Swollen Members: How Armed to the Teeth Became Their Most Controversial and Ambitious Album
Swollen Members: Armed to the Teeth Album Download
If you are a fan of hip hop music, you might have heard of Swollen Members, a Canadian rap group that has been making waves in the underground scene since the late 1990s. The group consists of two MCs, Madchild and Prevail, and a DJ/producer, Rob the Viking. They are known for their dark, hardcore, and horror-themed rap music that blends elements of rock, metal, punk, and reggae.
swollen members armed to the teeth album download
One of their most controversial and ambitious albums is Armed to the Teeth, which was released in 2009. The album features 19 tracks that showcase the group's versatility and creativity. It also features guest appearances from some of the biggest names in hip hop, such as Tech N9ne, Talib Kweli, La Coka Nostra, Everlast, Slaine, Glasses Malone, Tre Nyce, Moka Only, Saigon, Krondon, Phil Da Agony, Planet Asia and more.
The album covers a wide range of topics and themes, such as violence, drugs, money, fame, love, hate, loyalty, betrayal, redemption, and survival. It also reflects the group's personal and professional struggles that they faced during the making of the album. The album is not for the faint-hearted or easily offended. It is raw, gritty, aggressive, and sometimes disturbing. But it is also honest, passionate, powerful, and inspiring.
In this article, I will give you a detailed review of Swollen Members' Armed to the Teeth album. I will also tell you why this album is worth downloading and listening to if you are a hip hop fan who enjoys dark and hardcore rap music.
Background
Swollen Members was formed in 1996 by Madchild and Prevail. They met through a mutual friend who was also a rapper named Moka Only. They decided to form a group after discovering their shared love for hip hop music. They named themselves Swollen Members because they wanted to represent their large egos and skills on the mic.
The group released their debut album Balance in 1999 on Battle Axe Records. The album was well-received by critics and fans alike. It won several awards at the Juno Awards (the Canadian equivalent of the Grammys) and the MuchMusic Video Awards (the Canadian equivalent of MTV). The album featured a unique blend of underground rap with influences from jazz, rock, and classical music.
The group followed up with two more successful albums: Bad Dreams in 2001 and Black Magic in 2004. Both albums continued to showcase the group's lyrical prowess and musical diversity. They also featured collaborations with some of the most respected names in hip hop, such as Dilated Peoples, Chali 2na, Jurassic 5, Ghostface Killah, and Nelly Furtado.
However, things started to go downhill for Swollen Members after Black Magic. Madchild developed a severe addiction to painkillers that nearly cost him his life. He also got involved with a notorious motorcycle gang called The Hell's Angels that led him to legal troubles. Prevail also faced some personal issues that affected his mental health. The group's relationship with their label deteriorated due to creative differences and financial disputes.
As a result, the group's next two albums: Heavy (2003) and Black Magic (2006) were poorly received by both fans and critics. They were criticized for being too commercial, generic, and uninspired. The group lost much of their fanbase and credibility in the hip hop scene.
The group decided to take a break from music after Black Magic. They focused on overcoming their personal problems and rebuilding their careers. They also parted ways with their label Battle Axe Records.
In 2009, the group made a comeback with their sixth studio album: Armed to the Teeth. The album was released on Suburban Noize Records, a label that specializes in underground rap, rock, and punk music. The album was meant to be a statement of defiance and resilience from Swollen Members. It was also meant to be a tribute to their loyal fans who stuck with them through thick and thin.
The album received mixed reviews from critics and fans. Some praised it for being diverse, creative, and energetic. They appreciated the group's willingness to experiment with different styles and sounds. They also enjoyed the guest appearances from some of the best rappers in the game.
Others criticized it for being too mainstream, violent, and inconsistent. They felt that the group had lost their originality and identity. They also disliked some of the beats, hooks, and lyrics that they found cheesy, clichéd, or offensive.
