About to turn 24? No disrespect homie, but you're a youngster, so I wouldn't expect you to understand. I'm 32. I grew up when rap, not just BAY rap, but rap, period, started. I used to breakdance and all that shit. The Golden Age of Bay Area rap started in 1987 when Too $hort blew up with "Born To Mack" (his best album by the way). By '93 it hit it's peak and started to go downhill I'd say in about '95. But that's just my opinion. Regardless, like I said, Mac Dre evolved/changed his style and his shit STILL came tight (and I've BEEN bumpin Mac Dre since '89, I bought the 12" of "Young Black Brotha" with "Too Hard For The Fuckin' Radio" on the B-side). Now I'm not sayin that Mac Dre is better or vice versa, I'm just sayin that if Mac Dre could do it, why couldn't 40? I don't know if I believe this "trying to go commercial" argument, cuz in all honesty, this album ain't too commercial. At least not NATIONALLY commercial. I still think 4o and Keak's styles are too unorthodox for cats in other regions to feel. I HIGHLY doubt that the MTV crowd will feel this album.