The album received widespread critical acclaim upon its release, with many praising Ross's lyrical depth and the album's production. "Deeper Than Rap" debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200 chart, selling over 158,000 copies in its first week. The album has since been certified platinum by the RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America) and has been featured on various "best of" lists, including Rolling Stone's "The 100 Best Albums of the 2000s."