The group's only studio album, The Album (1997) was a concept album that revolved around mafioso rap-themes, and featured production work from Dr. Dre and the Trackmasters. While anticipated with much hype, The Album received generally negative reviews and generated disappointing sales upon its release.
Despite the group's excessive hype and its mainstream musical approach, The Firm did not meet the expectations of fans who were introduced to the group via It Was Written, and The Album was heavily dismissed by fans and music writers for its focus on a more mainstream, R&B and pop-orientation, rather than the members' previous styles. Nas particularly was believed by fans and critics to have abandoned his roots in favor of seeking pop stardom.
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