But XXL gave it a L/XXL (the equivalent of three stars out of five) and said, "Not falling far from 50 Cent’s platinum-rooted tree, Rotten Apple is fertilized with potent doses of sonic strength and catchy hooks. But overall, it isn’t the new massacre that'll shake New York hip-hop down to its core."
XXL gave Rotten Apple a L/XXL (three stars out of five) rating, indicating that it is comparable to 50 Cent’s platinum-rooted success. The album includes strong sonic elements and catchy hooks but does not match the impact of the new massacre in New York hip-hop.