Known for a roster of impressive collaborations, Torae has assembled an awe-inspiring crew of beatsmiths for accompaniment. From the renowned Pete Rock, DJ Premier, Diamond D and Large Professor; to those Torae labels "new legends," 9th Wonder, Khrysis, Fatin, Illmind, Eric G., Marco Polo and Nottz.

For The Record raises the bar Torae has set with previous releases. A refreshing return to the multifarious nature of 2008's "Daily Conversation", the project is a notable change from 2009's Double Barrel with Marco Polo, and this year's mono-thematic Heart Failure EP. Fans will hear his skills sharpened; an array of cadences and intricately weaved rhyme patterns. He is also at his most vulnerable and transparent; providing a view through a wide-angle lens at the man behind the MC, as heard on "Panorama" and "Reflection." Still there's no shortage of the hard-hitting audacity we love on tracks like "Shakedown" and "You Ready."

Also distinct is the absence of other voices on For The Record. According to Torae, the choice to forego lyrical assists was deliberate. "No one can tell my story like me," he asserted.