Every once in a while an album comes out that makes me feel good about the future of HipHop music, this is one such album. Is it groundbreaking? No. What it is a very good album with great production and lyrics that actually have substance. Being a Chicago native Fiasco's Food & Liquor sounds like it's been influenced by both Common & Kanye West.

The production has that classic sample sound found on most of Kanye's tracks. Arrangements with keyboards, strings & horns along with some 80's synth sounds make it a pleasure to listen to & go well with Fiasco's vocals. Producers include the usual suspects like West & Neptunes, along with some other's like Needlz, Soundtrakk & Prolyfic who you may not be familiar with.

Lyrically Fiasco reminds me of Common. He rhymes about his feelings on HipHop, skating, relationships, & the world. No offerings to the ''Material Gods'' on this one. This joint is strictly for the mind & soul. Stand out tracks include ''Real'' w/ Sarah Green & ''Daydreamin'' w/ Jill Scott.

Overall this album should receive serious consideration for album of the year. But knowing the state of music today, this one may be overlooked. It goes without saying if you like artists like Kanye or Common than you should pick up this album.

SonicAmp Rating: 9/10