i'm gonna let it simmer for a while, but i'm definitely impressed.

rising down - sets off the album lovely. mos, thought & styles all bring it on a real banger (though think i prefer the hum drum mix, but that doesn't take anything away from this.)

get busy - heat. nother killer beat & peedi is the shit.

@15: lil' daddy kane? cool- & the transition to

75 bars: is inspired. how raw this shit is. thought just rips it- and that train whistle is a great touch.

becoming unwritten: frustrating

criminal: rocks. john-john makes a welcome return.

i will not apologize: man, thought and porn's deliveries on this track are cool as fuck. this shit manages to be laid-back and bouncy at the same time.

i can't help it: malik b, ladies and gentlemen. porn kills it on this track. i REALLY dig the synth on this track, great vocals- and that outro is tiiight.

singing man: the understated production on this track is a winner. love all the shit going on when the beat drops out. keep on truckin'

unwritten: quest, why the fuck is this basically an interlude? getting your 'i wonder u' on, huh? (no monkeynutso.)

lost desire: once again back it's the incredible b. kweli doesn't amaze or disappoint. thought nails it. the hook isn't that 'hooky' but it's much better than the clunkers on the tipping point. another great outro- the dilla tribute is a nice touch.

the show: quest's drunken tribute to the beat of dougie fresh's 'the show' is the shit. and again, the synths are cool.

rising up: deserves to be a hit. perfect summer vibe. wale keeps up this album's fine showing by the 'unknown' guests- all of whom outdid kweli and common, imo.

birthday girl: coulda shoulda woulda fit right here REALLY well. *shrug* guess i'm gonna have to get the aussie version sent to me.

hidden track: ahahahahaha. has def jam HEARD richie's rant?

after the first few listens, this album certainly maintains the high standard of the roots' catalogue. this will be getting a LOT of play.

thanks, guys!