Rolling Stone (p.194) - 3 stars out of 5 -- "Cassidy shows off impressive command on cuts like 'I Get My Paper' and the John Legend-assisted 'Celebrate,' both head-noddable tracks whose R&B hooks and smooth rhymes make them big, passive pleasures."
Entertainment Weekly (p.104) - "[T]here's something to be said for an emcee who's at home both on bangers and a soulful reverie..." -- Grade: B+
Vibe (p.94) - "This is emo-rap with a gospel shellac..."
Personnel: Chyno Soul, Young Flac, Devon "Gold" Golder, Kamil Wright, Rell (background vocals).
Additional personnel: Shizlansky, Eve , John Legend, Mashonda, Angie Stone, Swizz Beatz, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony.
The title of Cassidy's eagerly anticipated third album, B.A.R.S., stands for the BARRY ADRIAN REESE STORY (the Philadelphia rapper's real name) and alludes to his former incarceration on manslaughter charges. While the once-troubled Cassidy reunites with renowned producer Swizz Beatz on some tracks, most notably on the Vocoder-laced club anthem "My Drink N' My 2 Step," he also gets some top-notch help from Kanye West, John Legend, and Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, among others, resulting in a lively, star-studded hip-hop album that never lets its guest shots overshadow the Philly performer's formidable flow.