The Washington Post stated that Poor Righteous Teachers "promote black unity, a 'knowledge of self', which, combined with swinging grooves, tasteful samples and swift rapping, makes for a funky, uplifting experience."[5]The New York Times noted the "nimble, free-associative raps over riffs that change just often enough".[6]
In 1998, the album was selected as one of The Source's "100 Best Rap Albums".[7]
Track listing
All tracks produced by Tony D, except tracks 8 and 10 produced by Eric IQ Gray