Nearly 15 years after cemented his place in rap with his stellar debut, , the Compton-born lyricist went on record saying ninth album would be his final album. Swan songs are often repealed, but this 25-track, star-studded, 90-minute collection goes over the top to neatly wrap up a storied career. 's always intense and street-minded raps meet a variety of production twists over the course of the lengthy album, from more R&B-laced hooks from on "No Smoke" and a buoyant chorus from on "Blood Thicker Than Water" to an acoustic guitar instrumental and vocal cameo from on album closer "Roadside." It's a dense volume of street storytelling and especially reflective lyricism from this rap MVP, and even at its extensive running time, delivers lots of highlights. features on "The Code," there's a cameo on the especially hard-hitting "Welcome Home," and the mellow soul instrumental and chorus on "Stainless" all contribute to the strength of this spirited curtain call. ~ Fred Thomas