Rap Rankings

Moulz & Mel

Listening to, discussing, rating and ranking every album in hip-hop history. Yes, every album. Brought to you by Moulz & Mel. read less

Our Editor's Take

The Rap Rankings podcast shares its impressive goal of ranking every rap album with listeners. Cohosts Melvin Burch (Mel) and Ly Moula (Moulz) are the hosts of the show. Both are musicians who met in a fan community for rapper Charles Hamilton. They modeled their format after The Lapsed Fan podcast. Their critiques are lengthy and detailed. Their review of Drake's So Far Gone is a two-part, thirteen-hour discussion. Their humor, sound effects, and knowledge make the hours feel short. The hosts added RAB Express condensed episodes in season ten. Mel and Moulz keep a rankings board on their website. They welcome listeners' input.

The podcast's rating system is intricate. The hosts rate each song on a scale of one to ten. They give albums three ratings. The takeaway rating is the percentage of songs that scored a seven or higher. The average rating is the sum of the scores divided by the highest possible score. The weighted rating is the sum of the takeaway rating and the average rating divided by two. The hosts then combine their weighted ratings and divide them by two for the definitive rating. There are special designations for high-ranking albums. Listeners learn which album they awarded with their top status before episode one.

The podcast hosts say debating music is what they enjoy most. Moulz calls the beat "bulky" on Kanye West's (Ye's) "Stronger," despite it having been remixed 75 times. Mel asserts that Moulz might dance at a party if "Stronger" played. Moulz replies that he wouldn't go to a party that played that song. Listeners learn which Run-D.M.C. song they consider "un-impeachable" despite disliking it. They disagree on rappers Father and Raekwon and Jay-Z's 4:44 album. They agree on other great music. A different Jay-Z album scored a 100 percent takeaway rating from Mel and 92 from Moulz.

Listeners can join their debates each Wednesday on Rap Rankings.

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"The Old From The New" Review (from Rap Rankings: Mixtape Reviews E41 - Styles P, Ghost That Sat By The Door)

"The Old From The New" Review (from Rap Rankings: Mixtape Reviews E41 - Styles P, Ghost That Sat By The Door)

Styles P's "The Old From The New" leads Moulz & Mel down the road of hip-hop songs sampling Prince's "Starfish And Coffee" during their Patreon-exclusive review of Ghost That Sat By The Door.Full episode: https://www.patreon.com/posts/rap-rankings-e41-102479371

Episodes

Rap Rankings: RAB Intermission E04 - Slum Village, Detroit Deli (A Taste Of Detroit)

Rap Rankings: RAB Intermission E04 - Slum Village, Detroit Deli (A Taste Of Detroit)

The group's lineup has changed since the last time Moulz & Mel reviewed Slum Village, so they're here to find out just how much the flavor's changed on Detroit Deli (A Taste Of Detroit). -------------------------- Intro (0:00) -- The Rating System, Explained (10:28 - 13:09) -- I Was Fuckin' Trippin' (44:28) -- Detroit Deli (A Taste Of Detroit) Info (57:05) -- Track 1: "Zoom" (1:23:24) -- Track 2: "Do You" (1:39:50) -- Track 3: "Dirty" (1:57:06) -- Track 4: "Late 80's Skit" (2:07:32) -- Track 5: "Selfish" (2:10:44) -- Track 6: "Closer" (2:49:53) -- Track 7: "Old Girl/Shining Star" (3:25:50) -- Track 8: "Keep Holding On" (3:34:07) -- Track 9: "It's On" (3:39:59) -- Track 10: "The Hours" (3:46:05) -- Track 11: "Things We Do" (4:03:47) -- Track 12: "Count The Ways" (4:09:22) -- Track 13: "Reunion" (4:16:38) -- Ranking Detroit Deli (A Taste Of Detroit) (4:34:10) -- Outro (4:36:42)

"The Old From The New" Review (from Rap Rankings: Mixtape Reviews E41 - Styles P, Ghost That Sat By The Door)

"The Old From The New" Review (from Rap Rankings: Mixtape Reviews E41 - Styles P, Ghost That Sat By The Door)

