“...Substantial is one of the best overall emcees there is.”

“Substantial has consistently come out with projects full of energy and grounded talent..." "Home is Where the Art Is is a down-to-earth, feel-good album that maintains integrity with a sure mix of entertainment that is hard to balance in today’s music culture."”

“This just in: Substantial can rap. And I'm not talking this broken sentence flow that's popular with the kids these days. I'm talking thoughtful lyrics and a razor-sharp delivery that'll keep you affixed to the rewind button.”

“84(B) - The title of DC rapper Substantial's sophomore LP is a bit of a tease. Sacrifice indicates a loss or trade-off of one thing for another, but Substantial spares virtually nothing on the album, establishing himself as a complete MC and bright young talent.”

“4 out of 5 - Substantial doesn't look past the challenges we face and simply rap about "chains and ho's"", but uses his musical forum to educate and inspire the listener.”

“4 out of 5 - Substantial is here to bring the fun back to hip hop. It’s rare to see any emcees coming out of the Old Line state these days, let alone from Prince George’s County; nevertheless, Substantial is one PG emcee you’ll be glad you looked up.”

“Myspace.com Feature Artist”

“...Substantial releases an inspirational, history focused visual for his single “See Hear.” Staying true to the gritty nature of his hometown, Substantial isn’t afraid to discuss the tough issues he sees every day, while dropping knowledge and wisdom that might take more than one listen to fully absorb. The cinematic video, directed by Ariel “Rel” Nuñez, begins with the poignant words of a local elder speaking on the checkered history of Baltimore during its decline, which coincided with the crack epidemic of the 1980′s. Substantial essentially continues the elderly man’s story, simultaneously giving viewers a modern and verbal description of Baltimore today. Substantial doesn’t skip over the troubles of his city, but still comes away with an optimistic message.”

“In the video for “See Hear,” Baltimore rapper Substantial shows the good and bad of Charm City. You see a mural of strong black leaders in one shot; abandoned houses the next. There’s a glimpse of the Maryland middle school where he works, then a run-of-the-mill fast food joint. ”Our goal was to give you a visual tour of Maryland in an untraditional sense,” Substantial says. ”There are areas here that look war-torn, yet you find hope and inspiration around every corner. This is more of a musical documentary than a music video.” The song is equally pensive. A standout from his recent Home Is Where the Art Is album, Substantial uses methodical bass drums and choral vocal chops to lament the yin and yang of inner city life. First, he decries gunfire and domestic violence, then celebrates “the smile on a child making moves, actually following through on the righteous path that they choose.” Call it beauty in the despair.”

““Grateful,” which appears on the rapper’s most recent solo album, Home is Where the Art is, is a soulful lyrical exercise. The song sees Substantial join DC singer-songwriter Kokayi and Virginia emcee Kenn Starr for a reflective cut, in which they all wipe aside present difficulties and count their blessings, and in parts it’s pure poetry”

“Probably best known for his 2008 album Sacrifice, as well as his jazzed-out side project Bop Alloy (with Marcus D), Maryland emcee Substantial returns with a new, largely autobiographical project overseen by the much-loved producer Oddisee. Uninterested in high-end flossing or glamorizing thuggish buffoonery, he prefers to rhyme about family situations ("Make Up Sex" and "Umoja"), as well as the triumphs and tragedies of city living ("See Hear," "Neighborhood Watch"). Down with both QN5 and Mello Music Group, he enlists a gang of quality collaborators, including Steph the Sapphic Songstress, Deacon the Villain (from CunninLynguists), DJ G.I. Joe, and Kenn Starr. The beats are consistently chill, mid-tempo, and sample-heavy, the ideal backdrop for Sub's highly relatable everyman vibe. While not likely to fill up the dance floor anytime soon, this is simply good, straightforward hip-hop from an underrated dude who's been steadily making music for more than a decade.”

“Home Is Where The Art Is may be Substantial’s best release to date, as it is well produced, focused and tightly composed. Only twelve tracks deep, the album skips the fluff and fillers and brings forth a complete album... '4 out of 5'”

“At 12 tracks, “Where the Art Is” is easily Substantial’s most focused and seamless efforts in his catalog. With phenomenal production from Odd, M-Phazes, Algorythm, and others, and Stan’s effortless flow, this record is right up there with MMG’s top releases. - Music Vibes: 8 of 10 | Lyric Vibes: 8.5 of 10 | TOTAL Vibes: 8 of 10”

“SONIC BOOM: The Week's Hottest Music - 'Home Is Where The Art Is' - "...you need this in your life if you’re a lover of hip-hop."”

“Hot Tracks - Substantial 'Grateful' ft. Kenn Starr & Kokayi”

“New & Noteworthy - Substantial 'Home Is Were The Art Is'”

“To someone just passing through, Substantial‘s home turf might look like any other ‘hood. To the Baltimore rhymesayer, however, those city blocks are the repository of myriad hopes, dreams, struggles and triumphs. On new single See Hear, he sets out to open listeners’ eyes and ears to the sights and sounds surrounding him on the daily—from the hustlers standing on the corners, to the wail of police sirens, to the families fighting to keep food on the table. After painting a vivid portrait of his urban environment, he shifts gears to lace Algorythm‘s soulful sample work with an account of his own artistic awakening. Singer Steph lends her radiant harmonies to the record’s hook.”