The sophomore outing from the dynamic duo of and , maintains a similar formula to the debut installment while improving upon production and vitality. On 2014's sampled a single artist -- soulman -- on a tight collection with a roster of high-profile guests. Here, the pair focus on , a Philadelphia producer and composer, for their samples. Combined with hard-hitting beats, old-school scratching, and a dizzying maze of dense rhymes, satisfies more than its predecessor and should please fans of 's collaborative ' more laid-back material, and the catalog. A distinct old-school flavor creates a rich and nostalgic experience, especially on highlights like "W.O.W." and "Rock It." As veterans of hip-hop, make their impressive pedigrees known, addressing the Lil Mumbles and Lil SoundClouds of the world with elder statesmen wisdom, not outright attacks, as heard on "Everyday Struggle." They get rightfully angry about the state of the world, with assuming lyrical prophet and truth-teller status on "Black History," while maintaining a tough, braggadocious veneer on the breath-snatching "1 of the Hardest." 's flow is something to behold, with layers of lyrics to pore over with repeated listens, revealing humor, pain, and everything in between. Guest recruits hold their own with the formidable MC. stars on the standout "Respect My Gun," as menacing as it is smoothly addictive. goes toe to toe with on the sparse "Era," while lends some playfulness to the slinky bounce of "Flirt." In addition, , and boost with their distinctive voices and energies. At a time when multiple producers and playlists/mixtapes rule the rap game, the focus and intent on are comforts that effortlessly nail. ~ Neil Z. Yeung