Timeless is one word to describe DMX’s …And Then There Was X. Having sold over 5 million copies since its release in 1999, few Hip Hop fans would disagree as there isn’t a bad song to be heard on this Grammy-nominated album; well, the skits do alter the flow of the album and while some are hilariously done, I’ve always felt they detract more than they enhance a body of work.
Listening to …And Then There Was X via Apple Music and TIDAL Hi-Fi, the latter is preferred, but only slightly, as you get a greater sense of presence from the CD-quality stream. I don’t want to overstate it as it is a minor difference and those of you using Apple Music will enjoy that edition, but as I intend to find the very best editions of the albums I love, in this case, the TIDAL Hi-Fi stream reigns supreme. While I don’t have a physical copy of this landmark release, a vinyl reissue was released in 2016 that, at the very least, would be interesting to pick up as I’ve always adored Hip Hop via vinyl as the styling is perfectly suited to getting the most out of the format; provided it is mastered correctly of course.
The Kennel (Skit) isn’t the worst opening to an album I’ve ever heard but thankfully it flows well into One More Road To Cross.
One More Road To Cross is where …And Then There Was X really begins for me. It has a killer rhythm and the lyrical component is perfectly paced. Yes, dear reader, I don’t generally appreciate music for its literal interpretation and therefore I class the vocal as an instrument rather than a storytelling device. I know that may be counterintuitive when listening to Hip Hop as it is a genre that is very story-driven, but that just isn’t how I enjoy music.
The Professional shifts the tempo a little, but The Professional is magnificently smooth. It’s toe-tapping and head-bopping gold!
Fame is a great tune, worthy of pumping the volume for.
A Lot To Learn (Skit) isn’t a bad skit but as I mentioned earlier, I feel they interrupt the flow of the album even if they do blend well into the corresponding track.
Here We Go Again is interesting. I have a love/hate opinion of Here We Go Again and it changes depending on my mood. Sometimes I get into the groove and thoroughly enjoy the song, yet at other times I feel the hook is a little disjointed and campy.
Party Up is a killer tune. However, while it is likely the most well-known song from …And Then There Was X, I feel it has started to sound a little dated and I, therefore, wouldn’t class it as one of the best songs on the album but as a single it’s gold.
Make A Move has an incredible musical element that is simply hypnotic. I love it!
What These Bitches Want is Hip Hop 101. A killer rhythm, an addictive hook, and an explicit lyrical delivery; sometimes that is all you need!
What’s My Name works well within the album context, but this isn’t a song you’d seek out on its own or add to a playlist.
More 2 A Song has an off-beat presentation that shouldn’t work, but it does.
Don’t You Ever is a great tune. Repetitive, yes, but thoroughly entertaining!
The Shakedown (Skit) is the worst skit on the album. Thankfully I don’t class skits as songs and therefore my aforementioned statement that there isn’t a bad song to be heard on …And Then There Was X remains true.
D-X-L (Hard White) is a great tune with an almost Rocky-inspired backing sample.
Comin’ For Ya is brilliant!
Prayer III needs no commentary for all you need to do is listen.
Angel (Featuring Regina Bell) is the best song on the album. Regina Bell has a divine voice and this is one song that I could listen to on repeat indefinitely as I never tire of it.
Good Girls, Bad Guys is a solid closer but I may have concluded the album with Angel instead.
…And Then There Was X is a true masterpiece and one that I find so compelling that when I choose to listen to it, you can guarantee it will be playing on repeat for the rest of the day.