If There's a Hell Below
by Black Milk
Metascore
77

Generally favorable reviews - based on 7 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 7
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 7
  3. Negative: 0 out of 7
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  1. Exclaim
    Oct 29, 2014
    90
    It's the layering and attention to detail on these tracks that further reaffirms that Black Milk is now firmly in his own lane.
  2. HipHopDX
    Oct 29, 2014
    80
    The album captures a swath of moods and tastes, and Black Milk’s lyrics are both imaginative and well-executed. The production is on the money, and he continues to make big strides lyrically.
  3. Consequence
    Oct 30, 2014
    75
    For better or worse, there are no hits here, but where the album lacks in mass memorability it more than makes up for in craftsmanship--a career highlight from an artist whose focus only improves with age.
  5. RapReviews.com
    Oct 29, 2014
    75
    Even with Black Milk's limits as a rapper, If There's a Hell Below is a solid album. Black Milk nails the line between being retro and forward-thinking, between street and backpack, between nostalgia and honesty.
  6. Pitchfork
    Oct 29, 2014
    73
    He’s constantly halving the distance to his target, getting closer but not quite getting there. But those infinitesimal improvements on Hell Below--indeed, the very places where it remains static--show, in some ways, what that Ideal Album might look like.
  7. AllMusic
    Oct 31, 2014
    70
    Sense of purpose gets eclipsed by sense of self on If There's a Hell Below, but Black Milk deserves to ride the vibe of his previous work more than most. Consider this a returning fan's album, and then go about becoming one.
  8. XXL
    Oct 29, 2014
    60
    Black Milk’s versatility shines on Hell Below, even if at times some parts felt disjointed. This is a small complaint for an overall album that culminates in the talented musician effectively communicating a consistent concept through the LP.

User Reviews

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User Score
7.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 11 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 11
  3. Negative: 1 out of 11
  1. BIGMAN22
    Jul 25, 2016
    9
    black milk after all these years maintains his crisp production occasionally mixing it up and trying new things. on this album he gathers theblack milk after all these years maintains his crisp production occasionally mixing it up and trying new things. on this album he gathers the likes of Bun B, Blu and Pete rock for the ride. another enjoyable album from one of Detroit's finest producers. loved it a lot.… Full Review »
  2. Daniel_B
    May 22, 2015
    8
    Enjoyable record. It starts out strong with Everyday Was, the album's best track.
    After that, it falls off a bit, but still has great songs    Enjoyable record. It starts out strong with Everyday Was, the album's best track.
    After that, it falls off a bit, but still has great songs in Leave the Bones Behind (with a great feature by Blu), Scum, and Story and Her.
    The production is the high point for sure, but the lyrics are good, and the features are on-point (he even brings in Pete Rock and Bun B). Definitely worth a listen.    … Full Review »
  3. geedup
    Oct 30, 2014
    7
    I've been slow to discover Black Milk for myself, within the past year. Having caught up on his catalog I can say this album sounds like anI've been slow to discover Black Milk for myself, within the past year. Having caught up on his catalog I can say this album sounds like an experimental EP with the length of an regular LP. As always B Milk has his own style, where his selection of beats is 2nd to none and his lyrics on point. However this LP was not something I liked too much. I wanted that rugged Royce 5'9" collabo type *ish but got much less. his lyriucs save this thing form bottoming out for me. Get back on the grind Black cuz' this LP ain't about sh*t… Full Review »
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