This was a tough album to get through. I'm not saying that the album is bad, but Rap and Hip Hop are not my favorite genres and it's difficult for me to listen to a whole album (or even multiple songs) in one sitting. I tend to lose concentration and am not able to focus on the lyrics which is where I view the value in this music. But I finally made it through.

In a moving and meaningful way, Common tells the story of his neighborhood and urges them to BE.

Also check out the Golden Globe winning song "Glory" by Common and John Legend. That award was well deserved.