I don't think there's a collection of songs more immaculately-written than that of MBDTF, every song is a killer, it's a prog-hip hop album with many odes to chamber music, to electronic music, to folktronica, to old school rap. Its maximalism is constructed carefully to pull off the concept Kanye is pushing which is "I'm an asshole and I know it and I'm gonna make it my job to make my art reflective of that"

Definitely very good? I like it ... Dope opening track, All of the Lights, Monster, Devil in a New Dress n that sick verse from Rick Ross , even the last few songs kick, Hell of a Life, Blame Game n that odd n hilarious outro w/ Chris Rock (I gotta thank Yeezy! ), not 2 mention sum of Ye's best lyrics .

It may be considered a modern classic. Took a minute to grow on me (I didnt like Monster much but now I dig it). There are some extremely thought out production skills and lyrics.

It's impressive, but no.

For my that title will forever belong to:

It Takes A Nation Of Millions To Hold Us Back

.

.

[Edited 6/28/18 10:52am]

NAS - ILLMATIC

Hell No... 2 good songs...So Appalled ...Devil In A New Dress...the rest is garbage

StrangeButTrue said:

Its in the pantheon top 50

MY TOP 6

NAS - ILLMATIC

NO PARTICULAR ORDER

PUBLIC ENEMY - IT TAKES A NATION OF MILLIONS TO HOLD US BACK

NWA - STRAIGHT OUTTA COMPTON

DR DRE - THE CHRONIC

REDMAN - MUDDY WATERS

TUPAC - ALL EYES ON ME

[Edited 6/29/18 4:18am]

If you're into that style of hip-hop it's definitely be up there. For years it did nothing for me but i've been coming around to it recently, which is an interesting change in my taste. To rate it over or beneath hip hop masterpieces from 15, 20, 30 years before it is a bit pointless.

namepeace said:

It's impressive, but no.

For my that title will forever belong to:

It Takes A Nation Of Millions To Hold Us Back

which happend to turn 30 years just yesterday

30.... (!!)
this sounds unreal

jaawwnn said:

If you're into that style of hip-hop it's definitely be up there. For years it did nothing for me but i've been coming around to it recently, which is an interesting change in my taste. To rate it over or beneath hip hop masterpieces from 15, 20, 30 years before it is a bit pointless.

Right like whats better Aretha Franklin "I Never Loved A Man" or "Dangerous" by MJ lol. Different eras...times...styles.

As a fan of Kanye's early work, I believe it to be Kanye's best. Sonically interesting on different tracks and he sounded as if he had something to prove after 808 & Heartbreak (which I also liked).

I always thought Monster would have worked better on Watch the Throne due to the Jay Z connection there. Also having Jay on So Apalled the track after seemed a bit redundant.

Good album throughout though.

Dancelot said:

namepeace said:

It's impressive, but no.

For my that title will forever belong to:

It Takes A Nation Of Millions To Hold Us Back

which happend to turn 30 years just yesterday

30.... (!!)
this sounds unreal

Still sounds cutting edge today.

namepeace said:

It's impressive, but no.

For my that title will forever belong to:

It Takes A Nation Of Millions To Hold Us Back

Fear Of A Black Planet is crazy too. I was actually surprised at how good some of PE's post 90's shit

sounds. If you haven't given it a listen. Please do.

phunkdaddy said:

namepeace said:

It's impressive, but no.

For my that title will forever belong to:

It Takes A Nation Of Millions To Hold Us Back

Fear Of A Black Planet is crazy too. I was actually surprised at how good some of PE's post 90's shit

sounds. If you haven't given it a listen. Please do.

Fear was arguably even more radical than Nation.

You're right, their shelf life lasted beyond the 90s.

A good film to go with the album as well

Shawy89 said:

I don't think there's a collection of songs more immaculately-written than that of MBDTF, every song is a killer, it's a prog-hip hop album with many odes to chamber music, to electronic music, to folktronica, to old school rap. Its maximalism is constructed carefully to pull off the concept Kanye is pushing which is "I'm an asshole and I know it and I'm gonna make it my job to make my art reflective of that"

One of two things: A.) You haven't heard very many hip-hop albums or B.) a serious Kanye stan.

Romeoblu said:

No. Gold Nigga is.