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AOI: Bionix
by
AOI: Bionix Image
Metascore
77

Generally favorable reviews - based on 15 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.5

Universal acclaim- based on 11 Ratings

  • Summary: The second installment in the "Art Official Intelligence" series (following 2000's 'Mosaic Thump') features the hit single "Baby Phat" and guest appearances from Slick Rick and Cypress Hill's B Real.

Top Track

Intro
(When I) (First heard) (Criminal) (Minded) (I was in...) (Damn, where was I?) (...seventh grade) (Battlin' this other emcee) (Smokin' a blunt and... See the rest of the song lyrics
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 15
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 15
  3. Negative: 0 out of 15
  1. Billboard
    90
    The trio's most complete effort since 1996's Stakes Is High.
  2. PopMatters
    90
    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.
  3. CDNow
    90
    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.
  4. Q Magazine
    80
    This really is a joy. [Dec 2001, p.121]
    All this publication's reviews
  5. Pitchfork
    78
    AOI:Bionix takes a belt sander to hip-hop's rougher edges, resulting in refinement, sophistication and undeniable accessibility.
  6. Spin
    70
    Fortunately, the old pros gel well often enough to keep things rolling -- with some help. [Jan 2002, p.107]
    All this publication's reviews
  7. Blender
    40
    The disconnect between their always gnarly syntax and the suede-buffed production drains the album's energy. [#4, p.116]
    All this publication's reviews

See all 15 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 5
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 5
  3. Negative: 0 out of 5
  1. DWah
    Apr 5, 2002
    10
    Desceptivley aggressive in it's attack on convention in music-industry refinement. Somewhat like a Lexus in the way it tethers raw power Desceptivley aggressive in it's attack on convention in music-industry refinement. Somewhat like a Lexus in the way it tethers raw power by delivering leveraged control deft reflexes and redundant comfort. I can even overlook the heavy moral under-tones. A spponful of sugar and all that.… Expand
  2. CCaRRCCaRR
    Feb 17, 2002
    9
    C'mon... Classic DeLa. Smoove samples, great 808 parts, The Reverend Do-Good. Headless Horsemen Weed. And TRYIN" (the last track)A Tribe C'mon... Classic DeLa. Smoove samples, great 808 parts, The Reverend Do-Good. Headless Horsemen Weed. And TRYIN" (the last track)A Tribe Called Quest Cover. If you like any DeLa then buy it you big scongilli head.… Expand
  4. Philw.
    Feb 9, 2002
    8
    Not as hooky as Mosaic Thump, but deep and soulful. The theme that keeps sneaking in - an adulthood well-rounded enough not to eschew Not as hooky as Mosaic Thump, but deep and soulful. The theme that keeps sneaking in - an adulthood well-rounded enough not to eschew adolescent pleasures when they are pleasurable - is as original in hip hop as the musical innovations they became famous for over a decade ago now were. And "Held Down" is as great a song - and sound - as they've ever released.… Expand
  5. LawrenceP
    May 9, 2004
    8
    A return to form.
  6. Jean-PaulM.
    Dec 20, 2001
    4
    Any De La Soul fan will feel that this is the weakest and most boring album they've ever put out. I had it for a week and tried my Any De La Soul fan will feel that this is the weakest and most boring album they've ever put out. I had it for a week and tried my hardest to like it. But I hust wasnt feeling it at all. Hell, I even like Mosaic Thump but theres no saving this one. … Expand

Awards & Rankings

77
#77 Best Album of 2001