The album received a 3/5 star rating from XXL.[7] Sean Ryon, editor of HipHopDX gave the album 3 out of 5 stars and said "As flawed as it is, Heart of a Champion is still an album worthy of merit. Paul exhibits a lyrical vigor unheard since his 2005 major label debut. While the album may not be a complete victory, he proves without a doubt that he's still the People's Champ."[4] Ben Detrick of Spin commented this is his best album since his platinum-selling 2005 major-label debut.[6] On the other hand, Jesse Cataldo of Slant Magazine gave Heart of a Champion a 1.5 out of 5, claiming the album "feels like a misguided departure and a lazy retread."[5]
The album debuted at number 56 on the US Billboard 200 chart, selling 7,600 copies in its first week.[9] It also debuted at number seven on the Billboard's Top Rap Albums Chart.[10] In its second week, the album fell to number 124 on the Billboard 200 with total sales of 11,000 copies in the United States.[11] As of January 2011, the album has sold 27,000 copies in the United States.[12]
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