Mos Def "may deliver tantalizing flashes of lyrical skill, but he doesn't inspire much feeling other than listless dread", Chinen wrote. Michael Furman from Tiny Mix Tapes was more enthusiastic about the album, writing that "it's not a happy record, and there are few, if any, genius rhymes. But it speaks volumes about the frustration and resignation of the underprivileged."
Mos Def's lyrical skill is impressive, but he doesn't evoke much emotion beyond a sense of weariness.  Chinen found the album lacking in inspiration and Furman felt it spoke volumes about the frustration and resignation of those facing hardship.