Madvillainy
by Madvillain
User Score
8.9

Universal acclaim- based on 838 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 768 out of 838
  2. Mixed: 15 out of 838
  3. Negative: 55 out of 838

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  1. j30
    Sep 28, 2011
    9
    A very entertaining, inventive Hip-Hop album with no boundaries. Like nothing you've ever heard.
  2. Andremax
    Jul 10, 2018
    10
    Amazing album to beggining 'till the end. There's several textures in music's beats and consistent rymes that fit in the beat as an instrument.
  3. FruitJuice
    Aug 5, 2017
    9
    a masterpiece............................................................................................................................................................
  4. BIGMAN22
    Jul 18, 2015
    10
    a very sophisticated piece of work by MF Doom and Madlib. both are very incredible producers. I love the chemistry between these two. the production is mind blowing and the lyrical dexterity that doom brings makes it even better. a classic album by two of hip hops kings. true hip hop at its finest.
  5. ChiIIaoi
    Jul 19, 2023
    10
    Review só pra lembrar a nota que eu dei pro album:
    album mt bom, agora só escrever pra passar dos 75 caracteres.
  6. ihavevocaloid
    Jun 20, 2015
    9
    Was this made in 2004? I have a hard time believing it was. With its structure, amount of tracks, the length of those tracks, and the excessive sampling (which is not a bad thing) I wouldn't even be able to believe that if this had come out in 2015, it did. What makes Madvillainy especially special is that although it feels futuristic, it takes you through a flashback of the 20th century.Was this made in 2004? I have a hard time believing it was. With its structure, amount of tracks, the length of those tracks, and the excessive sampling (which is not a bad thing) I wouldn't even be able to believe that if this had come out in 2015, it did. What makes Madvillainy especially special is that although it feels futuristic, it takes you through a flashback of the 20th century. Though the structure, tracks, and use of sampling make it feel futuristic, the samples that they used makes Madvillainy seem like it could have been made in any year from 1900 to 2100. The originality of Madvillainy is one of the things that make it a classic. The other main thing that makes it a classic is Madlib's fantastic production. The samples are all executed brilliantly and Madlib brings his own vibe to them, which I specifically love. "Accordion" made me start banging my head instantly, and the layered production of this album reminds me of the production on My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy by Kanye West. I'm pretty sure that Madlib influenced Kanye very greatly. And the final piece of the puzzle is DOOM's lyricism. DOOM always spits dope rhyme after dope rhyme, and although he should definitely try to be more energetic so he doesn't come off as a boring rapper, I still think that Madvillainy would have been incomplete without Doom. I liked every song on here, except two. "Rainbows" was very weird, and although it was not terrible, it still ended up being my least favorite on the album with Doom's singing and the incomplete production (only being a sample). I didn't care for "Eye" that much either, but it was more because of the fact that DOOM wasn't on it than because it was a bad song. Overall, Madvillainy is a classic because of its production, lyricism and originality. Grade: A. Highlights: "Accordion", "Raid", "America's Most Blunted", "All Caps". Worst song: "Rainbows"… Expand
  7. Mesmerize
    Aug 9, 2016
    9
    9.5
    zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
  8. Shady313
    Apr 11, 2015
    10
    10/10 ................................................................................................................................................
  9. CordRafael
    Feb 17, 2022
    9
    so p deixar no perfil so p deixar no perfil so p deixar no perfil so p deixar no perfil
  10. Labarron
    Oct 29, 2011
    10
    One of the BEST hip-hop album of all time. I'm honored that I had the opportunity to listen and own this album. The album is genius! Madlib is a awesome producer and MF Doom, is an amazing rapper (and also a producer). Because of this album, I'm a big fan of Madvillian. Can't wait for their next album together!
  11. Gamesearcher1
    Aug 29, 2019
    8
    This album did something incredible. It made me like hip-hop. I hate the genre for its repetitiveness, its whiny ass vocalists and the usually terrible lyrics. But hell, I love a lot of this album.
    MF Doom certainly has a great voice, with an incredible flow. The other vocalists are quite nice also too, and I even like Quasimoto, even though he can get quite annoying.
    The beats are    This album did something incredible. It made me like hip-hop. I hate the genre for its repetitiveness, its whiny ass vocalists and the usually terrible lyrics. But hell, I love a lot of this album.
    MF Doom certainly has a great voice, with an incredible flow. The other vocalists are quite nice also too, and I even like Quasimoto, even though he can get quite annoying.
