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]
^Mills, David (Aug 12, 1990). "Rap and the Righteous; The Hip-Hop Movement's New Message Music". The Washington Post. p. G1.
^Pareles, Jon (Dec 6, 1990). "'Radical' Rap: Of Pride and Prejudice". The New York Times. p. A1.
^"100 Best Rap Albums". The Source. No. #100. New York. January 1998. ISSN1063-2085. Archived from the original on February 14, 2006. Retrieved November 24, 2007.