Stacked solid with songs that chronicle her ongoing struggles through love's many stages. [Apr 2005, p.165]

Way, way better than just "OK." [Apr 2005, p.168]

A taut, albeit less explosive, album. [Apr 2005, p.166]

Brimming with energy and depth. [Nov 2004, p.160]

Subpar sonically... Red Light doesn't push toward something greater. [Feb 2005, p.138]

Here Nas is on autopilot, churning out uniformly solid but unexceptional material. [Oct 2004, p.183]

More solid than spectacular. [Jan 2005, p.83]

While it's no surprise that Destiny Fulfilled showcases advanced production values, the songwriting and vocal abilities are just as impressive. [Jan 2005, p.81]

Doom satiates as both a producer and a lyricist. [Jan 2005, p.84]

Largely sounds like a drug-induced, incoherent jam session. [Dec 2004, p.215]

Ray Ray hits more than it misses in its celebration of a time when George was making the mothership connection and Marvin just wanted to get it on. [Nov 2004, p.160]

Sophisticated compositions and insightful lyrics. [Nov 2004, p.162]

There's nothing new here... but if your ears are inured to the dense, overly polished production of contemprary R&B, Stone's simplicity and rawness will come as a revelation. [Nov 2004, p.166]

Well-crafted... offers a continuation of Quality's attempt to expand rap's topical terrain. [Oct 2004, p.185]

While k-os's antimaterialist ranting can wear thin at times, Joyful Rebellion builds and improves on the rich, organic, live sound that made his debut, Exit, such a left-field hit. [Nov 2004, p.162]

Unfortunately, Sweat is affected by some forced collaborations and shallow subject matter. [Oct 2004, p.184]

There are plenty of surprises on Suit. [Oct 2004, p.184]

The only downside is that all the tracks sound similar. [Oct 2004, p.186]

She's both deeply personal and relevantly dope, thriving where poetry slams and hip hop beats collide. [Sep 2004, p.231]

Blessed with a raw authenticity and rousing presence, Buck is one of the more adaptable MCs to date. [Jul 2004, p.135]

213's obsolete subject matter offsets otherwise satisfying sounds. [Sep 2004, p.236]

Though Nightmare doesn't match their classics, you can definitely call this a comeback. [Aug 2004, p.146]

Fire In The Hole is Brand Nubian at its revolutionary apex. [Sep 2004, p.233]

Though his singles may not rule radio, as far as full-lengths go, this is how it should be done. [Sep 2004, p.233]

Returns to the time-tested dancehall verities. [Sep 2004, p.232]

Opting for politically charged rhymes and melodic, accessible beats, [The Roots] overflow with potential singles. [Aug 2004, p.141]

Cee-Lo's soulful spirituality is sorely missed. [Jun 2004, p.155]

A breakthrough for Slum Village. [Jul 2004, p.138]