A lyricist, dope beats and knowledge are the key elements to a dope conscious album. Funkin' lesson hits all the categories on the head with this new release from x clan. When I heard a new album was coming out after the long hiatus I questioned if brother J still had it. Well I saw x clan live when they came to chicago with public enemy. needless to say I left the concert with x clan's new cd in my hand. Not only does brother J shine on the album but he also has some nice guest appearances (Krs-One, Chali 2na, Jr. Gong Marley). It is good to hear a solid album that actually has some substance to it instead of wack material lyrics with a wack dance to accompany the weak track. This release gets two thumbs up from me.