"Acknowledged by many of his peers as quite simply the best MC in the world....raunchy-but-serene lyrical skills...spooky-sounding production....Though Lord Finesse may never create a pop hit, he continues to live up to his name...", 3 Mics - Good - "...the beats more than hold their own against the work of hot producers of the moment...heavy on the drum kick, perfectly suited to an MC getting his flow on....THE AWAKENING is a welcome joint from a man who has long personified hip-hop's favorite mantra: `True to the game.'", 6 (out of 10) - "...Throughout every song, Finesse's permeating Hall of Fame punch lines are brought to that ass like room service....he made his well-deserved chump change the old fashioned way-he earned it."
