[1] The album features guest appearances from French Montana, 2 Chainz, Lil Wayne, Pusha T, Pharrell, Pete Rock, Havoc, Jeremih, Mick Jones, Large Professor, Swizz Beatz, Raekwon, Tech N9ne, Busta Rhymes and Scarface among others.

[6] The promo single "Finito", featuring Pharrell Williams and Lil Wayne, was released on June 13, 2011.

[7] On September 17, 2011, the music video for "Finito" featuring Pharrell Williams and Lil Wayne was released.

Bruce Smith of HipHopDX gave the album three out of five stars, saying "N.O.R.E tries to recreate “Banned From T.V.” with “Faces of Death.” The features of Raekwon, French Montana, Busta Rhymes and Swizz Beatz can't match the original lineup of Nature, Big Punisher, Styles and Jadakiss.

Student of the Game has its moments, but they are few and far between, lost amongst filler, comical skits, and some very poor attempts of to keep up with what is popular now.