Styles P's "The Old From The New" leads Moulz & Mel down the road of hip-hop songs sampling Prince's "Starfish And Coffee" during their Patreon-exclusive review of Ghost That Sat By The Door.Full episode: https://www.patreon.com/posts/rap-rankings-e41-102479371

Rap Rankings: RAB Intermission E03 - T.I., Urban Legend

Rap Rankings: RAB Intermission E03 - T.I., Urban Legend

Moulz & Mel once again come face to face with the "King of the South", this time reviewing Urban Legend, T.I.'s third studio album. SPECIAL GUEST REVIEWER: @fromoldharlem ---------------------------------- Intro (0:00) -- The Rating System, Explained (15:18 - 17:59) -- Urban Legend Info (40:14) -- Track 1: "Tha King" (57:28) -- Track 2: "Motivation" (1:19:06) -- Track 3: "U Don't Know Me" (1:30:24) -- Jesse's House (1:47:01) -- Track 4: "ASAP" [w/ @fromoldharlem] (3:28:42) -- Track 5: "Prayin For Help" (4:55:52) -- Track 6: "Why U Mad At Me" (5:25:57) -- Track 7: "Get Loose" (5:33:51) -- Track 8: "What They Do" (5:55:27) -- Track 9: "The Greatest" (6:01:47) -- Track 10: "Get Ya Shit Together" (6:09:23) -- Track 11: "Freak Though" (6:18:53) -- Track 12: "Countdown" (6:25:58) -- Track 13: "Bring Em Out" (6:31:20) -- Track 14: "Limelight" (7:22:26) -- Track 15: "Chillin With My Bitch" (7:34:46) -- Track 16: "Stand Up" (7:38:49) -- Track 17: "My Life" (7:45:17) -- Ranking Urban Legend (7:57:58) -- Outro (7:59:50)

RAB Mailbag #2: We Must Not Be Irrational

RAB Mailbag #2: We Must Not Be Irrational

The Rap Rankings hotline is once again center stage in RAB Mailbag #2: We Must Not Be Irrational. Keep the messages coming in, and we'll see you all in a month for #3!

Rap Rankings: RAB Intermission E02 - Kid Cudi, Man On The Moon II: The Legend Of Mr. Rager

Rap Rankings: RAB Intermission E02 - Kid Cudi, Man On The Moon II: The Legend Of Mr. Rager

It's time for another lunar mission, because Kid Cudi sent a distress signal with his sophomore album, Man On The Moon II: The Legend Of Mr. Rager, prompting Moulz & Mel to investigate for the first time since reviewing his debut in Season 3. ----------------------------- Intro (0:00) -- The Rating System, Explained (19:06 - 21:48) -- Man On The Moon II: The Legend Of Mr. Rager Info (51:57) -- Track 1: "Scott Mescudi vs. The World" (1:38:14) -- Track 2: "REVOFEV" (2:03:23) -- Track 3: "Don't Play This Song" (2:18:52) -- Track 4: "We Aite (Wake Your Mind Up)" (2:29:15) -- Track 5: "Marijuana" (2:31:54) -- Track 6: "Mojo So Dope" (2:44:37) -- Track 7: "Ashin' Kusher" (3:03:49) -- Track 8: "Erase Me" (3:11:18) -- Track 9: "Wild'n Cuz I'm Young" (3:30:20) -- Track 10: "The Mood" (3:59:49) -- Track 11: "MANIAC" (4:10:27) -- Track 12: "Mr. Rager" (4:20:18) -- Track 13: "These Worries" (4:49:57) -- Track 14: "The End" (4:56:34) -- Track 15: "All Along" (5:02:31) -- Track 16: "GHOST!" (5:06:05) -- Track 17: "Trapped In My Mind" (5:18:26) -- Ranking Man On The Moon II: The Legend Of Mr. Rager (5:23:25) -- Outro (5:28:10)

"Swag Surf" Review (from Rap Rankings: Mixtape Reviews E40 - Lil Wayne, No Ceilings)

"Swag Surf" Review (from Rap Rankings: Mixtape Reviews E40 - Lil Wayne, No Ceilings)

