In a contemporary review for The Village Voice, music critic Robert Christgau gave Down to Earth an "A−" and was impressed by Love's proud sensibilities, as she "radiates sisterhood even though she concentrates on the guys, and positivity and tradition" without much culturally or politically conscious lyrics.

[10] The New York Times concluded that the album was "a letdown, as it settles for midtempo pop raps with slight insights".

[11] Alex Henderson, in a retrospective review for AllMusic, wrote that Love raps well, but lacks worthwhile stories on an otherwise good album.

[3] At the 33rd Grammy Awards, "Monie in the Middle" was nominated for Best Rap Solo Performance, but lost to MC Hammer's "U Can't Touch This".

The following year at the 34th Grammy Awards, she was nominated for Best Rap Solo Performance again for "It's a Shame (My Sister)" but lost to LL Cool J's "Mama Said Knock You Out".