About this album

Sound: "A genre-blurring exploration of hip-hop's boundaries, merging eclectic samples with introspective narratives."

Where they were

In 2006, DJ Shadow released 'The Outsider' as his fourth studio album, following the critically acclaimed 'The Private Press' from 2002. This album marked a departure from his earlier work, embracing a more diverse sound that included contributions from various artists and genres.

Why it matters

'The Outsider' received mixed reviews but showcased DJ Shadow's willingness to experiment, leading to its unique position in his discography. The album peaked at number 24 on the Billboard 200 and featured collaborations that expanded his influence within the hip-hop community and beyond.

Essential tracks

  • "This Time (I’m Gonna Try It My Way)" — This track encapsulates the album's theme of personal reinvention, blending catchy hooks with a reflective lyrical approach.
  • "3 Freaks" — With its infectious beat and clever wordplay, this track exemplifies DJ Shadow's skill in fusing traditional hip-hop elements with innovative production techniques.
  • "Erase You (long version)" — This elongated piece showcases Shadow's ability to create atmospheric soundscapes while exploring deeper emotional themes, making it a standout moment in the album.

Release Date

September 15, 2006

Artist Origin

United States

Tracklist

Disc 1

  1. 1 Outsider Intro 2:20
  2. 2 This Time (I’m Gonna Try It My Way) 3:05
  3. 3 3 Freaks 3:49
  4. 4 Droop-E Drop 0:18
  5. 5 Turf Dancing 4:35
  6. 6 Keep Em Close 3:05
  7. 7 Seein’ Thangs 3:40
  8. 8 Broken Levee Blues 2:07
  9. 9 Artifact (instrumental) 2:55
  10. 10 Backstage Girl 7:21
  11. 11 Triplicate / Something Happened That Day 3:43
  12. 12 The Tiger 5:23
  13. 13 Erase You (long version) 7:55
  14. 14 What Have I Done 5:24
  15. 15 Triplicate, Part 3 2:52
  16. 16 You Made It 2:47
  17. 17 Enuff 4:28
  18. 18 Dats My Part 4:06

Disc 2

  1. 1 Seein’ Thangs 3:40
  2. 2 The Tiger 5:15
  3. 3 Erase You 6:52
  4. 4 Triplicate 1:52
  5. 5 Behind the Scenes of the Making of the Video: “3 Freaks” 8:08
  6. 6 Credits 0:29