Moulz & Mel propose that Lil Wayne's "Swag Surf" found the "Best Rapper Alive" still in his prime but nearing the exit, then discuss a certain pop star's recent Swag Surf moment at an NFL game during their Patreon-exclusive review of No Ceilings.Full episode: https://www.patreon.com/posts/rap-rankings-e40-100660911

Rap Rankings: RAB Intermission E01 - Nas, The Lost Tapes

Rap Rankings: RAB Intermission E01 - Nas, The Lost Tapes

In their very first RAB Intermission review in Rap Rankings history, Moulz & Mel cover the time that undeniable demand led to Nas' outtakes being placed center stage on The Lost Tapes. -------------------- Intro (0:00) -- The Rating System, Explained (8:55 - 11:36) -- The Rap Rankings Game (1:01:33) -- The Lost Tapes Info (1:12:07) -- Track 1: "Doo Rags" (1:46:29) -- Track 2: "My Way" (2:06:47) -- Track 3: "U Gotta Love It" (2:25:04) -- Track 4: "Nothing Lasts Forever" (2:49:00) -- Track 5: "No Idea's Original" (3:05:19) -- Track 6: "Blaze A 50" (3:32:37) -- Track 7: "Everybody's Crazy" (3:46:11) -- Track 8: "Purple" (3:50:33)-- Track 9: "Drunk By Myself" (4:14:03) -- Track 10: "Black Zombie" (5:02:34) -- Track 11: "Poppa Was A Playa" (5:20:05) -- Track 12: "Fetus" (5:46:18) -- Ranking The Lost Tapes (6:01:00) -- Outro (6:04:14)

RAB Mailbag #1: The Whole Nine Yards

RAB Mailbag #1: The Whole Nine Yards

It's officially the RAB Intermission schedule, so Moulz & Mel have converted (and expanded) the Rap Rankings hotline into RAB Mailbag #1: The Whole Nine Yards. Keep the messages coming in, and we'll see you all in a month for #2!

S15E12 - The Notorious B.I.G., Life After Death [Pt. 1]

S15E12 - The Notorious B.I.G., Life After Death [Pt. 1]

The Season 15 finale has finally arrived with Moulz & Mel's nearly 17-hour review of The Notorious B.I.G.'s Life After Death, the trailblazing, blockbuster double album that would tragically also be his last. SPECIAL GUEST REVIEWER: @calebcat23 ------------------------------------- Intro (0:00) -- The Rating System, Explained (7:13 - 9:55) -- An Important Announcement From Moulz & Mel Regarding The Future Of Rap Rankings (14:40) -- The Rap Rankings Game (44:35) -- RAB Express: Kenny Mason, Angelic Hoodrat: Supercut (2:09:46) -- This Week In Moulz & Mel (2:30:49) -- Life After Death Info (2:52:20) -- Track 1: "Life After Death Intro" (3:49:35) -- Track 2: "Somebody's Gotta Die" (4:03:12) -- Track 3: "Hypnotize" (4:22:58) -- Track 4: "Kick In The Door" (5:04:14) -- Track 5: "#!*@ You Tonight" (6:02:32) -- Track 6: "Last Day" (6:23:25) -- Track 7: "I Love The Dough" (6:42:36) -- Track 8: "What's Beef" (7:09:41) -- Track 9: "B.I.G. Interlude" (7:43:19) -- Track 10: "Mo Money Mo Problems" (7:51:43) -- Track 11: "Niggas Bleed" (8:33:38) -- Track 12: "I Got A Story To Tell" (9:03:49) -- TRANSITION TO DISC 2 (9:22:15) ---------------- Pt. 2: https://raprankings.captivate.fm/episode/s15e12-the-notorious-b-ig-life-after-death-pt-2

S15E12 - The Notorious B.I.G., Life After Death [Pt. 2]

S15E12 - The Notorious B.I.G., Life After Death [Pt. 2]

