"It’s hard to pin down just what makes Shad’s TSOL so great...
There’s the charismatic delivery, diverse beats, and lyrical creativity. There’s the magnetism, sense of humour, and captivating instrumentals. There’s Shad, pure and simple. And really, that’s his secret - himself. Shad understands that his intelligence is more engaging than any bluster-filled rant could be. TSOL represents the pure simplicity of intelligent hip hop. The album not only showcases Shad’s prosaic talent, wit and lyrical originality, it accomplishes what only great albums can – it manipulates the mood of the listener to whatever it pleases. One minute the album is playful and the next it’s self-conscious. It’s amusing; then it’s contemplative. It’s fun; then it’s soulful. Shad’s makes these shifts feel natural, but also never allows them to overshadow what he is saying. And through it all you root for him, not just because of his underdog charm, but because TSOL is flawless hip hop."
- Andrienne Clapperton, Aux TV