Ppl crapped on this record at the time for a few reasons. They felt a bit like dinosaurs trying to fit in next to PE and NWA and the like. The choice of new jack swing on some tracks didnt help. Pretty sure "P Upon A Tree" is a direct reference to DMC's booze habit. But it's a good record! Maybe not up to earlier standards but when it's on it's on (title track is the best IMHO)