- Critic score
- Publication
- By date
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AOI:Bionix takes a belt sander to hip-hop's rougher edges, resulting in refinement, sophistication and undeniable accessibility.
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UncutDe La still think and sound like no one else. [Feb 2002, p.114]
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De La Soul returns to classic form relishing their status as one of hip-hop's longest running acts and flaunting their roles as hip-hop's cerebral older brothers.
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Q MagazineThis really is a joy. [Dec 2001, p.121]
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Loose, relaxed, and enormously enjoyable.
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SpinFortunately, the old pros gel well often enough to keep things rolling -- with some help. [Jan 2002, p.107]
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Entertainment WeeklyThey again raise consciousness while sticking to the same funky musical path they forged on their 1989 debut. [7 Dec 2001, p.104]
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The WireThe new, mature De La means traditional pop over brash artistry, religion over irony, and conformity over the extraordinary. [#215, p.59]
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BlenderThe disconnect between their always gnarly syntax and the suede-buffed production drains the album's energy. [#4, p.116]
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The trio's most complete effort since 1996's Stakes Is High.
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'Bionix' has definitely been released at the wrong time of year: it's got chilled summer vibes written all over it.
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UrbIt simply doesn't satisfy. [#90, p.115]
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Gone are the hippy, dippy platitudes of their do-good daisy age; replaced by the most bullish beats, the snakiest rhymes and the overwhelming sensation that you're listening to the undiluted thoughts of the three most intelligent men in hip-hop.
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An album that's as complex and mature as De La Soul has ever done, but also smooth, polished, and downright soulful enough to capture a whole new audience for these enduring hip-hop legends.
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Bionix continues the party that began on the first AOI volume, Mosaic Thump, but without the endless collaborations that made that album feel forced.
Awards & Rankings
User score distribution:
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Positive: 10 out of 11
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Mixed: 1 out of 11
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Negative: 0 out of 11
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LawrencePMay 9, 2004A return to form.
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DWahApr 5, 2002
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CCaRRCCaRRFeb 17, 2002