Ideally, critics would do their required reading and due diligence before jumping headfirst into their shallow pool of opinions. Jay-Z and Kanye West would probably agree with the sentiment. When it dropped last August, their collaborative effort Watch the Throne was instantly met with disdain from, frankly, middle-class journalists who aren't familiar with "the struggle" or the two rap titans' extensive, progressive catalog. 

Most said the album was an hourlong set of black elitist raps, glorifying their riches and wealth with no shame or regard for fans who likely aren't draped in gold links and Rolex watches. But fortunately for the pair, the packed arenas on their current tour prove that their fans know better.

The critics are partially right, though. Throne is very much about being at that philosophical mountaintop. But more than that, it's about the journey there. And not only theirs -- "ours," too. The aforementioned "struggle" refers to that of the African American.

Without turning this into a history lesson, know that the trip from being an enslaved people to seemingly being on a level playing field with those they once exclusively served has been a rocky one. And though Kanye and Jay may not be able to say they experienced the worst of what racism and bigotry have to offer, they both possess a distinct have-not awareness. Watch the Throne is less about flaunting and more about the result of hard work in spite of roadblocks and glass ceilings.

At their show Saturday night, New Jersey's Izod Center was filled with people who get the message. One week into their Watch the Throne tour, the two appeared on separate portions of the stage to "H.A.M." Kanye, in a black shirt, matching leather pants and, yes, a kilt, kicked his verse on the main stage. Jay, dressed simply in black pants, Timberland boots and a T-shirt, opened up on a rising, skillfully lit cube.

The evening's purpose was entertainment. But make no mistake about it -- lessons beyond the obvious were served. More times than not, that lesson was that success is attainable if you're willing to get a little dirty.