Analysis
Armed to the Teeth is a long album that spans over an hour of runtime. It contains 19 tracks that vary in mood, tone, and genre. It is hard to categorize this album into one specific style or sound. It has elements of hardcore rap, horrorcore rap, gangsta rap, pop rap, alternative rap, and more.
The album starts off with an intro track called "Reclaim The Throne". It features Madchild delivering a fiery verse over a heavy metal guitar riff. He declares his intention to reclaim his status as one of the best rappers in Canada after overcoming his addiction and legal issues.
The intro track sets up the tone for the rest of the album: aggressive, confident, and defiant.
The next track is "Porn Star". It features Tre Nyce on the hook singing about his sexual escapades with various women. Madchild and Prevail rap about their own experiences with sex, drugs, and fame over a bouncy beat produced by Rob The Viking. The track is catchy, funny, and vulgar.
The third track is "Kyla". It features Moka Only on vocals singing about his love for a girl named Kyla over a smooth beat produced by Rob The Viking. Madchild and Prevail rap about their own relationships with women over time. The track is sweet, romantic, and nostalgic.
The fourth track is "Red Dragon". It features Moka Only on vocals singing about his admiration for Swollen Members over a hard-hitting beat produced by Rob The Viking. Madchild and Prevail rap about their skills on the mic over time. The track is energetic, braggadocious, and loyal.
The fifth track is "Bollywood Chick". It features Tech N9ne and Tre Nyce on vocals singing about their attraction for exotic women over a dancehall beat produced by Rob The Viking. Madchild and Prevail rap about their own encounters with foreign women over time. The track is catchy, flirty, and multicultural.
The sixth track is "Meltdown". It features Saigon on vocals singing about his frustration with life over a rock-infused beat produced by Rob The Viking. Madchild and Prevail rap about their own struggles with addiction, depression, and violence over time. The track is angry, emotional, and cathartic.
The seventh track is "My Life". It features Ceekay Jones on vocals singing about his gratitude for life over an uplifting beat produced by Rob The Viking. Madchild and Prevail rap about their own achievements, successes, and happiness over time. positive, inspirational, and motivational.
The eighth track is "Bang Bang". It features Tre Nyce on vocals singing about his readiness for war over a trap beat produced by Rob The Viking. Madchild and Prevail rap about their own battles with enemies, haters, and rivals over time. The track is aggressive, threatening, and confrontational.
The ninth track is "Here We Come". It features Tre Nyce on vocals singing about his anticipation for success over a pop beat produced by Rob The Viking. Madchild and Prevail rap about their own aspirations, goals, and dreams over time. The track is catchy, optimistic, and ambitious.
The tenth track is "Warrior". It features Tre Nyce and Young Kazh on vocals singing about their courage and strength over a reggae beat produced by Rob The Viking. Madchild and Prevail rap about their own resilience, perseverance, and survival over time. The track is upbeat, empowering, and defiant.
The eleventh track is "Certified Dope". It features Glasses Malone on vocals singing about his quality and reputation over a west coast beat produced by Rob The Viking. Madchild and Prevail rap about their own skills and credibility over time. The track is smooth, confident, and boastful.
The twelfth track is "Funeral March". It features Saafir and Barbie Hatch on vocals singing about their sorrow and grief over a somber beat produced by Rob The Viking. Madchild and Prevail rap about their own losses, regrets, and pain over time. The track is sad, melancholic, and reflective.
The thirteenth track is "Flyest". It features Tre Nyce on vocals singing about his style and swagger over a funky beat produced by Rob The Viking. Madchild and Prevail rap about their own fashion and attitude over time. The track is funny, cocky, and playful.
The fourteenth track is "Lonely One". It features Tre Nyce on vocals singing about his loneliness and isolation over a soulful beat produced by Rob The Viking. Madchild and Prevail rap about their own solitude and alienation over time. The track is touching, honest, and vulnerable.
