The Roc-A-Fella platinum formula strikes again. All the usual suspects are present: honcho Jay-Z, Beanie Sigel, Amil, and the record's featured artist, Memphis Bleek. Lyrically light-years ahead of his debut album, Coming of Age, Bleek returns with an effort that easily avoids the sophomore jinx. The strings and pattering snares on the "My Mind Right" remix make it better than the original, particularly with the added vocal talents of Jigga, H. Money Baggs, and Sigel. Carl Thomas returns to his hook-crooning roots on the female-targeted "Everyday," an attempt to show Bleek's sensitive side. Twista brings an added dimension to the alternate version of "That Your Chick," the first single; however, things get a little too sappy on "In My Life," which samples Foreigner's classic, "I Want to Know What Love Is." You don't have to be a brain surgeon to understand this brand of Understanding. It's the patented Roc blend of drinking and smoking, guns and glory. Love it or leave it. --Kenji Jasper

So how does Roc-A-Fella Records cope with Jay-Z's retirement? Well, some would argue that Hova's departure leaves the gate wide open for his in-house protégé Bleek to step up. Despite a three-year gap between releases--which seems like dog years in popular music--Bleek seamlessly jumps back into the fray by utilizing the widespread rap trends of the day. With its share of clichéd collaborations and pedestrian interpolations, his third full-length sure ain't no Black Album. That being said, Bleek's mature ruminations on near-death family experiences (brother) and childbirth issues on "Understand Me Still" hold your interest. And while neither Bleek's delivery nor his lyrics do much to distinguish him from your average Joe Emcee, production contributions from Just Blaze and Kanye West make this a highly listenable album. The numerous guest appearances by members of the Roc-A-Fella clique bump things up a few more notches as well. Everything from Freeway's vocal histrionics on "Just Blaze, Bleek & Free" to M.O.P.'s sheer intensity on "Hood Muzik" to the Jiggaman's sublime raps over the '70s-soul-infused "Hypnotic" help to make this Bleek's best album to date and a pleasant surprise overall. --Dalton Higgins

Music CD

So how does Roc-A-Fella Records cope with Jay-Z's retirement? Well, some would argue that Hova's departure leaves the gate wide open for his in-house protégé Bleek to step up. Despite a three-year gap between releases--which seems like dog years in popular music--Bleek seamlessly jumps back into the fray by utilizing the widespread rap trends of the day. With its share of clichéd collaborations and pedestrian interpolations, his third full-length sure ain't no Black Album. That being said, Bleek's mature ruminations on near-death family experiences (brother) and childbirth issues on "Understand Me Still" hold your interest. And while neither Bleek's delivery nor his lyrics do much to distinguish him from your average Joe Emcee, production contributions from Just Blaze and Kanye West make this a highly listenable album. The numerous guest appearances by members of the Roc-A-Fella clique bump things up a few more notches as well. Everything from Freeway's vocal histrionics on "Just Blaze, Bleek & Free" to M.O.P.'s sheer intensity on "Hood Muzik" to the Jiggaman's sublime raps over the '70s-soul-infused "Hypnotic" help to make this Bleek's best album to date and a pleasant surprise overall. --Dalton Higgins

So how does Roc-A-Fella Records cope with Jay-Z's retirement? Well, some would argue that Hova's departure leaves the gate wide open for his in-house protégé Bleek to step up. Despite a three-year gap between releases--which seems like dog years in popular music--Bleek seamlessly jumps back into the fray by utilizing the widespread rap trends of the day. With its share of clichéd collaborations and pedestrian interpolations, his third full-length sure ain't no Black Album. That being said, Bleek's mature ruminations on near-death family experiences (brother) and childbirth issues on "Understand Me Still" hold your interest. And while neither Bleek's delivery nor his lyrics do much to distinguish him from your average Joe Emcee, production contributions from Just Blaze and Kanye West make this a highly listenable album. The numerous guest appearances by members of the Roc-A-Fella clique bump things up a few more notches as well. Everything from Freeway's vocal histrionics on "Just Blaze, Bleek & Free" to M.O.P.'s sheer intensity on "Hood Muzik" to the Jiggaman's sublime raps over the '70s-soul-infused "Hypnotic" help to make this Bleek's best album to date and a pleasant surprise overall. --Dalton Higgins