"Note to self", the new project from Mr Cliffnote comes to us with the top notch graphic we come to expect from the multi talented artist.The neatly-packaged eight-track album quickly touches on his affinity forbattle-style lyrics, but also his personal love for music, memories of family, andnearly every emcee’s favorite topic: women.Setting the early tone are back-to-back soul tinged tracks, produced by CrateDigga. Both joints (“Godspeed” and “The Dirty Bomb”) introduce you to Mr.Cliffnote’s ability to pen in your face lyrics with precise delivery. On the latter track,he opens the second verse with, “This is your last chance/Save The Last Dance forthe last man standin’ in the avalanche, who never broke his battle stance”. Even inalbum mode, he clearly doesn’t forget his roots in the battle circuit, which can be achallenge for many emcees in general... but he makes the transition seamlessly.The middle of the album moves on to some of the comedic but realistic side oflove with, “Hello Nurse”, thoughts of yesteryears on “The Melody”, clevermetaphoric phrasing of “Visit The D”, and an absolute radio ready DJ Dez producedtrack entitled “When We’re Together”, putting Cliff’s vocal stylings on display.However, the standouts of the album come at the end with the introspective “LiveOn”, featuring Pierre Anthony (closing your eyes while listening to this song isrecommended) and the politically charged “Gunz”. A video for this track ismandatory and it’s easily one of the most important songs in hip hop this entire year.Most familiar with Mr. Cliffnote remember him giving verbal beatdowns toopponents at open mics for years. But “Note To Self” isn’t just a play on thisDetroit-based emcee’s name. It’s also a reminder for the listener to take “notes” onthe mark he’s continuing to make on the genre and his motivation to push it forward.