"This is a tight record top to bottom thats why northwest rappers r taking notes and playin catch up ball.The single "What im about" is a hot joint and the video filmed in portland has some tight scenes and creative ideas.The production on this album is solid with beats from bosko,jumbo,and cool nutz him self.Even the intro cut by Pete miser(5fingers of funk) is hot and original.Cool Nutz took rappin to another level with this record and showed the northwest why he was nominated for best northwest rap album of the year.He shouldve won but didnt.he didnt cry about it, he went back to the jus family lab cooked up some heat, released speakin upon a million and then recieved best northwest rap album in 98,taken the tropy from Tacoma bringin it back to Portland,Or.this is a classic and maybe the most unnoticed classic ever.this album has plenty of hits including behind the scenes/feat.Yukmouth(the luniz),Portland life,Sick wit,76 nova,party dont start/feat.Bosko,and all real to name a few.if u live in the state of oregon u probably hav this or or had it at one time,but if u have lost it or never checked this tittle then i suggest to go pick it up,cuz i still bumb it."
Cool Nutz is the best artist to come from Portland
Big Bullet | 05/04/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Cool Nutz cd is one of my favorites and never leaves my car. He has unique beats that nobody sounds like. He puts portland on the map. Definetly worth buying. 5 stars all the way. You will love it"
Originality...plain and simple
Joshua K Hall | Eugene, Oregon | 05/09/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Cool Nutz comes with a total unique flow. This cd is my favorite of any album I own. Songs like "what Im" will make u sooo happy u bought this. Cool Nutz comes with a gangsta tales adn flow...but incorporates a sophisticated vocabulary as well. Look...I could talk all day but what it boils down to is...im tellin u to buy the album. There it is...real talk in my mouth."
This is Portland's secret hip hop weapon!
Gene Dexter | Seattle | 09/25/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"You wouldn't think Portland had anything to offer in rap, but Cool Nutz is that next level, followers seek. I will never grow tired of Speaking Upon a Million, and neither should you!"
An Underrated Northwest Classic
NWROOTS | San Diego/Portland | 12/15/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This album was released over ten years ago, much of the music included was recorded substantially earlier than 1997 making it truly ahead of it's time. Cool Nutz "Harsh game for the people" is to Portland what Nivana "Nevermind" is to Seattle. Cool Nutz just hasn't recieved much critical acclaim yet. This album, however, still is a local classic. It includes elements of Real Hip Hop and West coast street rap laced with a northwest vibe. Having these opposing aspects of Hip Hop incorporated together on one single album is quite an anomaly. You take a hoo-ride ride through rough, gang infested, Pre-gentrification Northeast Portland on one track "Portland life", battle weak MC's on another track "Final countdown", and stand in a B-boy stance and say Yes "Yes Y'all" with the Lifesavas on another. Cool Nutz introduces the world to Portland with "Real talk in his mouth". If you are from the Northwest U.S., this CD is essential. There is truly somthing on this album for fans of any Hip Hop style. 4.5 Mics for Cool Nutz "Harsh game for the People"."