After several years of paying dues, blazing innumerable guest appearances, releasing a few scorching singles and the Black Star project with Talib Kweli, Mos Def, one of Rawkus' big names, releases his highly anticipated debut album. Right away, we have an extremely strong contender for hip-hop album of the year. He's already blown away pretty much everything released this year, and there isn't much time left in the year for him to get knocked off the pedestal.

Lyrics are, of course, Mos' strong point. His lyrical skills are so potent, he needs only 3 guest lyricists, Q-Tip, Talib Kweli and Busta Rhymes. Vinia Mojica also appears to provide the hook for "Climb."

Production is varied, but everywhere brilliant. Those providing musical assistance on this one reads like a Who's Who of underground beats including Diamond, 88 Keys, Ayatollah, Psycho Les of the Beatnuts, Will I Am of the Black Eyed Peas, Etch-A-Sketch, David Kennedy, Ge-ology, D-Prosper, Mos Def himself, and of course DJ Premier on the addictive "Mathematics."

Tracks to check for: Every last bumbo klaat one. There's no fast forwarding necessary on this one. In particular, check for "Ms. Fat Booty," "Speed Law," "Do It Now," "New World Water," "Know That," Mr. Nigga," "Habitat," and "Mathematics."

The final verdict: This is another beg, borrow or steal album. You need to own this classic in the making.