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Cheat Codes
by
Cheat Codes Image
Metascore
83

Universal acclaim - based on 17 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.4

Universal acclaim- based on 47 Ratings

  • Artist(s): Black Thought
  • Summary: The debut full-length release for the collaboration between The Roots' Black Thought and Danger Mouse features guest appearances from A$AP Rocky, Dylan Cartlidge, Conway the Machine, Joey Bada$$, Kid Sister, Michael Kiwanuka, MF DOOM, Raekwon, Run The Jewels, and Russ.
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 17
  3. Negative: 0 out of 17
  1. The Observer (UK)
    Aug 15, 2022
    100
    You could dismiss Cheat Codes as dad rap, but this record is absolute joy from end to end.
  2. Glide Magazine
    Aug 11, 2022
    90
    The chemistry shared between The Roots vocalist and Danger Mouse on Cheat Codes is so high caliber that it’s almost impossible to believe the two artists walk amongst the common man. The term “God Level” is thrown around a bit within the hip-hop community, and once people hear Cheat Codes, that saying is going to have a new definition.
  3. RapReviews.com
    Aug 23, 2022
    90
    There are those who employ cheat codes just for the hell of it. Lyrically and musically, Black Thought and Danger Mouse used theirs here to get one up on their peers in their respective mediums.
  4. Exclaim
    Aug 10, 2022
    80
    Cheat Codes stands as Black Thought's most fully fleshed-out and accessible non-Roots project to date. Despite not veering too far outside his comfort zone or breaking any new ground, it holds the perfect blend of accessibility and complexity, supported by an energetic cast of guests.
  5. Uncut
    Aug 10, 2022
    80
    Cheat Codes finds Danger Mouse rolling with a new lyrical foil and this one feels like it could run and run. [Sep 2022, p.22]
  6. Beats Per Minute
    Aug 12, 2022
    78
    Cheat Codes captures the glory of rap’s classic era and brings it to the present through thick mesmerizing samples and the rapper’s incredible vernacular.
  7. The Wire
    Aug 17, 2022
    60
    Danger Mouse constructs decorative, melodic beats that don’t really bang, resulting in a hazy, slightly funky and psychedelic quality reminiscent of late 1960s pop. ... It’s frustrating to see him [Black Thought] shut off that aspect of his creativity in favour of “bars as hard as Angola’s”. ... Cheat Codes is compelling enough, but one wonders where it’s all going. [Sep 2022, p.42]
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See all 17 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 14
  3. Negative: 0 out of 14
  1. JulesMar
    Aug 16, 2022
    10
    This album is a breath of fresh air in the hip-hop genre right now. Danger Mouse's funky beats mix perfectly with Black Thought's flow. I alsoThis album is a breath of fresh air in the hip-hop genre right now. Danger Mouse's funky beats mix perfectly with Black Thought's flow. I also really enjoyed the guest appearances.
    Bottom line is this: if you're tired of the same auto-tuned mumble rap stuff that is out there, and want to hear some REAL hip-hop, then this album will deliver ten times over.    … Expand
  2. Pokeyplays
    Apr 17, 2023
    10
    Creative and unique editing with fantastic lyrics and flows there is not a low point on this entire album.
  4. storrey
    Aug 24, 2022
    10
    Great album! These guys did a great collab. Awesome beats by Dangermouse and nice flow from Black Thought. The guests are enpointe as well.Great album! These guys did a great collab. Awesome beats by Dangermouse and nice flow from Black Thought. The guests are enpointe as well. Aquamarine is the standout for me. Gold Teeth is great as well.… Expand
  5. Bruhs
    Aug 25, 2022
    9
    This is a fantastic album. This album is giving of old-school Hip-Hop vibes, with Danger Mouse incredible beats, samples and Black Though 'sThis is a fantastic album. This album is giving of old-school Hip-Hop vibes, with Danger Mouse incredible beats, samples and Black Though 's insane bars and flow. Overall its a great album from top to toe.… Expand
  6. EvanKilter
    Aug 16, 2022
    9
    This album is an insane listen. Danger Mouse is on a different level through out the entire album. Black Thought is right on the money andThis album is an insane listen. Danger Mouse is on a different level through out the entire album. Black Thought is right on the money and this is an album too look out for.… Expand
  7. ChiIIaoi
    Jul 19, 2023
    9
    Review só pra lembrar a nota que eu dei pro album:
    album mt bom, agora só escrever pra passar dos 75 caracteres.
  8. Jetcer
    Mar 31, 2023
    7
    It's not a perfect album, but damn it's great. I love black thoughts rapping style and flow, a real OG. Also, Danger Mouse's production is onIt's not a perfect album, but damn it's great. I love black thoughts rapping style and flow, a real OG. Also, Danger Mouse's production is on point on this album. He really made the beats that fit black thoughts style. There are not that many features on the album but where there are, they fit in perfectly. Didn't think asap Rocky would match so well with this. I love it, my favourite song is "Because" the sample is amazing and love the verses. All together a well and fantastically put together album… Expand

See all 14 User Reviews

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Awards & Rankings

61
#61 Most Discussed Album of 2022