    The beats are great, and I adored some like "Raid" or "Meat Grinder", and Madlib manages to make even some instrumentals interesting. The sampling is done well, although it can be overdone on some songs which are just samples ("Do Not Fire!" and "The Illest Villains"). I wish there was a bit more of a jazz influence because it's done well on songs like "Rainbows".
    At 22 tracks this album flows surprisingly well, and telling different tracks apart, which for me in hip-hop is hard, was incredibly easy. Some of the songs were kind of dull, though,
    And I'd be remiss to not mention the impeccable writing of DOOM, and looking at all the rhyming schemes he establishes in almost every song is just breathtaking, and he manages to pack in so many interesting stories into them as well.
    Overall, everyone can love this album if I can. It's very entertaining and holds some of the best songs I've heard in the entire genre. I expect this to grow on me as I see more of what this genre holds.
    Favourites: Meat Grinder, America's Most Blunted, All Caps, Raid
    Least Favourites: The Illest Villains, Do Not Fire!, Great Day    … Expand
  12. Daniel_B
    Mar 21, 2015
    10
    Madvillainy is one of the top five rap albums of all time, no question. Doom's wordplay is intimidatingly dense, and the album is almost entirely free of hooks. Madlib's producing is the best it's ever been and pulled from all kinds of different sources. Accordion, Meat Grinder, Raid, Curls, Shadows of Tomorrow, Figaro, Strange Ways, Fancy Clown, ALL CAPS, and Rhinestone Cowboy are allMadvillainy is one of the top five rap albums of all time, no question. Doom's wordplay is intimidatingly dense, and the album is almost entirely free of hooks. Madlib's producing is the best it's ever been and pulled from all kinds of different sources. Accordion, Meat Grinder, Raid, Curls, Shadows of Tomorrow, Figaro, Strange Ways, Fancy Clown, ALL CAPS, and Rhinestone Cowboy are all individually brilliant, but the whole album is a 46 minute long high point.… Expand
  13. Diego_19
    Jan 31, 2023
    9
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  14. r0tan0rtan
    Oct 24, 2013
    10
    I was going to write a review on the albums 10th anniversary, but I just couldn't wait. After almost 10 years, Madvillainy has etched itself in the history of underground hip hop and is truly a classic to hip hop listeners who appreciate very complex rhyme schemes and carefully put together production. MF DOOM (remember all caps) covers an incredibly large range of topics, and each of hisI was going to write a review on the albums 10th anniversary, but I just couldn't wait. After almost 10 years, Madvillainy has etched itself in the history of underground hip hop and is truly a classic to hip hop listeners who appreciate very complex rhyme schemes and carefully put together production. MF DOOM (remember all caps) covers an incredibly large range of topics, and each of his very clever verses are backed up perfectly by individually unique beats by Madlib. Even Madlib and his alter ego, 'Quasimoto' step in to help the Villain on the lyrics (see: America's Most Blunted, Shadows of Tomorrow). It's hard for me to put into words how great this album is, and writing a 'favourite tracks' list would be silly since this album is perfect to me, but I will name the songs that I think show both Madlib's and DOOM's skills at each their own position: Accordion, Meat Grinder, Curls, Figaro, Strange Ways, All Caps, Great Day, Rhinestone Cowboy.… Expand
  15. thugnificent2
    Mar 9, 2013
    10
    this album might be great to you if you're into weird rap, but if you're a fan of all types of rap, this will just seem good, songs like all caps are gems
  16. simonsays
    Jun 14, 2013
    9
    I don't even know why I'm bothering to review this, everyone should know by now how great this thing is, Seriously, I've yet to hear another hip-hop album as creative (while also being consistently catchy and crisp) quite like this one
  17. BetterOffDead_
    May 14, 2014
    10
    excellent album, great production by madlib great flow by doom. the best abstract hip hop in my opinion.. track after track doom stays consistent, the skits on this thing fit in well this was a game changer back in 04
  18. Joyasanactofres
    Aug 17, 2022
    10
    Doom's rhymes and flow in this album are on a whole other level. Madlib's production is great too and matches these songs. I like the cartoony sketches and interludes here and there in the album, they give this album a lotta character.
  19. Beats
    Aug 14, 2010
    10
    This is one of the greatest albums, rap/indie wise, possibly ever. Its so well built from instrumentals to lyrical this album is a classic in my opinion. Accordion is one of the best songs on the album and can be taken in to context as one of the best rap songs in the past ten years and possibly of all time. M.F. Doom and Madlib create such a masterpiece that it will have your mind blownThis is one of the greatest albums, rap/indie wise, possibly ever. Its so well built from instrumentals to lyrical this album is a classic in my opinion. Accordion is one of the best songs on the album and can be taken in to context as one of the best rap songs in the past ten years and possibly of all time. M.F. Doom and Madlib create such a masterpiece that it will have your mind blown away from the first minute to the last. Definite buy for any indie lover or rap lover. You will never be the same again after you listen to this work of art… Expand
