Note: Kanye West produced nine of the 11 tracks and contributes vocals/rhymes to four of them
Production: After the wildly experimental Electric Circus, Common returns to his laid-back, jazzy groove style of hip hop, while Kanye frequently adds his signature, sped-up, female soul/R&B vocal samples
Lyrics: Black empowerment, knowledge of self and preservation of a positive and productive message in hip hop
Heavy Rotation tracks: “The Corner” (Strong Top 20 Songs of 2005
Candidate); “The Food (Live)“; “Testify”
Medium Rotation tracks: “Faithful“; “They Say“; “GO!”
Recommended: Kanye’s trademark production is a little overused on the first half of the album, which creates a feeling of sameness, but on the whole the album should be very satisfying for fans of smooth, socially conscious hip hop
Grade: A- (Top 20 Albums of 2005 Candidate)

(As posted 6/6/05 on davepowersmusic.com)
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