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Book of Ryan
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Book of Ryan Image
Metascore
84

Universal acclaim - based on 5 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.4

Universal acclaim- based on 41 Ratings

  • Summary: The seventh full-length studio release for the rapper features guest appearances from Agent Sasco, Marsha Ambrosius, Boogie, Chavis Chandler, J. Cole, Eminem, Fabolous, Robert Glasper, Jadakiss, King Green, Pusha T, Melanie Rutherford, Ashley Sorrell, and T-Pain.
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 5
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 5
  3. Negative: 0 out of 5
  1. HipHopDX
    Jun 11, 2018
    90
    Book Of Ryan continues a four-year, six-album streak of top-tier lyricism, with noted personal and artistic growth in the process. His 2018 output will not only earn him noted respect as one of the best lyricists of the year but in rap as a whole.
  2. Exclaim
    Jun 11, 2018
    90
    Book of Ryan is a welcome origin story, an issue zero that leaves no stone unturned.
  3. RapReviews.com
    Aug 27, 2018
    85
    By providing a cinematic narrative throughout, Royce proves that he is more than a one-trick-pony witty lyricist. He's introspective and not afraid of laying down confessional lyrics.
  4. XXL
    Jun 11, 2018
    80
    The album does start to feel the weight of having 21 tracks at times, but little overstays its welcome. Even 20 years into his career, Royce maintains his reputation as one of hip-hop's premier rappers by releasing his most affecting work yet.
  5. PopMatters
    Jun 11, 2018
    70
    While the tracklist drags on a bit on Book of Ryan, the discussions of dysfunctional family life ("Power") and mental illness ("Strong Friend") are heavy and worthwhile topics. Royce doesn't sacrifice energy for message either. "Summer on Lock", "Caterpillar", "Legendary", and others are fiery bursts of boom bap and trap which show that at nearly 41, Royce is not slowing down.

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 7
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 7
  3. Negative: 0 out of 7
  1. Shenossih
    Mar 24, 2020
    10
    He imprinted his name on hip-hop and the game. Now when someone asks you what has 5'9" done that people like him so much, you play that personHe imprinted his name on hip-hop and the game. Now when someone asks you what has 5'9" done that people like him so much, you play that person this album. He made a classic album with being 20 years in his career like damn. Respect.… Expand
  2. Connorcox1997
    Mar 27, 2019
    10
    Royce da 5"9" Seventh album "Book of Ryan" is one of my top ten best Hip Hop albums of 2018. Everything about this album is incredible. IRoyce da 5"9" Seventh album "Book of Ryan" is one of my top ten best Hip Hop albums of 2018. Everything about this album is incredible. I loved the production on the album, loved all the songs, and the features on the album are on fire. Royce da 5"9" flows, bars, and his storytelling ability on this album are fantastic. "Book of Ryan" is one of the best albums of Royce da 5"9"s career. This album is a must listen. 10/10… Expand
  4. ViTRiFY
    Jan 22, 2020
    10
    Wow. This is album without a doubt is a classic. Great story telling and lyrics that just touch your soul.
  5. PuffFishTorch28
    Jul 3, 2018
    9
    One of my favorite albums to come out this year. The writing and production are made for each other and the record as a whole is comprised ofOne of my favorite albums to come out this year. The writing and production are made for each other and the record as a whole is comprised of powerful and deep lyricism that shows Royce's talents as a storyteller and as a raw emcee bar for bar. It's clear the amount of time and care that went into this project based on the quality and the amount of detail on every level from the engineering down to the execution of each bar. Will go down in history as a classic. 9/10… Expand
  6. Kirixa
    Feb 26, 2020
    9
    Great music, beautiful storytelling. Incredibly sincere and heartfelt. I wish more albums would give such an in-depth look in artists' backgrounds.
  7. nbro
    Jan 24, 2020
    9
    This is a very enjoyable hip-hop album. One of the best I've listened to in the last years.
  8. thedaywalker
    Jun 15, 2018
    8
    This is the best rap album i've heard in 2018.

    Always liked Royce and thought he really deserves to be recognized with one of the best, and    This is the best rap album i've heard in 2018.

    Always liked Royce and thought he really deserves to be recognized with one of the best, and he truly doesn't disappoint with this album.

    If it's going back to his roots or just talking about the state of rap today, Royce hits hard every point he wants to make.

    His flow is always great, and lyrically he's one of the best out there right now.

    Favorite songs: Caterpillar,God Speed, Dumb, Amazing, Power, Summer on Lock, Boblo Boat
    Least Favorite songs: Cocaine, Life is fair, Anything/Everything, Caterpillar Remix    … Expand

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