  20. charlesobrien
    Sep 8, 2012
    9
    Fantastic album which has stood the testament of almost a decade. MF Doom continues to release unprecedented rhymes over classic Madlib instrumentals. A true hip-hop classic.
  21. willemb98
    Feb 9, 2021
    10
    It is quite simply one of the greatest rap albums of all time, no more needs to be said. RIP MF DOOM
  22. okbuddyjosh
    Jan 19, 2021
    10
    Deserving of all the praise as it is easily one of the best hip hop albums of all time. DOOM and Madlib have incredible chemistry throughout the entirety of the album. DOOM delivers witty and intricate verse one after another and shows why he is truly a unique rapper. Madlib makes incredible beats; often sampling insanely obscure stuff such as commercials. While it can be criticized forDeserving of all the praise as it is easily one of the best hip hop albums of all time. DOOM and Madlib have incredible chemistry throughout the entirety of the album. DOOM delivers witty and intricate verse one after another and shows why he is truly a unique rapper. Madlib makes incredible beats; often sampling insanely obscure stuff such as commercials. While it can be criticized for not really having a song that is clearly better than the rest, this just further shows how great every song on this album is.… Expand
  23. Faugustas
    May 1, 2021
    9
    Doom is great on this one as always, Madlib is great like always as well. This is everything one should look for in a Hip-Hop record.
  24. BigDJohnWick
    Aug 31, 2021
    9
    In this villainous project, Madlib gives us out insane production with insanely good samples, melodies and drums, MF Doom does his usual, gives out verses with really good rhyme schemes, wordplay and not repetitive lyrics. A must listen,
  25. knoxvox
    Jan 18, 2014
    10
    I can't believe it! Almost 10 years after this album came out, it's only recently that I finally get it! I was one of the people who was interested (in major part due to all the amazing reviews it was getting) but didn't "get it". I tried, but for whatever reason it never clicked w me. Well that's changed. It's incredible! To hear this album properly, play it through some really goodI can't believe it! Almost 10 years after this album came out, it's only recently that I finally get it! I was one of the people who was interested (in major part due to all the amazing reviews it was getting) but didn't "get it". I tried, but for whatever reason it never clicked w me. Well that's changed. It's incredible! To hear this album properly, play it through some really good headphones. Any doubt will be erased. It's an all-time classic! So check it out - it's aged really well & still sounds like nothing else.… Expand
  26. Thonyo
    Jan 6, 2023
    10
    Esse álbum é extremamente bem produzido e divertido de se escutar, nenhuma canção deixa de ter seu brilho individual, cada uma possui uma atmosfera e sonoridade incríveis! Um ótimo trabalho da dupla. Descanse em paz DOOM.
  27. MonkeMan
    Apr 6, 2022
    10
    MF DOOM is one of the best lyricists ever and this album is great proof. He spits so much fire it’s actually nuts. Madlib brings some of my favorite beats ever with tracks like meat grinder and accordion. Only the mad villain himself could make these beats work with his nasty flows and stellar rhymes. Some of DOOMs best work, may he rest in piece.
  28. zachym11
    Oct 13, 2020
    10
    That's why he brings his own needles
    And get more cheese than Doritos, Cheetos or Fritos
    Slip like Freudian
    Your first and last step to playin' yourself like accordion
  29. Macklee
    Feb 11, 2022
    10
    Listen to this pleasant, beautiful album nearly every week on cassette. both beautiful instrumentation and lyricism from DOOM, a true master of sticky lyricism
  30. raphred
    Jul 13, 2012
    10
    This is where true rap and hip-hop is. This is what most rap artists are missing. Originality. It has it's own independent style in the lyrically and production department. Perfection, literally...
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Awards & Rankings

3
#3 Best Album of 2004
7
#7 Most Discussed Album of 2004
7
#7 Most Shared Album of 2004

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
93

Universal acclaim - based on 20 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 20 out of 20
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 20
  3. Negative: 0 out of 20
  1. Tiny Mix Tapes
    90
    A dizzying synergy of heavy brains and chemistry, culminating in blissfully fun, irreverent, and engaging brand of record-making magic.
    Read full review
  2. Mojo
    90
    The wily creativity on display here is astonishing. [Jun 2004, p.114]
  3. Austin Chronicle
    89
    Not only does it capture the unstructured verse of a masked maniac within a sheer net of plausibility, it parades his inner dementia among instrumental adornments of the highest order.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »