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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"Ill'in" Review (from Rap Rankings: Mixtape Reviews E47 - Young Jeezy, Trap Or Die 2: By Any Means Necessary)

"Ill'in" Review (from Rap Rankings: Mixtape Reviews E47 - Young Jeezy, Trap Or Die 2: By Any Means Necessary)

When Young Jeezy and Clipse got together for "Ill'in", I doubt they knew Moulz & Mel would use it to make an "all-time song review" during their Patreon-exclusive review of Trap Or Die 2: By Any Means Necessary, but life is full of surprises.Full episode: https://www.patreon.com/posts/rap-rankings-e47-114144590

Episodes

Rap Rankings: RAB Intermission E16 - Ghostface Killah, Fishscale

Rap Rankings: RAB Intermission E16 - Ghostface Killah, Fishscale

Moulz & Mel once again sail the Rap Rankings ship through stormy waters, but this time they have to jump overboard to locate their thoughts about Ghostface Killah's Fishscale. SPECIAL GUEST REVIEWER: @fromoldharlem ---------------------------------------------- Intro (0:00) -- The Rating System, Explained (6:13 - 8:54) -- Fishscale Info (35:55) -- Track 1: "The Return Of Clyde Smith (Skit)" (1:04:27) -- Track 2: "Shakey Dog" (1:11:45) -- Track 3: "Kilo" (1:36:34) -- Track 4: "The Champ" (1:55:33) -- Track 5: "Major Operation (Skit)" (2:21:45) -- Track 6: "9 Milli Bros." (2:23:51) -- Track 7: "Beauty Jackson" (2:39:35) -- Track 8: "Heart Street Directions (Skit)" (2:48:24) -- Track 9: "Columbus Exchange (Skit) / Crack Spot" (2:49:37) -- Track 10: "R.A.G.U." (2:56:01) -- Track 11: "Bad Mouth Kid (Skit)" (3:05:32) -- Jesse's House (3:08:45) -- Track 12: "Whip You With A Strap" [w/ @fromoldharlem] (3:53:35) -- Track 13: "Back Like That" (5:02:37) -- Track 14: "Be Easy" (5:18:46) -- Track 15: "Clipse Of Doom" (5:29:57) -- Track 16: "Jellyfish" (5:38:23) -- Track 17: "Dogs Of War" (6:07:42) -- Track 18: "Barbershop" (6:22:35) -- Track 19: "Ms. Sweetwater (Skit)" (6:27:33) -- Track 20: "Big Girl" (6:28:49) -- Track 21: "Underwater" (6:39:48) -- Track 22: "The Ironman Takeover (Skit)" (6:51:05) -- Track 23: "Momma" (6:52:09) -- Track 24: "Three Bricks" (6:55:08) -- Ranking Fishscale (6:58:44) -- Outro (7:01:34)

RAB Mailbag #9: Got A Lot Of Things On My Mind Bothering Me, But I Still Gotta Promote My Show. Check It Out.

RAB Mailbag #9: Got A Lot Of Things On My Mind Bothering Me, But I Still Gotta Promote My Show. Check It Out.

This time around, it's pretty simple: RAB Mailbag #9: Got A Lot Of Things On My Mind Bothering Me, But I Still Gotta Promote My Show. Check It Out. Keep the messages coming in, and we'll see you all in a month for #10!

S4 BONUS - Various Artists, Tales From The Hood Soundtrack

S4 BONUS - Various Artists, Tales From The Hood Soundtrack

(Given the extra week this month, enjoy this Halloween season treat, as we release our Season 4, Patreon-exclusive bonus review of the Tales From The Hood film and soundtrack to you, the public! See you next week for RAB Mailbag #9! To hear more bonus reviews like this one, sign up at patreon.com/raprankings.) ----------------------- Intro (0:00) -- Tales From The Hood Soundtrack Info (1:39) -- Moulz & Mel At The Movies: Tales From The Hood (10:33 - 1:31:37) -- Track 1: "Let Me At Them" (1:32:23) -- Track 2: "Face Mob" (1:37:35) -- Track 3: "Tales From The Hood" (1:42:51) -- Track 4: "Born II Die" (1:47:21) -- Track 5: "Ol' Dirty's Back" (1:55:41) -- Track 6: "I'm Talkin' To Myself" (2:00:24) -- Track 7: "The Hood Got Me Feelin' Pain" (2:04:35) -- Track 8: "One Less Nigga" (2:08:00) -- Track 9: "From The Dark Side" (2:10:32) -- Track 10: "Death Represents My Hood" (2:20:05) -- Track 11: "Hot Ones Echo Thru The Ghetto" (2:25:20) -- Track 12: "The Grave" (2:26:53) -- Ranking Tales From The Hood Soundtrack (2:31:56) -- Outro (2:35:40)

