Critical response

More information Review scores, Source ...

Professional ratings

Review scores
Source	Rating
AllMusic	[8]
Rolling Stone	[9]

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A reviewer at NPR called it "virtually flawless",^[10] and MTV said it was "some of the most dazzling hip-hop this year".^[11]

Several reviewers noted the inclusion of Andean music elements, especially the pan flute. NPR's reviewer said it was "refreshing" and noted Andean music has been "often done a disservice by "world music" labels."^[10] Of the flute, the MTV reviewer said "it's a bit challenging to extricate the instrument from its associations with corny new age compilations ... Tijoux is attempting a tough task to take back and breathe new life into music that has a rich heritage, but has been commercialized and marginalized into schlock."^[11]

Reviewers also noted the progressive elements of the lyrics, including feminism, environmentalism, social justice and post-colonialism.^{[11][12][13][14]}

The album's instrumentation is completely done with in-studio recordings, often with traditional South American instruments. Unusually for modern hip-hop recording, there are no samples used on the album.^[14][13][1] One reviewer said that it contained elements of folk music and jazz.^[14]

Awards