoeiend. Te lange nummers, teveel nummers. Huismerk Public Enemy en die gaf ik al een 1. Dan weet je het wel. Ik heb niet alle nummers volledig geluisterd want ik gun mezelf beter. 1 ster.

VERY GOOD! Standouts: California Uber Alles 3.5

12.07.23

I will start this off by saying that I was unable to listen to every track on this as they aren't all available on Apple Music. That does suck but what I can say about this album is that it's great. The beats on this record hit so hard in a way that I believe is new for the time. Honestly, this record is kind of a harder hardcore hip-hop record which is certainly something. However, it also has some industrial qualities that add to the harder sound. As far as I know, this is one of the first industrial hip-hop records. Granted, it's not as abrasive as something like Death Grips, but it certainly is good. It also fits with the progressive hip-hop genre as the lyrics on the record are so political. Hell, there's a song about why the songs on this record are so political. My favorite track based on lyrics alone would probably be Language of Violence, which discusses the discriminatory and hateful way we use language and how that carries on so to say. The song does use some words that should definitely not be used today, as do a handful of other tracks, but it sits in that same vein as Auntie Diaries from Mr. Morale and the Big Steppers. My favorite track for its beat would be Satanic Reverses as I kind of like the horns on this track while also demonstrating the industrial feel of the record. Honestly, though, this whole record is good. Really good. I'm considering giving this a 9/10.

1992. A 26 year old suburban Detroit white kid who grew up listening to the Beatles and Pink Floyd is now living in Dayton, Ohio, having been moved there for his job. The only people he knows in Dayton are his co-workers, who we considers to be lame and provincial. He's an idealist, politically far left, doesn't own a TV because he thinks TV is a time-sucking void. One day, listening to the local public radio station he hears "Television, the drug of the nation, breeding ignorance and feeding radiation..." He's mesmerized. Coincidentally, he had just gotten his first ever CD player so he rushes out and buys the album and listens to it over and over again. That 27 year old was me. I've never been into hip hop, before or really since this album came out, but for a brief time I loved it. It spoke to me. Maybe my views have just softened over the years, or maybe I realized that spending all of your time thinking and talking about all the things wrong with the world is a recipe for being miserable all the time, but I kind of drifted away from this type of strident music over time. Rage Against the Machine is another example. I still love it, but I can't spend my time being angry all the time, it feels counterproductive to living a happy life. All that to say I still love and appreciate this album, and am glad to have had the opportunity to listen to it for the first time in probably 25 years. 4 stars.

3.75

Pretty good rap. The whole albums is pretty much political commentary, sucks to say most of it's still relevant 30 years later. But he communicated points that people should think about more often. Good stuff

La durée des albums et leur qualité sont fortement inversement corrélées

je me contiens pour l'instant

just not very good, surface level political observations with none of the grit and anger to make it some kind of a chant like a Public Enemy or RATM. So much of it felt like shitty versions of songs gil scott heron had done better two decades earlier. disappointed cos some of the flows and beats were nice and the heart was in the right place but fuck this album kinda blows

Enjoyed this more than I expected. I think I like the lyrics more than the music - especially when things dipped a bit in the middle. Depressing how many themes back in 1992 still linger or are worse today. Some songs bordered on the prophetic. The Dead Kennedys cover / sample was great too. Its a bit too long for me and the forgettable parts were quite forgettable. But added points for hard hitting lyrics. 2.5

Never heard of this before, political leanings to rap albums nearly always make them better and I thought this was great. Did verge on just becoming a political rant at various stages, it was much better when the guy was focusing on his flow as opposed to getting his message across. Would like to hear other stuff, as this one is a bit scattered I reckon he could make a five star album if he tightens everything up.

A rather refreshing album. The impact of some of the harder-hitting political tracks is lost a bit on a second listen, but this was a pleasant surprise. Music and Politics, and The Winter of the Long Hot Summer were my favourites. Better than a 3, but not quite a 4 and rounding up is too generous.

This was a very political album which became a bit tiresome by the end. I did enjoy a lot of it but don't think I'd listen again. Television The Drug Of The Nation is by far the best track and I think that will be going on some of my playlists. It's pretty damning how some of the stuff he's rapping about from 1992 hasn't gotten any better today.

Not heard of these before but "television the drug of the nation" is pretty iconic and I knew that track. The best one too. I like the sound of his voice but I'm not convinced that most of it is as clever as it thinks it is. Some of the lyrics weren't great, bit repetitive Language of violence was quite the story Overall not bad but probably won't be listening again 3

nah

Liked the lyrics.

I was immediately skeptical of this just because of Michael Franti, who has long been the butt of many jokes between my friends and I. I had no idea he had anything to do with hip hop at all. This was really hard to find to listen to. 4 of the 13 tracks are not on streaming services, and had to turn to a YouTube playlist with the occasional ad interruption between songs. Not ideal. But... this was a pleasant surprise and felt relevant and right out of it's time. Very political and urgent. I dug it quite a bit.

This is *that* Michael Franti??