Pt. 1: https://raprankings.captivate.fm/episode/s15e12-the-notorious-b-ig-life-after-death-pt-1 ---------------- Track 1: "Notorious Thugs" (0:00) -- Track 2: "Miss U" (1:00:16) -- Track 3: "Another" (1:30:07) -- Track 4: "Going Back To Cali" (1:42:50) -- Track 5: "Ten Crack Commandments" (2:02:13) -- Track 6: "Playa Hater" [w/ @calebcat23] (2:43:09) -- Track 7: "Nasty Boy" (4:35:16) -- Track 8: "Sky's The Limit" (4:54:38) -- Track 9: "The World Is Filled..." (5:32:24) -- Track 10: "My Downfall" (6:10:15) -- Track 11: "Long Kiss Goodnight" (6:34:54) -- Track 12: "You're Nobody (Til Somebody Kills You)" (6:51:44) -- Ranking Life After Death (7:28:16) -- Outro (7:32:23)

A History Of Gucci Mane and Young Thug Collaborations (Gucci Mane, "Off The Leash" Review)

A History Of Gucci Mane and Young Thug Collaborations (Gucci Mane, "Off The Leash" Review)

Moulz & Mel discuss the electrifying "Off The Leash", then walk through all of the Gucci Mane and Young Thug collaborations during 2013, in their Patreon-exclusive review of Trap House III.Full episode: https://www.patreon.com/posts/rap-rankings-s15-98458218

An Important Announcement From Moulz & Mel Regarding The Future Of Rap Rankings

An Important Announcement From Moulz & Mel Regarding The Future Of Rap Rankings

https://www.patreon.com/raprankingshttps://twitter.com/raprankingshttps://www.instagram.com/theraprankingshttp://raprankings.com

Fast Food Rankings

Fast Food Rankings

As discussed, the Season 15 finale is delayed to next week. In exchange for your patience, and in promotion of the upcoming sequel in April, here is the formerly Patreon-exclusive special, Fast Food Rankings, with guests @Cam_Is_Like and @fromoldharlem! -------------------------- Intro (0:00) -- Moulz's Rankings (4:50) -- Mel's Rankings (1:06:37) -- @Cam_Is_Like's Rankings (2:52:38) -- @fromoldharlem's + The Fiancee's Rankings (4:10:48) -- Ranking The Fast Food Establishments (4:30:39) Outro (4:35:07)

S15E11 - Yung Pinch, WASHED ASHORE

S15E11 - Yung Pinch, WASHED ASHORE

Moulz & Mel are WASHED ASHORE with the Beach Boy himself, Yung Pinch, in the penultimate episode of Season 15. --------------------------------------- Intro (0:00) -- The Rating System, Explained (8:44 - 11:26) -- The Rap Rankings Game (39:37) -- I Was Fuckin' Trippin' (1:46:42) -- RAB Express: Rich Homie Quan, Back To The Basics (1:55:33) -- This Week In Moulz & Mel (2:22:02) -- WASHED ASHORE Info (2:42:02) -- Track 1: "NO ONES THERE" (3:33:15) -- Track 2: "MIXED MESSAGES" (3:43:23) -- Track 3: "CLOSE FRIENDS" (3:54:31) -- Track 4: "FAR CRY" (4:06:20) -- Track 5: "HARD TIMES" (4:18:26) -- Track 6: "DEVILS WAY" (4:32:36) -- Track 7: "HEART SHAPED NECKLACE" (4:36:37) -- Track 8: "I DON'T EVEN CARE" (4:41:07) -- Track 9: "PRECIOUS CARGO" (5:02:35) -- Track 10: "OTHERSIDE" (5:07:08) -- Ranking WASHED ASHORE (5:14:05) -- Outro (5:18:10)

