On his sophomore album, Vakill unleashes vivid, street-level raps without playing the role of the gangster or corner hustler like so many on the mic do. While his Molemen crewmates provide the dramatic instrumentals, this commanding MC unflinchingly rhymes for everyone in the struggle-especially in his native Chicago. When not warning listeners to avoid getting trapped by the ills of life, he throws in just enough bragging and boasting for good measure (see his scorching collaboration with Ras Kass, I”ntroducin”). With the strength of this record, Vakill‘s name will be one to look for this year.