Wrath of the Math
Encyclopedia
Wrath of the Math is the second album by hip hop
artist Jeru the Damaja
.
and continues the themes of Afrocentricity, preserving hip-hop culture, and more about the harms of materialism that were discussed on The Sun Rises in the East
.
In its liner notes, it even says, "This album was created to SAVE hip-hop and the minds of the people who listen to it." One significant track that intends to uphold Jeru's vision of hip hop is "One Day," where Jeru tells a story of Puff Daddy, Foxy Brown, and Bad Boy Records
kidnapping somebody named Hip-Hop. The Notorious B.I.G. took offense to the song, being that he was signed to Bad Boy Records, and closely affiliated with Puff Daddy and Foxy Brown. Biggie retaliated by throwing subtle jabs at Jeru in the song "Kick in the Door
" (which was also aimed at other rap artists as well.) The Track called Me or the Papes contains aim for Puff Daddy, Jeru stating, “My name ain't Puff
; I ain't got loot to waste,” to which Puff Daddy didn't respond.
It contains many tracks that are sequels to songs on Jeru's debut album such as "Revenge of the Prophet (Part 5)," "Me or the Papes," and "Physical Stamina," featuring Afu-Ra
, the one guest emcee, as he was on Jeru's debut album.
Entertainment Weekly
(1/10/97, p. 58)—"Combined with DJ Premier's head-bobbing minimalist funk, Jeru tells it like it is like no other." Rating: B+
Vibe (11/96, p. 153)—"Armed with a prophet's sense of social responsibility, Webster's vocab, and the best beats in the business.... Jeru's at his best...when he fights playa-ism with its most potent weapon: sharply visual, action-packed narrative."
The Source
(12/96, p. 126)—3 Mikes: Good—"Returning with an unabashed intolerance for the artistic moves of some well-known rap figures...Jeru the Damaja proves that his musical compositions are too mentally stimulating to be ignored."
Melody Maker
(12/21-28/96, pp. 66–67)—Ranked #43 on Melody Maker's 1996 list of Albums of the Year.
The Frustrated Nigga
Black Cowboys
Whatever
One Day
Revenge of the Prophet (Part 5)
Me or the Papes
How I'm Livin'
Too Perverted
Ya Playin' Yaself
Invasion
Hip hop music
Hip hop music, also called hip-hop, rap music or hip-hop music, is a musical genre consisting of a stylized rhythmic music that commonly accompanies rapping, a rhythmic and rhyming speech that is chanted...
artist Jeru the Damaja
Jeru the Damaja
Kendrick Jeru Davis, known as Jeru the Damaja is an American rapper and recording artist who has worked extensively with Guru and DJ Premier of Gang Starr, whom he has known since high school.-Biography:...
.
Album information
The album was completely produced by DJ PremierDJ Premier
Christopher Edward Martin , better known by his stage name DJ Premier , is an American record producer and DJ, and was the instrumental half of the hip hop duo Gang Starr, together with emcee Guru...
and continues the themes of Afrocentricity, preserving hip-hop culture, and more about the harms of materialism that were discussed on The Sun Rises in the East
The Sun Rises in the East
The Sun Rises in the East is the debut album of American hip hop rapper Jeru the Damaja, released May 24, 1994 on PayDay Records. Production on the album was handled by legendary hip hop producer DJ Premier. The album features fellow Gang Starr Foundation member Afu-Ra...
.
In its liner notes, it even says, "This album was created to SAVE hip-hop and the minds of the people who listen to it." One significant track that intends to uphold Jeru's vision of hip hop is "One Day," where Jeru tells a story of Puff Daddy, Foxy Brown, and Bad Boy Records
Bad Boy Records
Bad Boy Records is a record label founded in 1993 by producer/rapper/entrepreneur Sean "Diddy" Combs. Today it operates as a subsidiary of Warner Music Group, and is distributed by Atlantic Records.-Beginnings:...
kidnapping somebody named Hip-Hop. The Notorious B.I.G. took offense to the song, being that he was signed to Bad Boy Records, and closely affiliated with Puff Daddy and Foxy Brown. Biggie retaliated by throwing subtle jabs at Jeru in the song "Kick in the Door
Life After Death
Life After Death is the second and final studio album by American rapper The Notorious B.I.G., released March 25, 1997 on Bad Boy Records. A double album, it was released posthumously following his death on March 9, 1997 and serves as his final studio album...