S15E10 - Clipse, Hell Hath No Fury

S15E10 - Clipse, Hell Hath No Fury

Hell Hath No Fury like an album scorned, which is why Moulz & Mel find a ravenous Clipse in their review of the duo's acclaimed sophomore album, famously delayed by record label politics. SPECIAL GUEST REVIEWER: @JohnCloudThe1st -------------------------------- Intro (0:00) -- The Rating System, Explained (5:59 - 8:41) -- The Rap Rankings Game (45:08) -- RAB Express: Too $hort, What's My Favorite Word? (1:32:23) -- This Week In Moulz & Mel (1:59:26) -- Hell Hath No Fury Info (2:14:57) -- Track 1: "We Got It For Cheap (Intro)" (3:07:18) -- Track 2: "Momma I'm So Sorry" (3:33:58) -- Track 3: "Mr. Me Too" (3:46:01) -- Track 4: "Wamp Wamp (What It Do)" (4:06:54) -- Track 5: "Ride Around Shining" (4:29:10) -- Track 6: "Dirty Money" (4:45:19) -- Track 7: "Hello New World" (4:53:41) -- Track 8: "Keys Open Doors" [w/ @JohnCloudThe1st] (5:01:11) -- Track 9: "Ain't Cha" (6:00:43) -- Track 10: "Trill" (6:13:25) -- Track 11: "Chinese New Year" (6:19:11) -- Track 12: "Nightmares" (6:38:40) -- Ranking Hell Hath No Fury (6:47:28) -- Outro (6:49:58)

S15E09 - Project Pat, Ghetty Green

S15E09 - Project Pat, Ghetty Green

Only one color matters this week on Rap Rankings, as Moulz & Mel review the often imitated, never duplicated Project Pat in his pursuit of that Ghetty Green. SPECIAL GUEST REVIEWER: @biglilkenny ------------------------------- Intro (0:00) -- The Rating System, Explained (20:51 - 23:33) -- The Rap Rankings Game (43:26) -- RAB Express: Ace Hood, Trials & Tribulations (2:00:17) -- This Week In Moulz & Mel (2:34:22) -- Ghetty Green Info (2:59:30) -- Track 1: "North Memphis" (3:13:56) -- Track 2: "Represent It" (3:34:36) -- Track 3: "Out There" [w/ @biglilkenny] (3:48:59) -- Track 4: "Niggas Got Me Fucked Up" (5:20:44) -- Track 5: "You Know The Biss" (5:43:31) -- Track 6: "Choices" (6:10:04) -- Track 7: "Ballers" (6:19:53) -- Track 8: "Run A Train" (6:36:35) -- Track 9: "Rinky Dink / Whatever Ho" (6:50:11) -- Track 10: "Up There" (7:01:41) -- Track 11: "Rinky Dink II / We're Gonna Rumble" (7:14:18) -- Track 12: "Choppers" (7:39:45) -- Track 13: "Gold Shine" (7:48:59) -- Track 14: "Ghetty Green" (7:57:09) -- Track 15: "Sucks On Dick" (8:03:02) -- Track 16: "Shake That Ass" (8:09:36) -- Track 17: "Stabbers" (8:14:01) -- Track 18: "Slangin' Rocks" (8:20:02) -- Track 19: "528-Cash" (8:24:31) -- Track 20: "Ballers / Outro" (8:28:08) -- Ranking Ghetty Green (8:34:41) -- Outro (8:36:46)

S15E08 - Beanie Sigel, The B. Coming

S15E08 - Beanie Sigel, The B. Coming

In their first proper review of Beanie Sigel, Moulz & Mel find him creating through an era of tumult in their review of his third studio album, The B. Coming. SPECIAL GUEST REVIEWER: @Cam_Is_Like ---------------------------- Intro (0:00) -- The Rating System, Explained (11:52 - 14:33) -- The Rap Rankings Game (35:29) -- RAB Express: Redman, Redman Presents... Reggie (1:47:28) -- This Week In Moulz & Mel (2:27:19) -- The B. Coming Info (2:45:20) -- Track 1: "Feel It In The Air" (3:02:43) -- Cam's Cove Intro (3:43:56) -- Track 2: "I Can't Go On This Way" [w/ @Cam_Is_Like] (3:58:55) -- Cam's Cove Outro (4:38:48) -- Track 3: "One Shot Deal" (5:15:07) -- Track 4: "Gotta Have It" (5:34:19) -- Track 5: "Don't Stop" (5:47:36) -- Track 6: "Purple Rain" (5:56:20) -- Track 7: "Oh Daddy" (6:28:18) -- Track 8: "Change" (6:42:27) -- Track 9: "Bread & Butter" (6:56:24) -- Track 10: "Lord Have Mercy" (7:14:54) -- Track 11: "Flatline" (7:43:00) -- Track 12: "Tales Of A Hustler Pt. 2" (7:57:50) -- Track 13: "Look At Me Now" (8:06:58) -- Track 14: "It's On" (8:20:50) -- Track 15: "Wanted (On The Run)" (8:32:37) -- Ranking The B. Coming (8:45:28) -- Outro (8:48:16)