Rap Rankings: RAB Intermission E15 - Travis Scott, Birds In The Trap Sing McKnight

Rap Rankings: RAB Intermission E15 - Travis Scott, Birds In The Trap Sing McKnight

Moulz & Mel are far from ornithologists, but this week on Rap Rankings, they have to learn why Birds In The Trap Sing McKnight, during their review of Travis Scott's 2016 album. ------------------------ Intro (0:00) -- The Rating System, Explained (6:02 - 8:43) -- I Was Fuckin' Trippin' (37:04) -- Birds In The Trap Sing McKnight Info (44:46) -- Track 1: "the ends" (1:21:34) -- Track 2: "way back" (1:42:30) -- Track 3: "coordinate" (2:07:18) -- Track 4: "through the late night" (2:20:43) -- Track 5: "beibs in the trap" (2:30:41) -- Track 6: "sdp interlude" (2:48:40) -- Track 7: "sweet sweet" (2:57:41) -- Track 8: "outside" (3:02:27) -- Track 9: "goosebumps" (3:10:30) -- Track 10: "first take" (3:33:31) -- Track 11: "pick up the phone" (3:42:42) -- Track 12: "lose" (3:56:36) -- Track 13: "guidance" (3:59:18) -- Track 14: "wonderful" (4:13:10) -- Rankings Birds In The Trap Sing McKnight (4:28:19) -- Outro (4:30:22)

"Ill'in" Review (from Rap Rankings: Mixtape Reviews E47 - Young Jeezy, Trap Or Die 2: By Any Means Necessary)

"Ill'in" Review (from Rap Rankings: Mixtape Reviews E47 - Young Jeezy, Trap Or Die 2: By Any Means Necessary)

When Young Jeezy and Clipse got together for "Ill'in", I doubt they knew Moulz & Mel would use it to make an "all-time song review" during their Patreon-exclusive review of Trap Or Die 2: By Any Means Necessary, but life is full of surprises.Full episode: https://www.patreon.com/posts/rap-rankings-e47-114144590

Rap Rankings: RAB Intermission E14 - Eminem, Recovery

Rap Rankings: RAB Intermission E14 - Eminem, Recovery

With everything going on with them these days, it's safe to say Moulz & Mel need Recovery, but will they find it in their review of Eminem's blockbuster 2010 album? ------------------------ Intro (0:00) -- The Rating System, Explained (7:25 - 10:06) -- Recovery Info (24:33) -- Track 1: "Cold Wind Blows" (1:02:08) -- Track 2: "Talkin' 2 Myself" (1:20:03) -- Track 3: "On Fire" (1:36:47) -- Track 4: "Won't Back Down" (2:01:11) -- Track 5: "W.T.P." (2:11:42) -- Track 6: "Going Through Changes" (2:22:02) -- Track 7: "Not Afraid" (2:32:36) -- Track 8: "Seduction" (2:44:34) -- Track 9: "No Love" (3:04:29) -- Track 10: "Space Bound" (3:28:28) -- Track 11: "Cinderella Man" (3:35:45) -- Track 12: "25 To Life" (3:42:20) -- Track 13: "So Bad" (3:52:46) -- Track 14: "Almost Famous" (3:57:47) -- Track 15: "Love The Way You Lie" (4:01:34) -- Track 16: "You're Never Over / Untitled [Hidden Track]" (4:11:25) -- Ranking Recovery (4:35:46) -- Outro (4:38:10)

RAB Mailbag #8: Must Be Great

RAB Mailbag #8: Must Be Great

It's not like we need to tell you, given that everyone already knows, but RAB Mailbag #8: Must Be Great. Keep the messages coming in, and we'll see you all in a month for #9!

