By the time released , 's major-label debut, the young rapper was already a music industry veteran, having released several albums on the independent label. With continued the formula that had already made him a regional star -- sexually explicit lyrics over sparse, bass-heavy rhythm tracks. What is missing from this album, though, is any levity, humor, or musical exploration. Without the benefit of a lyrical wink or nod, and without any sign of his future head-nodding, workouts, 's trademark "pimp" tales were stripped bare, revealing themselves too misogynist to be enjoyable. Even so, due to the success of the nearly ten-minute, underground smash expanded 's fan base past his Oakland, CA, hometown, eventually selling past gold status. Many of 's later efforts, such as and were funnier, funkier, and plain better, but stands as most of the world's introduction to one of 's most enduring, and best-selling, artists ever. ~ Mtume Salaam