With a style that's an all-encompassing throwback, going from
Notorious B.I.G. to
Mos Def, Brooklyn rapper
Joey Bada$$ draws the golden age hip-hop fetishist in without a problem, but his delivery is so full of life, it still holds sway for those who don't know their Bad Boy from their Death Row. This fine debut is also filled with productions from
Statik Selektah,
DJ Premier, and others whose names hold weight, but beat junkies will most likely jump right to the smoky highlight "Like Me," where
the Roots complete a lost track from the late, great
J. Dilla. Reggae singer
Chronixx makes a guest appearance on an album with few features, but the bonus edition comes with "Run Up on Ya," where
Action Bronson and
Elle Varner threaten to steal the show. ~ David Jeffries