Other meanings of Cosmology
Music
Cosmology is the debut studio album by American electronic music producer RJD2, released on July 13, 2010, on his own label, RJ's Electrical Connections. The album marks a stylistic shift from his earlier instrumental hip-hop work toward a more vocal-driven, pop-oriented sound, featuring collaborations with several guest vocalists.
Following the release of his third album, The Colossus (2010), RJD2 began work on a project that would eventually become Cosmology. The album was recorded in his home studio in Columbus, Ohio, and was largely self-produced. In interviews, RJD2 described the album as an attempt to create a cohesive, song-oriented record that drew from his diverse influences, including 1960s pop, soul, and psychedelic rock.1
The recording process involved extensive use of vintage analog equipment, including a Mellotron and various synthesizers, which contributed to the album's retro-futuristic aesthetic. RJD2 also collaborated with a number of vocalists, including Phonte Coleman of Little Brother, Aaron Livingston, and the band The Kickdrums, to craft songs that balanced his instrumental prowess with accessible melodies.2
Cosmology represents a departure from RJD2's earlier instrumental hip-hop style, embracing a more song-based approach with prominent vocals. The album's sound is characterized by lush arrangements, psychedelic textures, and a blend of electronic and organic instrumentation. Tracks like "Let There Be Horns" and "The Glow" showcase his knack for crafting catchy hooks while maintaining his signature sample-based production techniques.
Lyrically, the album explores themes of space, time, and human connection, often using cosmic metaphors to address personal and social issues. The title track, "Cosmology," features introspective verses from Phonte and a chorus that reflects on the vastness of the universe and the search for meaning. This thematic focus aligns with the album's title and its conceptual ambition.3
Cosmology was released on July 13, 2010, via RJD2's own label, RJ's Electrical Connections, marking his first release on an independent label after several albums on Definitive Jux. The album received generally positive reviews from music critics, who praised its ambitious scope and RJD2's production skills. However, some noted that the shift toward vocal tracks might alienate fans of his earlier instrumental work.
Commercially, the album did not chart on the Billboard 200, but it performed well on specialty charts, reaching number 25 on the Billboard Heatseekers Albums chart. The single "Let There Be Horns" received moderate airplay on college radio stations and was featured in several television placements, helping to expand RJD2's audience beyond the underground hip-hop scene.4
The album consists of 12 tracks, with a total runtime of approximately 44 minutes. The track listing is as follows:
All tracks were written and produced by RJD2, with vocal contributions from various artists on select tracks.5
One of the lesser-known aspects of Cosmology is its connection to RJD2's earlier work as a DJ and producer for the group MHz Legacy. The album's title was originally conceived as a concept about the intersection of science and spirituality, but RJD2 later admitted in interviews that the concept was loosely applied, and the songs were not strictly bound to it.
Another notable detail is that the album's artwork, designed by artist Jesse LeDoux, features a series of celestial illustrations that reflect the album's cosmic theme. The artwork was praised for its retro-futuristic style, reminiscent of 1970s science fiction book covers. Additionally, the album was released in a limited edition vinyl pressing with a bonus 7-inch single containing two non-album tracks, "The Fugue" and "A Place Called Home (Instrumental)", which have since become collector's items among fans.
All information is based on reliable sources and is accurate as of the time of writing.
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