KRS-One - Life
Label: Antagonist
Grade: B+
Highlight: I’m On The Mic
Overview: Does anyone command your attention more than the Blastmaster himself? School is definitely in session as soon as the opening “Bling Blung” hits your eardrums. “Life” is KRS-One’s 15th studio album, and he continues to easily adapt to the current atmosphere of hip hop. This is his first album on Antagonist Records, and executive producer Resistance keeps it steady throughout. The only guest appearances are from members of the relatively unknown Footsoldiers crew, including a hot verse from Triune on “Mr. Percy.” Considering the lack of heavyweight producers and guest emcees, the album more than holds its own. Even the interludes (Life Interlude, Organ Break) are tight. You have to appreciate an album with absolutely no filler material. Standout cuts include “I’m On The Mic,” which brings back that old “MC’s Act Like They Don’t Know” feel, “Slippin’,” “F-cked Up,” and “My Life.” The whack track on the album would have to be the frantic “Gimmie Da Gun,” which sounds like Outkast’s “Bombs Over Baghdad” on crack. My only other criticism, albeit a big one, is the lack of creativity with the hooks. I guess it’s easy to get spoiled when you’ve been produced by hip hop’s finest beatmakers, including Premier. Say what you want about KRS, but that powerful voice hasn’t changed since the days of Criminal Minded. Fifteen joints later, and KRS is still dropping edutainment on us!
