Balance is the debut studio album by Canadian hip-hop group Swollen Members. It was released in 1999 by Battle Axe Records in Canada and United States with 18 tracks, and with DJ Vadim's Jazz Fudge label in Europe and United Kingdom with 20 tracks.
The album was produced by Kool DJ E.Q., the Alchemist, Paul Nice, Zodak, Evidence, Kemo, Joey Chavez, Del tha Funkee Homosapien, and features guest appearances from Evidence, Rakaa, Aceyalone, Del the Funky Homosapien, Divine Styler, Everlast, Saafir, and Son Doobie.
The album was certified gold by the CRIA with sales of over 50,000 copies across Canada, and won Rap Recording of the Year at the Juno Awards of 2001. The album also reached number 40 on Canada's Alternative Albums chart in 2001. In 2016, the album was reissued on CD with new cover art by the graffiti artist RISK.
Critical reception
CMJ New Music Monthly stated "they hold more stylistic and geographic allegiance to San Francisco and Los Angeles than to more logical locales like Seattle and Olympia" and noted the group's "defiantly independent aesthetic".
Matt Conaway of AllMusic said "their chemistry is very developed for a group embarking on their freshman effort" and claimed the duo was "at forefront of developing a new style".
MVRemix praised the duos chemistry and the album's production. They called it "one of the year's finest albums and is one of the best debut albums ever".
RapReviews expressed "guest appearances aren't irritating and overbearing, but blend and fit nicely in the mix" and said "it stumbles here and there, but the consistent dopeness of the beats, and overall vibe of the album override that".
Phalanx of Rebirth Magazine named the album his favorite of all-time.
Track listings
Charts Chart (2001)PositionCanadian Alternative Albums (Nielsen SoundScan)40 Chart (2002)PositionCanadian Alternative Albums (Nielsen SoundScan) 138Canadian R&B Albums (Nielsen SoundScan) 81Canadian Rap Albums (Nielsen SoundScan) 42
References
External links