[8] Many of the songs are about the Black experience in America, with Hill's lyrics influenced by the works of James Baldwin and Toni Morrison.

[14] The New York Daily News called Hill "an axe man who grinds through electric blues, hard rock, funk and reggae".

[16] Guitar Player said that Hill "takes chances, stretching boundaries with supple, supercharged solos and socially conscious lyrics.

"[20] The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette labeled the album "urban blues with a passionate social conscience framed by [Hill's] hard-edged guitar.

"[18] The Blade stated that Hill's "guitar solos set the fretboard ablaze in displays of both speed and intensity; his vocals have an appropriately emotional quality as he addresses topical themes"; the paper later included the album on its list of the 25 best albums of 1996.