The debut album from Stone Rivers is a remarkably thoughtful album. While Rivers uses many of the same thug scenarios that so many rappers do, he struggles to find a deeper meaning in songs like “What’s Going On” and “I Cry.” He also manages to create convincing up-tempo tracks like “The Song Is You” and “I’m You.” While his lyrics often don’t match the high production value, Rivers makes up for it with his sincerity and unique rhyming style. It’s My Life manages to be equally aggressive and introspective. – Jon Azpiri