In the 5th edition of his '' Encyclopedia of Popular Music '' , Colin Larkin praised the group 's " highly evolved " lyrics and lauded them for " addressing issues with greater philosophy than the crude banter of their past recordings . " Despite calling the album " the group 's most disappointing listen " , John Bush of AllMusic credited it as " a dedication to the streets and the hip-hop underground . " '' Beats , Rhymes and Life '' was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Rap Album and " 1nce Again " was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group , presented at the 39th Grammy Awards in 1997
39th Grammy Awards
39th Annual Grammy Awards
Beats, Rhymes and Life