California emcee Rakaa, of the hip hop group Dilated Peoples, brings his debut album Crown of Thorns. Rakaa brings the same intensity he had in Dilated Peoples, and puts into his own work. From the first track Crown of Thorns, he collaborates with Aloe Blacc and provides the lyrics that provide the proof he can handle being on his own. Tracks like Delilah, provides dope production as he explains the heartache of relationships. Production plays a great role in this album, as it combines with Rakaa to make some pretty efficient tracks. In Ambassador Slang, there is a cypher vibe to this track which makes the track stand out from the vibe of the album. One of my favorite tracks is Rosetta Stone Groove (Universal Language), because it explains how music is a universal language. Rakaa doesn’t hold back with the collaborations, which puts the album on another level. It varies from Aloe Blacc, Krs-One, Mad Lion, Fashawn, etc. The album ends off with Upstairs, which is a track that is an ideal and personal track that is a perfect ending. Crown of Thorns is good addition for the hip-hop appreciators out there. Check it out today!