Iconic New York rapper began work on what would be his eighth studio album, , shortly after the release of 2012's . His death in 2021 shifted the record from being the triumphant comeback it was intended as to a memoriam, its urgency and spiritual undertones recontextualized by 's passing. is relatively short, clocking in at just under 40 minutes where earlier studio albums hovered around hour-long run times. It's also the most collaboration-heavy album, featuring appearances by rap royalty as well as pop stars like , , and . 's patented growl is in fine form on album standouts like the simmering "Hood Blues," and "Bath Salts," a spirited track that finds taking turns over a pushy beat. brings a fluid lyrical presence to "Money Money Money," flowing over an instrumental built on almost absurd classical harpsichord samples. On these tracks, sounds energized by his collaborators. Other moments of note are the -sampling, -featuring, and generally laid-back fun of "Take Control," the driven and hooky collaboration "Hold Me Down," and a string of tracks that close out the set with a deeply introspective and spiritual feel. Among those closing tracks, "Letter to My Son (Call Your Father)" is perhaps the strongest moment on the album, with narrating a pained, conflicted message to his son from what feels like a place of estrangement and sorrow. It's emotionally complex and doesn't even hide its straightforwardness behind a beat, with speaking directly over understated piano and violin. ~ Fred Thomas