An Update About Today's Planned Episode

An Update About Today's Planned Episode

We regret to inform you that the J. Cole, 4 Your Eyez Only review that was set to be released today has been canceled due to an external emergency. Programming will resume with the release of RAB Mailbag #8 next week. We appreciate your patience and understanding.

"Yup Yup" Review (from Rap Rankings: Mixtape Reviews E46 - Juelz Santana, Back Like Cooked Crack 2: More Crack)

"Yup Yup" Review (from Rap Rankings: Mixtape Reviews E46 - Juelz Santana, Back Like Cooked Crack 2: More Crack)

Moulz & Mel's review of Juelz Santana's "Yup Yup" provides them with an opportunity to discuss where he ranked among Dipset members at the time of the record's release, then pitch a particularly periodontal Christmas album.Full episode: https://www.patreon.com/posts/rap-rankings-e46-112326340

Happy RAB Day 2024! Moulz & Mel celebrate this September 15th with announcements, updates and the usual tomfoolery for the Rap Rankings audience.

Rap Rankings: RAB Intermission E13 - Snoop Dogg, R&G (Rhythm & Gangsta): The Masterpiece

Rap Rankings: RAB Intermission E13 - Snoop Dogg, R&G (Rhythm & Gangsta): The Masterpiece

If Moulz & Mel are going to do anything, they're going to record a new episode of Rap Rankings and drop it like it's hot, and that's exactly what they're doing with their review of Snoop Dogg's 2004 album, R&G (Rhythm & Gangsta): The Masterpiece. ----------------------------- Intro (0:00) -- The Rating System, Explained (27:41 - 30:23) -- R&G (Rhythm & Gangsta): The Masterpiece Info (1:00:04) -- Track 1: "(Intro) I Love To Give You Light" (1:20:24) -- Track 2: "Bang Out" (1:45:48) -- Track 3: "Drop It Like It's Hot" (1:55:06) -- Track 4: "Can I Get A Flicc Witchu" (2:38:49) -- Track 5: "Ups & Downs" (2:49:30) -- Track 6: "The Bidness" (3:03:52) -- Track 7: "Snoop D.O. Double G" (3:11:03) -- Track 8: "Let's Get Blown" (3:19:28) -- Track 9: "Step Yo Game Up" (4:20:34) -- Track 10: "Perfect" (4:26:47) -- Track 11: "WBALLZ (Interlude)" (5:08:00) -- Track 12: "Fresh Pair Of Panties On" (5:10:27) -- Track 13: "Promise I" (5:14:15) -- Track 14: "Oh No" (5:20:33) -- Track 15: "Can U Control Yo Hoe" (5:44:22) -- Track 16: "Signs" (5:50:42) -- Track 17: "I'm Threw Witchu" (6:20:26) -- Track 18: "Pass It Pass It" (6:23:54) -- Track 19: "Girl Like U" (6:30:29) -- Track 20: "No Thang On Me" (6:34:21) -- Ranking R&G (Rhythm & Gangsta): The Masterpiece (6:36:50) -- Outro (6:39:50)

RAB Mailbag #7: Mel, The Shill

RAB Mailbag #7: Mel, The Shill

It's a new month, so may we sell you on RAB Mailbag #7: Mel, The Shill? Keep the messages coming in, and we'll see you all in a month for #8!

