This is one of the first projects by 9th Wonder of Justus League, released with 6 Hole Records, Florida label with which the Justus League signed in 2004. Most of the sixteen tracks are taken from other albums. Production is boom bap jazzy lo-fi entirely provided by 9th Wonder, while the rappers are from the Justus League (Rapper Big Pooh, Cesar Comanche, Chaundon, Joe Scudda, Khrysis who's present in "Strained" credited as Crisis, Median and in particular Phonte, main guest with four tracks), friends or associates. The album is quite honest and maintains its own musical coherence and solidity, the music is accessible thanks to a lean and light drum and the jazzy and soulful samples chosen by the beatmaker: it's a good debut, recommended for fans of 9th Wonder and of minimal boom bap.
Highlights: "A Letter to Sick L". Elegant piano looped in the background for the intro, skinny slow syncopated drum machine, good delivery by K-Hill, the piano returns for the hook (homage to Nas' "One Love"), accompanied by a soulful male sample. "Speed", "Mr. Dream Merchant", "Almost Genuine", "Strained". Keisha Shontelle solo rnb ballad cut, boom bap lo-fi, relaxing vibes. "Soul Dojo", "The Righteous Way to Go Instrumental". Wonderful instrumental, 9th Wonder combines soulful male samples and strings.
Rating: 7/10.
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