One of the most eagerly anticipated albums in recent memory, heads have been fiending for a Grimm LP for nearly a decade. If you're new to the game, some background info is in order. Previously known as the Grimm Reaper, he's been laying it down since the early 1990s, spitting rhymes alongside the likes of Kurious, KMD, and Kool G Rap among others. Best known for his deep lyrics and untouchable flow, he's also dropped several singles on Bobitto's now-defunct Fondle 'Em label, appeared on Doom's classic "Operation Doomsday", and teamed up with the super-villain for a split EP on Brick. He's overcome mad personal drama, developed an international following, and remains one of the illest on the mic. Finally, "The Downfall Of Ibliys" is here, and it's well worth the wait.

The album starts off with a brief intro from Count Bass D, before kicking into the mellow, introspective "Time And Space," a moody track laced with tinkling pianos and minimal drum kicks. "Life And Death" revisits the beat from KMD's "Black Bastards," as Grimm relates the positive and negative to two opposite but enticing ladies. Monsta Island Czar Megalon brings the rapid-fire ruckus on a pair of burners, "Foolish" (which sports the upbeat "Zatar" instrumental from Doom's "Special Herbs" record), and a seriously fierce, frenzied solo cut called "Reign Blood," going nuts over an extra-raw, guitar-powered beat. Look for him on the upcoming M.I.C. full-length. The Cas-produced "Break Em Off" (from the split EP) also appears, though its jagged style might be a little too bugged for some listeners.

Other familiar jams include "Voices Pt. 1," Doom's keyboard-heavy bonus cut/Shockwave video, and "Voices Pt. 0," on which Grimm gets deep regarding life in the pen over the same instrumental. While hardcore fans will have heard these before, they're still very hot, with some crazy lyrical displays from both MFs. DJ Eli (Cloudkickers) crafts a beautiful beat for "Yes You Are (It's Only A Movie)," full of smooth string plucking, lush pianos, and laid-back drums. "I.B.'s" is one of the most emotional moments on the LP, with Doom's modulating loops setting the stage for Grimm's heartfelt rhymes about his girl on the outside. "Incarceration blues / locked up front page on the news / fucked up cuz I'm thinking about you / starin' at your picture / wishin' I was witcha / will I see you again? / are you loyal are you with other men? / life's hard yeah the things we going through / together / hold me down love and I'll hold you."

Longtime co-conspirator Dr. Butcher contributes two tracks, the triumphant "Freedom," loaded with high-drama strings and busy drums, as well as the jangly headbanger "Howl," which also sports a hyped up chorus and some cool wolf howling. "To All My Comrades" is almost like a spoken-word piece, as Grimm gives love to fallen friends over subtle bass tones, eerie bells, and sharp rimshots. Count Bass D's harmonica-heavy "Words" is also key, while dminor concocts a bouncy piano jam for "Together," a graphic tale of betrayal and revenge. "Teach The Babies" finds Protest's symphonic "Sesame Street" instrumental backing alphabetical flows, urging kids to steer clear of the drug game.

Of the album's 17 tracks, MF Doom (credited as Metal Fingers) produces about half, flaunting his skills as one of the nicest beatmakers around. The other sound providers are also impressive, lending unique but always-complementary styles to the mix. However the real star here is MF Grimm himself, whose wisdom-filled lyrics prove that you don't have to be a Henny guzzling club-thug or a nonsense-spouting abstractionist to make fresh hip-hop in 2002. His sincere delivery and introspective, deeply personal rhymes will strike a chord whether you rep Rikers or Rhode Island, and his positive but never preachy words for the next generation are both admirable and all too rare. While the 'mainstream' world continues to sleep on Grimm, there's no excuse for you to. Buy this record today and support a true rap legend.