Ill Manors
by Plan B
  • Record Label: Atlantic
  • Release Date: Aug 21, 2012
Metascore
83

Universal acclaim - based on 14 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 14
  3. Negative: 0 out of 14
  1. The Telegraph (UK)
    Jul 20, 2012
    100
    On a production level, this album is cutting-edge, on a lyrical level it is brutally brilliant. It will melt your ears and your heart.
  2. RapReviews.com
    Oct 30, 2012
    90
    Ill Manors, depressing, blunt and provocative, fulfills one of rap music's most noble tasks--to touch the sore spots.
  3. The Independent on Sunday (UK)
    Jul 23, 2012
    90
    This is one of the most exhilarating albums of the year.
  5. musicOMH.com
    Sep 21, 2012
    80
    Ill Manors is visionary, it's bold, but most importantly it's very good.
  6. Mojo
    Sep 19, 2012
    80
    It's a punishing listen certain to prove divisive among his fan base. [Oct 2012, p.95]
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  7. Spin
    Sep 11, 2012
    80
    Obviously, hip-hop loves its thugs, too, especially if they're the antiheroes of a relatively nuanced piece like this one.
  8. AllMusic
    Aug 21, 2012
    80
    Solid, purposeful, and crafted in a manner that betrays both Drew's age and the album's hurried road to release, Ill Manors makes heavy-hitter number three for the rapper, suggesting that Plan B doesn't issue albums, just milestones.
  9. Q Magazine
    Aug 20, 2012
    80
    Drew's work is lyrically dense and confrontational, but the music is blissfully rich and specious. [Sep 2012, p.100]
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  10. Drowned In Sound
    Jul 30, 2012
    80
    After this confrontational opening ditty, Ill Manors becomes less overtly political but no less vivid, as the remaining tracks depict in gruesome detail the dismal lives of London's underclass.
  11. New Musical Express (NME)
    Jul 24, 2012
    80
    These songs contain the record's protest element as well as its exemplary musicality: heartbreaking soul choruses, classical samples and '80s rocksteady rhythms.
  12. The Observer (UK)
    Jul 23, 2012
    80
    A fierce polemic that impresses and frustrates in equal measure.
  13. The Guardian
    Jul 20, 2012
    80
    It's packed with neat touches.
  14. The Independent (UK)
    Jul 20, 2012
    80
    Plan B acquits himself remarkably well here.

Awards & Rankings

56
#56 Best Album of 2012

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.4

Universal acclaim- based on 37 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 30 out of 37
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 37
  3. Negative: 2 out of 37
  1. hiphop97
    Jul 9, 2013
    10
    Perfect album. The production and lyrics are amazing. The albums message is clear. The album was made to shock and it certainly did that. SpotPerfect album. The production and lyrics are amazing. The albums message is clear. The album was made to shock and it certainly did that. Spot on 10/10… Full Review »
  2. chr1so
    May 13, 2014
    10
    One of the few albums I can listen to over & over, and never get bored. So many standout tracks that all capture the dark & grimy moodOne of the few albums I can listen to over & over, and never get bored. So many standout tracks that all capture the dark & grimy mood brilliantly. 2nd best album of 2012 after Good Kid M.a.a.d City.… Full Review »
  3. Marmanhollow
    Sep 6, 2012
    9
    This is a really good album. Masterfully produced. Ben Drew can both rap and sing on the same high level. This dude ha some serious talent!
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