" (which was also aimed at other rap artists as well.) The Track called Me or the Papes contains aim for Puff Daddy, Jeru stating, “My name ain't Puff
Sean Combs
Sean John Combs , also known by his stage names Diddy and P. Diddy, is an American rapper, singer, record producer, actor, and entrepreneur. He has won three Grammy Awards and two MTV Video Music Awards, and his clothing line earned a Council of Fashion Designers of America award. He was originally...
; I ain't got loot to waste,” to which Puff Daddy didn't respond.
It contains many tracks that are sequels to songs on Jeru's debut album such as "Revenge of the Prophet (Part 5)," "Me or the Papes," and "Physical Stamina," featuring Afu-Ra
Afu-Ra
Aaron Phillip better known by his stage names, Afu-Ra & Afu is a New York-based American underground rapper. Afu, born Aaron Phillip, is a devout student of the Martial arts, as well as Chess...
, the one guest emcee, as he was on Jeru's debut album.
Reception
It was well-received, but was not as critically acclaimed as his debut album. John Bush of Allmusic was one of the few critics who felt that it was just as strong as Jeru's debut album.Entertainment Weekly
Entertainment Weekly
Entertainment Weekly is an American magazine, published by the Time division of Time Warner, that covers film, television, music, broadway theatre, books and popular culture...
(1/10/97, p. 58)—"Combined with DJ Premier's head-bobbing minimalist funk, Jeru tells it like it is like no other." Rating: B+
Vibe (11/96, p. 153)—"Armed with a prophet's sense of social responsibility, Webster's vocab, and the best beats in the business.... Jeru's at his best...when he fights playa-ism with its most potent weapon: sharply visual, action-packed narrative."
The Source
The Source (magazine)
The Source is a United States-based, monthly full-color magazine covering hip-hop music, politics, and culture, founded in 1988. It is the world's second longest running rap periodical, behind United Kingdom-based publication Hip Hop Connection. The Source was founded as a newsletter in 1988...
(12/96, p. 126)—3 Mikes: Good—"Returning with an unabashed intolerance for the artistic moves of some well-known rap figures...Jeru the Damaja proves that his musical compositions are too mentally stimulating to be ignored."
Melody Maker
Melody Maker
Melody Maker, published in the United Kingdom, was, according to its publisher IPC Media, the world's oldest weekly music newspaper. It was founded in 1926 as a magazine targeted at musicians; in 2000 it was merged into "long-standing rival" New Musical Express.-1950s–1960s:Originally the Melody...
(12/21-28/96, pp. 66–67)—Ranked #43 on Melody Maker's 1996 list of Albums of the Year.
Track listing
| # | Title | Songwriters | Producer(s) | Performer (s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | "Wrath of the Math" | K.J. Davis, C. Martin | DJ Premier | *Interlude* |
| 2 | "The Frustrated Nigga" | K.J. Davis, C. Martin | DJ Premier | Jeru the Damaja |
| 3 | "Black Cowboys" | K.J. Davis, C. Martin | DJ Premier | Jeru the Damaja |
| 4 | "Tha Bullshit" | K.J. Davis, C. Martin | DJ Premier | Jeru the Damaja |
| 5 | "Whatever" | K.J. Davis, C. Martin, M. Small Jr. | DJ Premier | Jeru the Damaja |
| 6 | "Physical Stamina" | K.J. Davis, A. Phillips, C. Martin | DJ Premier | Afu-Ra Afu-Ra Aaron Phillip better known by his stage names, Afu-Ra & Afu is a New York-based American underground rapper. Afu, born Aaron Phillip, is a devout student of the Martial arts, as well as Chess... , Jeru the Damaja |
| 7 | "One Day" | K.J. Davis, C. Martin | DJ Premier | Jeru the Damaja |
| 8 | "Revenge of the Prophet (Part 5)" | K.J. Davis, C. Martin | DJ Premier | Jeru the Damaja |
| 9 | "Scientifical Madness" | K.J. Davis, C. Martin | DJ Premier | Jeru the Damaja |
| 10 | "Not the Average" | K.J. Davis, C. Martin | DJ Premier | Jeru the Damaja |
| 11 | "Me or the Papes" | K.J. Davis, C. Martin | DJ Premier | Jeru the Damaja |
| 12 | "How I'm Livin'" | K.J. Davis, C. Martin | DJ Premier | Jeru the Damaja |
| 13 | "Too Perverted" | K.J. Davis, C. Martin | DJ Premier | Jeru the Damaja |
| 14 | "Ya Playin' Yaself" | K.J. Davis, C. Martin | DJ Premier | Jeru the Damaja |
| 15 | "Invasion" | K.J. Davis, C. Martin, C. Mayfield | DJ Premier | Jeru the Damaja |
Samples
Wrath of the Math- "Will O' the Wisp" by Miles DavisMiles DavisMiles Dewey Davis III was an American jazz musician, trumpeter, bandleader, and composer. Widely considered one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century, Miles Davis was, with his musical groups, at the forefront of several major developments in jazz music, including bebop, cool jazz,...
