Rap Essentials 2001 is one of the best compilations in the series' history. While most of the previous editions had numerous "filler" cuts, that practice is not repeated here.

The greatest thing about RE 2001 is that it has a healthy balance of artists with maturing sounds and those willing to experiment.  Nautilus's Record Making Manual is a bit of misnomer, as he goes sample crazy and dissects a wide array of sounds to end up with a very funky result.  The first track Easy To Slip is musically, lyrically, and thematically sound.  Over a mellow beat Solitair embarks on a journey through his past, including reflections on his decision to stay out of the streets after seeing the fate that befell his brother and his cousin. The lyrically proficient duo of Checkmate and Concise lend their battle rhyming talents to the simple but effective These Days & Times, which also features some remarkable scratching by former Canadian DMC champ Lil' Jaz.  Dan-e-o's Margerine may lack a truly head-nodding beat but he more than makes up for it with the speed and fury of his break-neck rhymes. Strange To The Eye, the self-produced track by Frankenstein exhibits the growth that he has experienced as an artist, the layering of the beat and the melody are superb.  Bishop rhymes over an interesting beat that sounds roughly like a juggle of Mos Def's Mathematics, and is blessed with favourable results. Mood Ruff and Shadez add a pleasant surprise of their own, the laid back Like To Say.

The remainder of the tracks aren't outstanding but they don't necessarily provoke the fast forward button either.  Overall, Rap Essentials 2001 is a very well rounded album.