Politically aware rapper/producer is one-half of the underground duo , but his powerful solo debut, , is sharper and more immediately accessible than ' sometimes hectoring approach. 's lyrics are at his sharpest on songs like and the anti-crime and there's a newfound directness to his already strong delivery. The production, by a tag team of four producers along with the artist himself, ranges from the '70s feel of to the minimalist of There's a little bit of bloat on the 15-track , with a couple of tracks probably best reserved for B-sides, but by the time of the album-closing which ends with a lengthy workout reminiscent of ' '70s work (itself followed by an untitled bonus track thoughtfully examining the uses of the N-word to a trippy, woozy beat), it's hard to fault this varied and engaging album. ~ Stewart Mason