Rap Rankings: RAB Intermission E12 - Paul Wall, The Peoples Champ

Rap Rankings: RAB Intermission E12 - Paul Wall, The Peoples Champ

Moulz & Mel are back in the Houston swing of things to see what's up with perhaps the trillest White man in hip-hop, Houston's very own Paul Wall, in their review of The Peoples Champ. ----------------------------- Intro (0:00) -- The Rating System, Explained (15:55 - 18:36) -- The Peoples Champ Info (49:16) -- Track 1: "I'm A Playa" (1:06:56) -- Track 2: "They Don't Know" (1:28:20) -- Track 3: "Ridin' Dirty" (1:55:09) -- Track 4: "State To State" (2:12:37) -- Track 5: "So Many Diamonds" (2:21:01) -- Track 6: "Smooth Operator" (2:31:01) -- Track 7: "Sittin' Sidewayz" (2:46:05) -- Track 8: "Internet Going Nutz" (3:19:19) -- Track 9: "Trill" (3:42:28) -- Track 10: "Sippin' Tha Barre" (3:46:51) -- Track 11: "Drive Slow" (3:57:40) -- Track 12: "March N Step" (4:01:33) -- Track 13: "Got Plex" (4:41:12) -- Track 14: "Girl" (4:45:38) -- Track 15: "Big Ballin'" (4:54:19) -- Track 16: "Sip-N-Get High" (5:03:00) -- Track 17: "Just Paul Wall" (5:06:50) -- Ranking The Peoples Champ (5:21:05) -- Outro (5:24:40)

Please Stop Sampling Cortex / Curren$y, "Mary" Review

Please Stop Sampling Cortex / Curren$y, "Mary" Review

Their review of Curren$y's "Mary" was as good a time as any for Moulz & Mel to plead with hip-hop to lay off of sampling Cortex, preferably forever.Full episode: https://www.patreon.com/posts/rap-rankings-y-110495193

Rap Rankings: RAB Intermission E11 - DOOM, Born Like This

Rap Rankings: RAB Intermission E11 - DOOM, Born Like This

Moulz & Mel indulge in villainous ways as they once again review MF DOOM (billed as just DOOM this time around), taking on his final canonical solo album, Born Like This. SPECIAL GUEST REVIEWER: @fromoldharlem ------------------------------------ Intro (0:00) -- The Rating System, Explained (16:44 - 19:25) -- Born Like This Info (36:16) -- Track 1: "SUPERVILLAIN (INTRO)" (51:28) -- Jesse's House (1:05:43) -- Track 2: "GAZZILLION EAR" [w/ @fromoldharlem] (1:21:12) -- Track 3: "BALLSKIN" (3:09:26) -- Track 4: "YESSIR!" (3:21:11) -- Track 5: "ABSOLUTELY" (3:30:22) -- Track 6: "RAP AMBUSH" (3:41:05) -- Track 7: "LIGHTWORKS" (3:46:49) -- Track 8: "BATTY BOYZ" (3:59:52) -- Track 9: "ANGELZ" (4:16:18) -- Track 10: "CELLZ" (4:59:53) -- Track 11: "STILL DOPE" (5:09:22) -- Track 12: "MICROWAVE MAYO" (5:14:08) -- Track 13: "MORE RHYMIN'" (5:17:06) -- Track 14: "THAT'S THAT" (5:22:52) -- Track 15: "SUPERVILLAINZ" (5:30:49) -- Track 16: "BUMPY'S MESSAGE" (5:38:11) -- Track 17: "THANK YA" (5:40:33) -- Ranking Born Like This (5:42:55) -- Outro (5:45:54)

RAB Mailbag #6: Lost & Found

RAB Mailbag #6: Lost & Found

In every loss, there is also discovery. Moulz & Mel guide you through both in RAB Mailbag #6: Lost & Found. Keep the messages coming in, and we'll see you all in a month for #7!

Rap Rankings: Mixtape Reviews E31 - Travis Scott, Days Before Rodeo

Rap Rankings: Mixtape Reviews E31 - Travis Scott, Days Before Rodeo

(This review, formerly a Patreon exclusive, has been made available for you, the public, because of the extra week this month. Regularly scheduled programming will continue next week with RAB Mailbag #6. To hear more bonus reviews like this one, sign up at patreon.com/raprankings.) ----------------------- Moulz & Mel revisit what had the youth of 2014 in rabid anticipation, with their Patreon-exclusive review of Travis Scott's pre-debut album mixtape, Days Before Rodeo. ----------------------- Intro (0:00) -- Days Before Rodeo Info (4:52) -- Track 1: "Days Before Rodeo: The Prayer" (13:48) -- Track 2: "Mamacita" (34:54) -- Track 3: "Quintana Pt. 2" (58:55) -- Track 4: "Drugs You Should Try It" (1:07:42) -- Track 5: "Don't Play" (1:22:10) -- Track 6: "Skyfall" (1:28:32) -- Track 7: "Zombies" (1:41:06) -- Track 8: "Sloppy Toppy" (1:49:41) -- Track 9: "Basement Freestyle" (2:02:48) -- Track 10: "Backyard" (2:06:24) -- Track 11: "Grey" (2:23:58) -- Track 12: "BACC" (2:33:28) -- Ranking Days Before Rodeo (2:34:19) -- Outro (2:37:06)

