"Sometimes I feel like all I ever do is find different ways to word the same, old song" - Eminem. If it hadn't been for a while already, it's definitely feeling like that for Ro on this. He has done the same kind of singing/rapping for a while now, with similar production, and spat about the same kind of topics for even longer. A little like my favourite rapper, T-Rock, I don't mind too much because vocally he is often brilliant, but it's probably time for something different. Like his last album, Sadism, which has 18 songs and runs almost 70 minutes, it takes a listen or two to get into this long project as well. It's probably of similar quality to Sadism, although, the best here aren't quite as great. Somewhere between a 3/5 and 3.5/5. Best Tracks: Goin Up, Right Here, Stop the Rain

The first song isn't bad, it kind of bangs. 'Undeniable' uses the same sample that Nas would use a couple of years later on 'You Can't Stop Us Now' and it's hard not to compare it to that much better extra layered song. 'A Ha' has some funk. Mos Def sounds a little bored on 'Dollar Day'. Overall the first half of the album is decent at best. From 'There Is a Way' this is consistent to the end though. I like the backend. I think it picks up the quality. If this was by a no-name rapper it would have a better reputation than it does. Best Tracks: There Is a Way

It was hard to do much wrong from '92 - '94 in hip hop. There are just so many good albums where artists were borrowing and building on the great music that was constantly being created. I've heard most Common albums and they've been a mixed bag. At times I've found them boring, other times there have been a few dope tracks to put into a playlist, and once or twice they've been a consistent, near amazing album, and this fits closest to being in the final group. There is no absolutely amazing track, but for consistently enjoyable songs, this is in his top few. The rapping is a lot different than what he does these days. It's faster with more intricate rhyming. If you like early '90s jazzy beats with a bit of a pop feel to 'em you'll enjoy this. Best Tracks: A Penny for My Thoughts, Charms Alarm, Take It EZ, Breaker 1/9, Puppy Chow, Soul by the Pound

This is one that took a while to grow on me as the beats could be better at times, but you can't escape Biggie's flow and many of the classic tunes. Best Tracks: Machine Gun Funk, Ready to Die, One More Chance, Juicy, Everyday Struggle, Big Poppa, Suicidal Thoughts

Add this album to the likes of 'Killafornia Organization', 'True Game', 'Stressin'', 'Bad N Fluenz' and 'Brains All Over the Street', to name a few, that are all underheard and seemingly unknown dope west coast hip hop. I probably would have missed this one as well if LQ wasn't a feature on CJ's 'True Game' (which you can hear on track 9-'Setup')-that is one of the better West Coast albums ever in my opinion-who also has a couple of features on this. While all of the beats on this are not quite as catchy, it has similar production themes, and while lacking anything too unique, Poppa is an enjoyable emcee to listen to. It is a pet peeve of mine though when there is a minute of BS before the best tracks. CJ Mac has that on one his songs, and the best track here, 'Whatever Whenever', has it as well. Nevertheless, if you enjoy funky '90s west coast rap, this is well worth checking out. Best Tracks: Whatever Whenever, Killa 4 My Hood, Heaven on Earth, Unsatisfied