The fifteenth track is "Cross Fire". It features Talib Kweli and Krondon on vocals singing about their struggle and resistance over a boom bap beat produced by Rob The Viking. Madchild and Prevail rap about their own fight and activism over time. The track is powerful, political, and revolutionary.
The sixteenth track is "Concerto". It features La Coka Nostra on vocals singing about their skills and reputation over a hardcore beat produced by Rob The Viking. Madchild and Prevail rap about their own skills and reputation over time. The track is hardcore, intense, and impressive.
The seventeenth track is "Dumb". It features Everlast and Slaine on vocals singing about their stupidity and ignorance over a rock beat produced by Rob The Viking. Madchild and Prevail rap about their own stupidity and ignorance over time. The track is sarcastic, ironic, and humorous.
The eighteenth track is "Real P.I.". It features Glasses Malone and Tre Nyce on vocals singing about their street credibility and authenticity over a gangsta beat produced by Rob The Viking. Madchild and Prevail rap about their own street credibility and authenticity over time. The track is gangsta, gritty, and realistic.
The nineteenth and final track is "Dirty Work". It features Mistah F.A.B. on vocals singing about his work ethic and hustle over a hyphy beat produced by Rob The Viking. Madchild and Prevail rap about their own work ethic and hustle over time. The track is hyphy, energetic, and catchy.
Conclusion
Swollen Members' Armed to the Teeth album is a diverse and creative album that showcases the group's versatility and talent. It also reflects the group's personal and professional struggles that they faced during the making of the album. The album is not for everyone. It contains explicit language, graphic violence, and controversial topics. But it also contains honest emotions, powerful messages, and inspiring stories. The album is worth downloading and listening to if you are a hip hop fan who enjoys dark, gritty, and aggressive rap music.
If you want to download Swollen Members' Armed to the Teeth album legally and safely, you can do so from various online platforms, such as Qobuz, iTunes, Amazon, or Spotify. You can also buy the physical CD or vinyl from online or offline stores. You can also stream the album online from YouTube or other websites. However, be careful of illegal downloads or streams that might contain viruses or malware that could harm your device or compromise your privacy.
Swollen Members' Armed to the Teeth album is a testament to the group's resilience and determination. It is also a tribute to their loyal fans who supported them through thick and thin. It is an album that deserves your attention and appreciation.
FAQs
Q: Who are Swollen Members?
A: Swollen Members are a Canadian hip hop group that consists of two MCs, Madchild and Prevail, and a DJ/producer, Rob the Viking. They are known for their dark, hardcore, and horror-themed rap music that blends elements of rock, metal, punk, and reggae.
Q: When was Armed to the Teeth released?
A: Armed to the Teeth was released on October 27, 2009 on Suburban Noize Records. It was the group's sixth studio album.
Q: How many tracks are on Armed to the Teeth?
A: Armed to the Teeth contains 19 tracks that vary in mood, tone, and genre. It also features guest appearances from some of the biggest names in hip hop, such as Tech N9ne, Talib Kweli, La Coka Nostra, Everlast, Slaine, Glasses Malone, Tre Nyce, Moka Only, Saigon, Krondon, Phil Da Agony, Planet Asia and more.
Q: What are some of the best songs on Armed to the Teeth?
A: Some of the best songs on Armed to the Teeth are "Reclaim The Throne", "Meltdown", "My Life", "Warrior", "Cross Fire", and "Concerto". However, different listeners might have different preferences and opinions.
Q: What are some of the themes and topics covered on Armed to the Teeth?
A: Some of the themes and topics covered on Armed to the Teeth are violence, drugs, money, fame, love, hate, loyalty, betrayal, redemption, survival, struggle, resistance, activism, stupidity, ignorance, work ethic, hustle, style, swagger, loneliness, isolation, courage, strength, quality, reputation, skills, credibility, authenticity, diversity, creativity, versatility, talent, resilience, determination, gratitude, defiance, loyalty, tribute, statement, recommendation, and call to action.