The Frustrated Nigga
- "Hit or Miss" by OdettaOdettaOdetta Holmes, known as Odetta, was an American singer, actress, guitarist, songwriter, and a human rights activist, often referred to as "The Voice of the Civil Rights Movement". Her musical repertoire consisted largely of American folk music, blues, jazz, and spirituals...
- "My Thang" by James BrownJames BrownJames Joseph Brown was an American singer, songwriter, musician, and recording artist. He is the originator of Funk and is recognized as a major figure in the 20th century popular music for both his vocals and dancing. He has been referred to as "The Godfather of Soul," "Mr...
- "Jungle BoogieJungle Boogie"Jungle Boogie" is a funk song recorded by Kool & the Gang for their 1973 album Wild and Peaceful. It scored number four as a single and became very popular in nightclubs. The song's spoken main vocal was performed by the band's roadie Don Boyce...
" by Kool & the GangKool & the GangKool & the Gang are an American jazz, R&B, soul, and funk group, originally formed as the Jazziacs in Jersey City, New Jersey in 1964.They went through several musical phases during the course of their recording career, starting out with a purist jazz sound, then becoming practitioners of R&B and... - "The Further Adventures of Nick Danger" by Firesign Theatre
- "Flying Saucers" by Richard PryorRichard PryorRichard Franklin Lennox Thomas Pryor was an American stand-up comedian, actor, social critic, writer and MC. Pryor was known for uncompromising examinations of racism and topical contemporary issues, which employed colorful vulgarities, and profanity, as well as racial epithets...
Black Cowboys
- "Put it On" by Big LBig LBig L may refer to:* Lamont Coleman , better know by Big L, American hip-hop artist.Or a number of British radio stations:*Big L 1395, a British radio station.*Radio Luxembourg's English-language progammes ....
- "Wild Cowboys" by Sadat XSadat XSadat X is an American rapper, most famed as a member of Alternative hip hop group Brand Nubian. Originally known as Derek X, Sadat takes his name from former Egyptian president Anwar Sadat....
Whatever
- "That's All Right with Me" by Esther PhillipsEsther PhillipsEsther Phillips was an American singer. Phillips was known for her R&B vocals, but she was a versatile singer, also performing pop, country, jazz, blues and soul music.-Early life:...
- "Here N Now" by OnyxOnyx (band)Onyx is a hardcore hip hop group from South Jamaica, Queens, New York. The group consists of Sticky Fingaz, Fredro Starr and Sonsee . The late Big DS was also a member, but left after the group's debut album.-Early career:...
One Day
- "Punks Jump Up to Get Beat Down" by Brand NubianBrand NubianBrand Nubian is an American hip hop group from New Rochelle, New York, consisting of three MC's: Grand Puba , Sadat X and Lord Jamar , and two DJs: DJ Alamo and DJ Sincere...
- "Don't Misunderstand" by Ahmad JamalAhmad JamalAhmad Jamal is an innovative and influential American jazz pianist, composer, and educator. According to Stanley Crouch, Jamal is second in importance in the development of jazz after 1945 only to Charlie Parker...
Revenge of the Prophet (Part 5)
- "Get out My Life, Woman" by Q65Q65 (band)Q65 are a Dutch pop/rock/Rhythm and blues group formed in 1965 and categorised in the Netherlands as being part of the Nederbeat genre.-1965: Formation:...
