Tricky – Maxinquaye

Maxinquaye is Tricky‘s groundbreaking debut released on 20th February 1995; it marked a departure from Massive Attack. Inspired by frustration, Tricky teamed up with vocalist Martina Topley-Bird. The album, recorded mainly at Tricky‘s home studio in London, incorporated dub techniques, altered samples, and a fusion of hip hop, soul, rock, ambient techno, reggae, and experimental music. Lyrics delved into cultural decline, dysfunctional relationships, and drug use, drawing from Tricky‘s experiences in British drug culture and his mother’s influence, named Maxine Quaye.

Maxinquaye peaked at No. 3 on the UK chart, selling over 100,000 copies in its early months. Marketed by 4th & B’way with a gender-bending image, the album gained critical acclaim, becoming a cornerstone of the trip hop genre. With global sales surpassing 500,000 copies, Maxinquaye remains influential in electronica, underground hip hop, and British hip hop, often featured in lists of the greatest albums.

Source: Wikipedia