Originally Posted by Mankycaaant

I really like his showmanship. Not really one for live albums, but this is second only behind Live at Folsom Prison for me.

Jay actually comes across very likable, energetic and passionate.
It's interesting to see him stripped back to just a microphone and a live band, he's someone who's hid behind the bling bling facade his whole career and to get him at a more humanized, intimate level actually gave me greater respect for him as an artist.
To discover he's actually a really able live performer and capable of being more than someone who hides behind a corporate image gave me a new perspective on Jay as an arist.
Was thinking it may change others' opinions about him, maybe not in terms of content, because Jay has had a few bad records, but as an artist. Maybe people might get an element of insight into why he's held in such high regard.

The record is also surprisingly cohesive and enjoyable, even if all you take from it is the Roots' instrumentation, which is really good. Hearing them with Jay as the vocalist, I'd take him over Black Thought. It just flows incredibly well, sounds quite refreshing and natural and just plays like two artists with mutual respect having a jam session in front of an appreciating audience.