Me or the Papes
- "I Love Music" by Ahmad JamalAhmad JamalAhmad Jamal is an innovative and influential American jazz pianist, composer, and educator. According to Stanley Crouch, Jamal is second in importance in the development of jazz after 1945 only to Charlie Parker...
- "Money" by Pink FloydPink FloydPink Floyd were an English rock band that achieved worldwide success with their progressive and psychedelic rock music. Their work is marked by the use of philosophical lyrics, sonic experimentation, innovative album art, and elaborate live shows. Pink Floyd are one of the most commercially...
- "Move Ya Body" by Mad Skillz
How I'm Livin'
- "Labels" by Genius/GZAGZAGary Grice , better known by his stage names GZA and The Genius, is an American hip hop artist and founding member of the seminal hip hop group the Wu-Tang Clan. He has also appeared on his fellow clan members' solo projects and has maintained a successful solo career...
- "3 The Hard Way" by BahamadiaBahamadiaBahamadia is a Philadelphia-born hip hop artist born in 1970, and a DJ who later became an MC. As a member of Gang Starr Foundation, she released her critically acclaimed debut album entitled Kollage in 1996. The album featured production by Guru and DJ Premier of Gang Starr...
Too Perverted
- "Do Drop In" by Love Unlimited Orchestra
Ya Playin' Yaself
- "You are What I'm All About" by The New Birth
- "Do the Funky Penguin" by Rufus ThomasRufus ThomasRufus Thomas, Jr. was an American rhythm and blues, funk and soul singer and comedian fromMemphis, Tennessee, who recorded on Sun Records in the...
- "Stakes is High (A cappella)" by De La SoulDe La SoulDe La Soul is an American hip hop trio formed in 1987 on Long Island, New York. The band is best known for their eclectic sampling, quirky lyrics, and their contributions to the evolution of the jazz rap and alternative hip hop subgenres...
Invasion
- "Playland" by Jimmy McGriffJimmy McGriffJames Harrell McGriff was an American hard bop and soul-jazz organist and organ trio bandleader who developed a distinctive style of playing the Hammond B-3 organ.-Early years and influences:...
- "Stone Junkie" by Curtis MayfieldCurtis MayfieldCurtis Lee Mayfield was an American soul, R&B, and funk singer, songwriter, and record producer.He is best known for his anthemic music with The Impressions during the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960's and for composing the soundtrack to the blaxploitation film Super Fly, Mayfield is highly...
- "It Ain't Hard to TellIt Ain't Hard to Tell"It Ain't Hard to Tell" is Nas' second single and last track from his debut album Illmatic. Produced by Large Professor, the song samples Michael Jackson's 1983 hit single "Human Nature", "N.T." by Kool & the Gang, "Why Can't People Be Colors Too?" by The Whatnauts, "Long Red" by Mountain & "Slow...
" by NasNasNasir bin Olu Dara Jones, who performs under the name Nas , formerly Nasty Nas, is an American rapper and actor. He is regarded as one of the most important figures in hip hop and one of the most skilled and influential rappers of all-time... - "Will O' the Wisp" by Miles DavisMiles DavisMiles Dewey Davis III was an American jazz musician, trumpeter, bandleader, and composer. Widely considered one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century, Miles Davis was, with his musical groups, at the forefront of several major developments in jazz music, including bebop, cool jazz,...
Album singles
| Information |
|---|
"Ya Playin' Yaself"
|
| "Me or the Papes"
|
Album chart positions
| Year | Album | Chart positions | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Billboard 200 Billboard 200 The Billboard 200 is a ranking of the 200 highest-selling music albums and EPs in the United States, published weekly by Billboard magazine. It is frequently used to convey the popularity of an artist or groups of artists... |
Top R&B/Hip Hop Albums | ||
| 1996 | Wrath of the Math | 35 | 3 |
Singles chart positions
| Year | Song | Chart positions | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Billboard Hot 100 Billboard Hot 100 The Billboard Hot 100 is the United States music industry standard singles popularity chart issued weekly by Billboard magazine. Chart rankings are based on radio play and sales; the tracking-week for sales begins on Monday and ends on Sunday, while the radio play tracking-week runs from Wednesday... |
Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks | Hot Rap Singles | Hot Dance Music/Maxi-Singles Sales | ||
| 1996 | Ya Playin' Yaself | - | 57 | 20 | 6 |
| 1997 | Me or the Papes | - | 78 | 2 | - |