"The People" Review (from Rap Rankings: Mixtape Reviews E39 - Jadakiss, Kiss My Ass: The Champ Is Here, Pt. 2)

"The People" Review (from Rap Rankings: Mixtape Reviews E39 - Jadakiss, Kiss My Ass: The Champ Is Here, Pt. 2)

During their Patreon-exclusive review of Kiss My Ass: The Champ Is Here, Pt. 2, Moulz & Mel debate whether Jadakiss and Styles P cleared the original Common record they're freestyling over with "The People".Full episode: https://www.patreon.com/posts/rap-rankings-e39-96290388

S15E07 - Devin The Dude, To Tha X-Treme

S15E07 - Devin The Dude, To Tha X-Treme

It's possible that Moulz & Mel spent too long in the hotbox with Devin The Dude, because they certainly took things To Tha X-Treme for their review of his third solo album. SPECIAL GUEST REVIEWER: @fromoldharlem --------------------- Intro (0:00) -- The Rating System, Explained (11:44 - 14:25) -- The Rap Rankings Game (55:35) -- RAB Express: Young Dro, Da Real Atlanta (2:05:57) -- This Week In Moulz & Mel (2:35:52) -- To Tha X-Treme Info (2:50:27) -- Track 1: "Devin's Medley" (3:36:11) -- Track 2: "To Tha X-Treme" (3:40:00) -- Track 3: "Cooter Brown" (3:59:08) -- Track 4: "What?" (4:15:10) -- Track 5: "Freak" (5:07:56) -- Track 6: "Right Now" (5:22:36) -- Track 7: "Too Cute" (5:38:59) -- Track 8: "Don't Go" (5:53:03) -- Track 9: "Come On & Come" (6:07:44) -- Track 10: "Go Fight Some Other Crime" (6:11:20) -- Track 11: "Briar Patch" (6:20:56) -- Track 12: "She's Gone" (6:31:17) -- Track 13: "Anythang" (6:34:58) -- Track 14: "Tha Funk" (7:01:46) -- Jesse's House (7:05:07) -- Track 15: "Motha" [w/ @fromoldharlem] (7:43:44) -- Track 16: "Party" (8:57:57) -- Track 17: "Unity" (9:06:59) -- Ranking To Tha X-Treme (9:10:28) -- Outro (9:13:13)

S15E06 - Lauryn Hill, The Miseducation Of Lauryn Hill

S15E06 - Lauryn Hill, The Miseducation Of Lauryn Hill

Class is in session for Moulz & Mel at the midway point of Season 15, as they present their review of the massively acclaimed, indisputable piece of hip-hop canon, The Miseducation Of Lauryn Hill, which remains her only solo studio album, 26 years later. --------------------- Intro (0:00) -- The Rating System, Explained (9:04 - 11:46) -- The Rap Rankings Game (40:47) -- RAB Express: Vince Staples, Vince Staples (1:44:16) -- This Week In Moulz & Mel (2:16:12) -- The Miseducation Of Lauryn Hill Info (2:38:46) -- Track 1: "Intro" (3:25:38) -- Track 2: "Lost Ones" (3:32:34) -- Track 3: "Ex-Factor" (4:28:37) -- Track 4: "To Zion" (4:59:14) -- Track 5: "Doo Wop (That Thing)" (5:21:58) -- Track 6: "Superstar" (6:14:21) -- Track 7: "Final Hour" (6:24:38) -- Track 8: "When It Hurts So Bad" (6:38:35) -- Track 9: "I Used To Love Him" (6:43:03) -- Track 10: "Forgive Them Father" (6:49:55) -- Track 11: "Every Ghetto, Every City" (7:04:44) -- Track 12: "Nothing Even Matters" (7:14:25) -- Track 13: "Everything Is Everything" (7:34:30) -- Track 14: "The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill" / "Can't Take My Eyes Off Of You" / "Tell Him" (7:54:14) -- Ranking The Miseducation Of Lauryn Hill (8:08:13) -- Outro (8:15:07)