Oatie Kato had left the group; Madd and Swayzack recorded the album as a duo, incorporating more of a live band sound.

[8] Compared to the debut, the album contained fewer lyrics that dealt with politics, instead embracing "gangster" and party themes.

[11] Entertainment Weekly wrote: "Musically fluid and lyrically poetic, choice cuts like 'Lincoln Drive' exemplify these Philadelphians’ punk-funk sound.

"[12] Rolling Stone opined that "the athletic scratching and murky, bass-heavy rumble of 'Mutiny' recall prime Eric B. and Rakim jams.

"[6] AllMusic thought that "for a perfect example of the hip-hop slide—the notion that an artist's sophomore effort is vastly inferior to the debut—start here.