About this album
Where they were
By the time 'A Ruff Guide' was released in 2002, Tricky was transitioning from his initial breakthrough with 'Maxinquaye' and subsequent albums. This compilation captures his influential work during the late 1990s and early 2000s, showcasing tracks that solidified his status in the trip-hop genre while reflecting his evolving artistry.
Why it matters
'A Ruff Guide' serves as a pivotal retrospective of Tricky's career, featuring hits like 'Black Steel' which received significant radio play. The album also played a crucial role in introducing new listeners to Tricky’s complex soundscape, solidifying his legacy within the experimental hip-hop scene.
Essential tracks
- "Black Steel (radio edit)" — This track is a standout for its innovative blend of hip-hop rhythms and haunting melodies, encapsulating Tricky's signature style.
- "Overcome" — The emotional depth and lyrical poignancy of 'Overcome' make it a defining moment in Tricky's catalog, showcasing his introspective songwriting.
- "Hell Is Around the Corner" — 'Hell Is Around the Corner' melds dark themes with ethereal production, representing the moody undertones characteristic of Tricky's work.
- "Aftermath (version one)" — As an opener, this track sets the tone for the compilation with its atmospheric layers and reflective lyrics, inviting listeners into Tricky's world.
Release Date
January 1, 2002
Artist Origin
United Kingdom
Tracklist
- 1 Aftermath (version one) 5:04
- 2 Poems (edit) 4:16
- 3 For Real 3:31
- 4 Black Steel (radio edit) 3:42
- 5 Pumpkin (edit) 4:07
- 6 Broken Homes 3:35
- 7 Wash My Soul 3:54
- 8 I Be the Prophet (With Drums) 4:56
- 9 Makes Me Wanna Die 4:04
- 10 Tricky Kid 4:13
- 11 Scrappy Love 3:14
- 12 Ponderosa (original 7" edit) 3:32
- 13 Christiansands 3:54
- 14 Hell Is Around the Corner 3:47
- 15 Singing the Blues 3:30
- 16 Bubbles 3:28
- 17 Overcome 3:47
- 18 Aftermath (I Could Be Looking for People remix) 5:13
- 19 Black Steel (In the Draw mix) 6:25
