Pete Rock's sixth studio album, third solo, second album-producer, released by BBE and Rapster six years after his debut, of which it's a direct follow-up. The production is managed by Pete Rock, while, unlike the previous chapter, the guests alternate between well-known names and up-and-coming guys: Pharoahe Monch of Organized Konfusion, CL Smooth, RZA & GZA of Wu-Tang Clan, Talib Kweli of Black Star, Dead Prez, Little Brother, Slum Village, J Dilla, Black Ice (less-known affiliate of Wu-Tang, is part of U-God group HIllside Scramblers), Kardinal Offishall, Postaboy, Denosh, Skillz, Krumbsnatcha and Leela James.
The music provided by Pete Rock is solid and robust, clean, crisp, jazzy boom bap with soul elements and somber dark overtones. The rapping is irregular and fluctuating, the quality jumps depending on the skill of the performers: there are several strong and good moments, such as the tracks with CL Smooth and the final section of the record, which features tracks with Wu, Dead Prez and J Dilla. The beginning and the central part are weak, at best decent, with Monch, Little Brother and CL giving the brightest flashes, while the other guys don't stand out, despite the goodness of the rhythms performed. Ultimately, the tape doesn't live up to the first chapter and isn't among the best products branded Soul Brother Number One.
Highlights: "Just Do It", "Give It to Ya", "It's a Love Thing", "Head Rush", "Fly Till I Die", "Warzone", "Da Villa", "Appreciate".
Rating: 6.5/10.
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