Rap Rankings: RAB Intermission E10 - Vontel, Vision Of A Dream

Rap Rankings: RAB Intermission E10 - Vontel, Vision Of A Dream

It's rare that Moulz & Mel get mystery with the music, but that's what they're treated to in reviewing Vision Of A Dream, the sole album by Vontel, a Phoenix, Arizona artist that apparently disappeared around the turn of the millennium. ------------------------------ Intro (0:00) -- The Rating System, Explained (15:41 - 18:23) -- Vision Of A Dream Info (48:20) -- Track 1: "Dream No More" (1:28:49) -- Track 2: "Playa Style" (1:54:17) -- Track 3: "4 My Homiez" (2:08:30) -- Track 4: "If You Want To Be A Playa" (2:27:52) -- Track 5: "Ghetto Life" (2:39:47) -- Track 6: "It's All On You" (2:46:18) -- Track 7: "Keep It On The Real" (2:55:42) -- Track 8: "Funk Wit Dis" (3:24:28) -- Track 9: "All Right" (3:30:28) -- Track 10: "Don't Nobody" (3:54:01) -- Track 11: "Tell 'Em What I Came 2 Do" (4:22:32) -- Track 12: "Say Playa" (4:28:03) -- Track 13: "602" (4:35:13) -- Track 14: "Boo" (4:41:27) -- Track 15: "Down 4 U" (4:44:00) -- Ranking Vision Of A Dream (4:46:41) -- Outro (4:48:37)

"Rich Then Famous" Review (from Rap Rankings: Mixtape Reviews E44 - Migos, Y.R.N.)

"Rich Then Famous" Review (from Rap Rankings: Mixtape Reviews E44 - Migos, Y.R.N.)

After first addressing the grammatical error in the title, Moulz & Mel break down Migos' "Rich Then Famous (Intro)", then debate who had the best solo run (the answer is not what you think) and who's the most handsome member. Full episode: https://www.patreon.com/posts/rap-rankings-e44-108344237

Rap Rankings: RAB Intermission E09 - G-Unit, Beg For Mercy

Rap Rankings: RAB Intermission E09 - G-Unit, Beg For Mercy

G-Unit Soldier Moulz & G-Unit Reservist Mel are back teaching Pod 101 in their review of G-Unit's debut studio album, Beg For Mercy. ---------------------------- Intro (0:00) -- The Rating System, Explained (12:23 - 15:04) -- Beg For Mercy Info (38:51) -- Track 1: "G-Unit" (1:15:55) -- Track 2: "Poppin' Them Thangs" (1:40:48) -- Track 3: "My Buddy" (1:56:55) -- Track 4: "I'm So Hood" (2:23:38) -- Track 5: "Stunt 101" (2:28:03) -- Track 6: "Wanna Get To Know You" (2:48:15) -- Track 7: "Groupie Love" (3:07:42) -- Track 8: "Betta Ask Somebody" (3:41:58) -- Track 9: "Footprints" (3:57:37) -- Track 10: "Eye For Eye" (4:15:28) -- Track 11: "Smile" (4:34:14) -- Track 12: "Baby U Got" (5:13:40) -- Track 13: "Salute U" (5:36:26) -- Track 14: "Beg For Mercy" (5:41:34) -- Track 15: "G'd Up" (5:46:20) -- Track 16: "Lay You Down" (5:55:53) -- Track 17: "Gangsta Shit" (6:17:11) -- Track 18: "I Smell Pussy" (6:28:18) -- Ranking Beg For Mercy (6:50:22) -- Outro (6:53:04)